2nd Kyu Techniques in Detail (18 techniques)

This set includes new techniques called Gokyo, Koshinage, and Jujinage and tests the student's ability to overcome powerful incoming forces.

Shomenuchi Shihonage Omote (Smith variant): Ai Hanmi. As uke steps forward with a Shomenuchi strike, you step forward with an irimi movement and raise both arms up in a cross-block to block the strike, use the same-side hand as the front foot to palm thrust the chin for an atemi causing uke's head to tilt back, slide your hands down his arm to grab the wrist of his striking hand with both of your hands, and execute Shihonage Omote to bring him down. ■ 8/1/16, 12/3/19

Shomenuchi Shihonage Ura (Smith variant): Ai Hanmi. As uke steps forward with a Shomenuchi strike, you step forward with an irimi movement and raise both arms up in a cross-block to block the strike, use the same-side hand as the front foot to palm thrust the chin for an atemi causing uke's head to tilt back, slide your hands down his arm to grab the wrist of his striking hand with both of your hands, and execute Shihonage Ura with a tenkan movement around his front foot followed by a kaiten to bring him down. ■ 8/1/16

Shomenuchi Kaitennage Omote: Gyaku hanmi. As uke attacks you with a Shomenuchi strike, let's say with his right hand, step off the line (move left) and turn and face his body with your feet still positioned forward, opposite of his irimi movement. With your left arm extended, guide his striking arm towards the ground in a circular movement (squat down to bring down a taller uke) and at the same time press the back of his head towards the ground. Your left arm ends up grabbing the wrist of his right arm. Irimi step forward a cat step and then rotate your feet to the opposite direction still holding onto him. Step forward with the back foot (left foot) and move your center forward so uke is thrown. Uke does a forward roll to safety. ■ 7/14/16, 8/1/16, 3/31/18

Shomenuchi Kaitennage Ura: Gyaku hanmi. As uke attacks you with a Shomenuchi strike, let's say with his right hand, step off the line (move left) and turn and face his body with your feet still positioned forward, opposite of his irimi movement. With your left arm extended, guide his striking arm towards the ground in a circular movement (squat down to bring down a taller uke) and at the same time press the back of his head towards the ground. Your left arm ends up grabbing the wrist of his right arm. There are four steps. Step forward with your back foot (right foot) to where his back foot is which rotates him a little (that's step 1), step around and behind him with your back foot (left foot) which rotates him some more (thats step 2), step back in a semicircle (that's step 3), and step back in a semicircle one more time (that's step 4), and step forward with the back foot (left foot) and move your center forward so uke is thrown. Uke does a forward roll to safety. ■ 7/14/16, 8/1/16

Yokomenuchi Gokyo Omote: Ai hanmi. As uke attacks you with a Yokomen strike, quickly slide out diagonally with your front foot, block the strike with your front arm, and execute a palm thrust atemi with the back arm to uke's chin causing his head to tilt back. Using the hand you just palm thrusted with, grab the top of uke's wrist. With the other hand placed just below uke's elbow near his tricep, execute an Ikkyo Omote and bring him down with a slide in (front foot slides first, then back foot slides to the front foot), slide out, and slide back in again. ■ 9/1/16

Yokomenuchi Gokyo Ura: Ai hanmi. As uke attacks you with a Yokomen strike, quickly slide out diagonally with your front foot, block the strike with your front arm, and execute a palm thrust atemi with the back arm to uke's chin causing his head to tilt back. Using the hand you just palm thrusted with, grab the top of uke's wrist. With the other hand placed just below uke's elbow near his tricep, tenkan and execute an Ikkyo Ura and bring him down. ■ 9/1/16, 6/12/18

Ushiro Tekubitori Shihonage Omote ■ 4/2/18, 12/17/18

Ushiro Tekubitori Shihonage Ura

Ushiro Kubishime Koshinage ■ 11/3/18, 12/11/18

Ushiro Tekubitori Jujinage Omote

Ushiro Tekubitori Jujinage Ura

Morotetori Nikyo Omote

Morotetori Nikyo Ura: Gyaku hanmi. As uke steps forward to grab the wrist of your extended arm, step to uke's outside tenkaning back, and round your arms up like you're holding a ball to make him step around. Before his second foot lands, grab his hand that's securing your wrist with your free hand, thumb over thumb, fingers over the pinky in NIkyo grip, and bring it to the shoulder of your grabbed arm. Lean forward, rolling his wrist, like you're slicing him with a sword. That should bring him to his knees. Secure his tricep with your free hand, step around and behind him creating an upside down L shape with his arm, tenkan back twice and lower him down. Nikyo pin.

