Time Requirements
- 40 hours
- 3 months as white belt
- 3 months total in aikido
Technical Requirements
- Ju Nana Hon Kata 1-5
- Releases 1-4
- Tegatana no Kata (“The Walk”)
- Basic Ukemi (falling)
Tegatana No Kata (The Walk)
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1. Shomen Ashi
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2. Waki Ashi
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3. Tenkan Ashi
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4. Shomen Te Gatame
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5. Uchi Mawashi
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6. Soto Mawashi
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7. Uchi Soto Gaeshi
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8. Uchi Mawashi Gaeshi
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9. Soto Mawashi Gaeshi
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10. Ude Goshi Gaeshi
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11. O Mawashi
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12. Yoko O Mawashi
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Hanasu No Kata: The Eight Releases (1-4)
Hanasu no kata, or “The Eight Releases” are among the first things taught to beginning students at our dojo. Each release is done on both sides: right and left. These releases focus on many of the basic principles of aikido, such as keeping unbendable arm, keeping centered at all times, and same hand same foot.
Tips for the releases:
- Same hand, same foot is used in all releases
- Work at your shoulder level
- Cock the wrist and move as soon as uke invades your space (breaks ma-ai)
- Focus on getting off the line of attack (evasion)
- Practice following uke’s off-balance
- Focus on making your movements as efficient as possible.
Releases 1-4
1) Hon Soto Hanasu — normal outside release (palm down)
2) Hon Soto Te Osu — normal outside hand push (palm up)
3) Gyaku Soto Hanasu — reverse outside release (palm up)
4) Gyaku Soto Te Osu — reverse outside hand push (palm down)
Ju Nana Hon Kata (The Seventeen): 1-5
ATEMI WAZA — STRIKING TECHNIQUES
1. Shomen Ate — frontal head strike
2. Aigamae Ate — fitting posture strike
3. Gyaku Gamae Ate — reverse posture strike
4. Gedan Ate — low strike
5. Ushiro Ate — from behind strike
