Techniques & Terminology
Aikido techniques taught by Sensei Kolesnikov in the classes and courses use Japanese words in their descriptions. This page contains a glossary of these terms.
Attacks
These terms are used to describe attacks.
Katatori: an example of an Aikido attack
| Yokomenuchi |
Side of hand strike to side of head |
| Shomenuchi |
Side of hand strike down middle of head |
| Munatsuki |
Punch to stomach |
| Katatekosadori |
Cross-handed grab / hold |
| Katatedori or Katatetori |
Same sided hand grab |
| Katatori or katadori |
Hold to shoulder (shown) |
| Ryotemochi |
Grab partners hand with both hands |
| Ryototori |
Grab both partners hands with both hands |
Note also:-
Mirroring attack - same side (toe-to-toe) attack
Opposite attack - symmetrical attack
Escapes
Tenkan: an example of an Aikido escape
These terms are used to describe ways of responding to attacks.
| Irimi |
Enter partner's space directly |
Irimi 1
|
Step forwards with front foot
|
| Irimi 2 |
Step forwards with back foot
|
| Tenkan |
Turn around the partner (shown) |
Tenkan 1
|
Swivel 180 degrees and then step back
|
Tenkan 2
|
Irimi 2 and then Tenkan 1 together
|
| Corner step |
Back foot goes diagonally towards the "corner" |
| Step back |
Front foot goes to back |
Throws
Kaitenage: an example of an Aikido throw
These terms are used to describe throwing the partner.
| Shionage |
Four directions throw, throwing partner backwards |
| Kotegaeishi |
Outward wrist-turn throw |
| Kokyunage |
General (non-specific) throw.
Sometimes described as a breath throw |
| Tenchinage |
Heaven and earth throw, spreading the partner |
| Kaitenage |
Twisting throw, to throw either forwards or backwards (shown) |
| Koshiwasa |
Throwing partner over your back |
|
|
Immobilisations
Sankyo: an example of an Aikido immobilisation
These terms are used to describe immobilisations (locks).
| Ikkyo |
First immobilisation
(holding partner's arm with Ki) |
| Nikkyo |
Second immobilisation
(trapping partner's arm and elbow) |
| Sankyo |
Third immobilisation (shown)
(holding partner's hand and trapping elbow) |
| Yonkyo |
Fourth immobilisation
(nerve hold) |
| Gokkyo |
Fifth immobilisation
(applying pressure to partner's elbow) |
|
|
|
|