Hanmi Handachi Shomenuchi Iriminage Uke steps forward with a Shomenuchi strike. ■ 8/28/18

Hanmi Handachi Katatetori Nikyo Omote

Hanmi Handachi Katatetori Nikyo Ura

Hanmi Handachi Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi Omote: Ai hanmi. As uke shikkos forward with a Yokomen strike, you simultaneously step back with a tenshin movement (side step out with your back foot and slide your front foot back) and block the strike with your front hand against his wrist and slice down with the other hand to his wrist and then slice across like an L, grab the wrist of his striking hand with your other hand for Kotegaeshi grip. Allow his force to continue moving forward as you slide forward and direct the energy down to break his spine and then apply Kotegaeshi throw and a pin. ■

Hanmi Handachi Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi Ura: Ai hanmi. As uke shikkos forward with a Yokomen strike, you simultaneously step back with a tenshin movement (side step out with your back foot and slide your front foot back) and block the strike with your front hand against his wrist and slice down with the other hand to his wrist, grab the wrist of his striking hand with your opposite hand for Kotegaeshi grip. Shoulder to shoulder, dip forward and down, and tenkan back and then back again to bring uke around in a circle. Allow his force to continue moving forward as you slide forward and direct the energy down to break his spine and then apply Kotegaeshi throw and a pin. ■


3rd Kyu Techniques in Detail (19 techniques)

This set tests the student's ability to see and redirect force. Remember to keep the object you are trying to control (hand, elbow, etc) in front of your center at all times. Stay relaxed. Remember the hanmi-earth-hanmi positioning where appropriate. End in hanmi in an upright position.

Yokomenuchi Iriminage: (variation 1) Ai hanmi. As uke steps forward with a Yokomen strike (let's say he strikes with his right hand), you simultaneously step back with a tenshin movement (side step out with your back foot and slide your front foot back so you end up parallel to him, not quite face to face) and block the strike with your left hand against his wrist and slice down with your right hand so the left hand doesn't absorb all the impact. He continues his circular movement as you slide your right handblade along with arm until you C-hold his elbow. Grab his wrist as if you are doing a Shihonage. Step forward with your right foot making him turn some more. He's now facing the opposite way that he started. Place your left hand on his collar or hold his head to your shoulder. Slide your right arm over his right arm and raise your right arm up under his chin and simultaneous apply and equal and opposite pressure against his lower back or shoulder as you tenkan back. He's spinning around you. Step forward a cat step for the throw. This is perhaps the most difficult variation of the three because it requires very precise body movement and control. NO PIN. ■ 5/22/17, 8/29/17

(variation 2) Ai hanmi. As uke steps forward with a Yokomen strike (let's say he strikes with his right hand), you simultaneously step back with a tenshin movement (side step out with your back foot and slide your front foot back so you end up parallel to him, not quite face to face) and block the strike with your front hand against his wrist and slice down with the other hand down towards the ground. Big step forward around and behind him revolving your arm clockwise around his arm until your handblade is above his wrist. Tenkan back as you lower your arm taking him off balance. As he regains composure by coming up, simultaneously lift your bicep against his chin and press against his right shoulder blade with your left hand. Step in for the throw. NO PIN. ■

(variation 3) Ai hanmi. As uke steps forward with a Yokomen strike (let's say he strikes with his right hand), you simultaneously step forward to his outside and block his strike with your left hand and motion to strike his face with your right. You should be able to catch his strike before it starts moving forward. Catch it on the back swing. Pause with your strike momentarily, rotate your right hand to the top of his wrist, step to the outside behind him. Tenkan back as you lower your arm taking him off balance. As he regains composure by coming up, simultaneously lift your bicep against his chin and press against his right shoulder blade with your left hand. Step in for the throw. NO PIN. ■

As you irimi (enter) into his front side, deep irimi, front foot almost to his back foot, keep your hand on his forearm, and your left hand pulls his head against your right shoulder. Swing your right arm around, hook under his chin, as you tenkan back for the throw. NO PIN. ■

Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi Omote: Ai hanmi. As uke steps forward with a Yokomen strike, you simultaneously step back with a tenshin movement (side step out with your back foot and slide your front foot back) and block the strike with your front hand against his wrist and slice down with the other hand to his wrist and then slice across like an L, grab the wrist of his striking hand with your other hand for Kotegaeshi grip. Allow his force to continue moving forward as you slide forward and direct the energy down to break his spine and then apply Kotegaeshi throw and a pin. ■ 4/24/17, 6/10/17, 12/11/17

Yokomenuchi Kotegaeshi Ura: Ai hanmi. As uke steps forward with a Yokomen strike, you simultaneously step back with a tenshin movement (side step out with your back foot and slide your front foot back) and block the strike with your front hand against his wrist and slice down with the other hand to his wrist, grab the wrist of his striking hand with your opposite hand for Kotegaeshi grip. Shoulder to shoulder, dip forward and down, and tenkan back and then back again to bring uke around in a circle. Allow his force to continue moving forward as you slide forward and direct the energy down to break his spine and then apply Kotegaeshi throw and a pin. ■ 7/22/17, 11/20/17

