Henka Waza

 Henka Waza
--Technique Variation or Changing Technique Mid Throw.

At Spring Camp, Roni Sensei interpreted this as delaying the decision or commitment to a specific technique until the last possible moment.

When we practice a technique, it is a foregone conclusion, and we practice adaptation to conditions to execute that technique.

In real application, pre-selection does not and should not exist.  Our instincts and muscle memory should take us to a safe place and the aggressor to a point of maximum options.  In that instant we can then choose how to dispose of the attacker in the safest and most appropriate fashion.

Sword Arm?

A signature of many styles of Aikido is the out-splayed fingers or “Sword Arm.”  This is not seen in Aikido Kokikai®, so have we thrown out ki extension?  Not at all.  The point of eminence has moved to the point of connection.  Ki is extended through the wrist which is the normal point of connection with uke.  It concentrates the ki extension and puts it where it is most useful.  The hand is already a POW and the action is all at the front lines.  So, we extend ki there, where it can do the most good.

There are other benefits as well.  The wrist is curled therefore digits are protected from “rounding errors.”  Splaying the fingers also weakens uke’s grip, though useful at times, it is not when you want to promote connection to influence them.

 

“Listening”

Sensitivity  to Uke’s state of mind and balance crucial to executing good technique.  Yet it is one of the more difficult skills to develop.

If we are too eager to throw or otherwise overly engaged in broadcasting force.  We miss subtle things uke’s body is telling us about them through our point of connection.

The analogs to daily life are strong.  If we are simply waiting for our turn to speak, communication has failed agreement is impossible.

Congratulations to Theresa on an Excellent 3rd Kyu Test!

 

Practicing Kata With Purpose Requires Understanding Motivation.

Practicing Kata With Purpose Requires Understanding Motivation.

Where Is You Opponent?
When Turning, Why Are You Turning? 
Are You Blindly Turning And Attacking? 
Did You Have A Sight-line To See The Attacker You Are Countering?

Our Movements Should Always Take Us Offline Of The Attack.  They Need To Provide Situational Awareness By Angling Us So We Can See Areas That Were Previously Blind Spots.

This Will Change The Kata From The Fixed Orthogonal Look Of The Basic 101 Version That Teaches Us Generally Which Way To Face And Which Response Is Next.  101 Kata Is Useful, Necessary, But Incomplete.

Adding This Layer Reinforces Important Strategic Lessons For Your Open Hand Technique.