Tsuki Kaitenage Omote: Ai hanmi. Step off the line to uke's outside with the handblade of your lead hand diffusing some of the energy of his punching arm. Let him go a little past you. Sink low into an earth stance as you bring uke's arm down and simultaneously place your other hand on the back of his neck. Bring uke's arm up on the upswing and do a quick palm down with your other hand to direct his face toward your knee. Slide turn back like in Kaiten, hip turn away from him, and step across his body for the throw. ■ 7/25/17, 12/12/17

Tsuki Kaitenage Ura: Ai hanmi. Just like in Tsuki Kotegaeshi, step off the line for an irimi tenkan behind uke's striking arm, and grab uke's wrist as in Kotegaeshi (this is an overhand grip). Step back with your lead foot and bring uke's arm down close to the ground diagonally and in an arc towards your center. On the upswing, release your grip momentarily, and swing his arm upward. As his arm is raised, your hand eventually grabs his wrist up top in an underhand grip. Place your free hand on the back of his head. Complete the circle by pushing his head down and simultaneously pulling his arm up. Walk three steps behind him forcing him to follow your lead in a circle. Step forward with your lead foot and allow him to roll. ■ 12/12/17

Ushiro Ryokatatori Sankyo Omote: Offer your hand to uke. Let's say it's your right hand. You stand in right hanmi. As uke charges towards you attempting to grab your right wrist with his right hand, raise your arms up to deflect his wrist with your handblade to prevent a choke to the neck and allow him to grab onto your right shoulder instead. Frame your face with your hands. Your right foot semicircles back and behind you to attain left hanmi. Uke grabs both your shoulders. Turn clockwise and then counterclockwise and sink (squat) down with your spine straight (not bent over or down). His arms and hands are now above you. Atemi with your right hand to uke's face, then grab his bottom arm (left arm) and pull down to create space. Slide your left hand in between his arms and grab his right arm with your left hand for Sankyo. Push your shoulder towards uke's face. Cast down uke's arm as you step around uke's arm so you are next to uke's head. The hand closest to uke's head should be just above uke's elbow, towards his tricep. Step backwards with the inside foot (closest to his head) to drop him down. Wrap his shoulder securely between your knees and apply the Sankyo pin. ■

Ushiro Ryokatatori Sankyo Ura: Offer your hand to uke. Let's say it's your right hand. You stand in right hanmi. As uke charges towards you attempting to grab your right wrist with his right hand, raise your arms up to deflect his wrist with your handblade to prevent a choke to the neck and allow him to grab onto your right shoulder instead. Frame your face with your hands. Your right foot semicircles back and behind you to attain left hanmi. Uke grabs both your shoulders. Turn clockwise and then counterclockwise and sink (squat) down with your spine straight (not bent over or down). His arms and hands are now above you. Atemi with your right hand to uke's face, then grab his bottom arm (left arm) and pull down to create space. Slide your left hand in between his arms and grab his right arm with your left hand for Sankyo. Step behind uke. As he pivots around, grab his arm just below the elbow with the free hand. Both of your hands have his arm. With your arms extended, continue pivoting around and come down. Wrap his shoulder securely between your knees and apply the Sankyo pin. ■

Morotetori Iriminage (variation 1): Ai hanmi. Uke grabs your right wrist with both hands. Step and sink to the right at an angle as you swing your hand face-down to the right in the same direction as your foot. Bring uke's head to your shoulder with your left hand and press his head down to your shoulder. Slide forward with your right foot as you raise your hand up, rotating your hand inward. Follow your fingertips with your eyes. As you approach the apex, push your left hand into uke's shoulder. Kaiten turn 180, keep your right arm up and continue to push uke with your left hand as you step forward with your right foot at a diagnonal across his body. Arch your right hand over like a rainbow. As he falls, end your arm movements with your right hand pointed towards uke. ■ 10/9/17, 10/23/17, 11/7/17

Morotetori Iriminage (variation 2): Ai hanmi. Uke grabs your right wrist with both hands. Rotate wrist and place handblade over uke's wrists. Irimi-tenkan as you perform Iriminage on uke. ■ 10/9/17

Morotetori Iriminage (variation 3): Ai hanmi. Tenkan and then swing your out, step in wrapping uke's arms around his own neck and tenkan as you move your lead arm forward and push his shoulder back, the energy moving in opposite directions. ■ 10/9/17

In Morotetori Iriminage (variation 2), a short step behind uke with a tenkan cut down is all that is needed to break uke's balance and 'keep the hand raised, thumb up' and 'follow the hand' just like in the first two Iriminage techniques.

Shomenuchi Sankyo Omote: Gyaku hanmi. Big step into uke's space as you raise your arms to meet uke's overhead strike. Keep your hands open as you step forward and cut uke's arm down taking his balance. Reach under uke's arm shoulder to shoulder and use your free hand to grab uke's wrist, thumb to thumb and fingers around his pinky. Take the other hand and wrap it around uke's hand as if you are gripping a sword handle. Stand up and rotate in toward uke, keeping your hands in line with your center and your forward foot pointing towards his center. Cast down your sword as you step around uke's arm so you are next to uke's head. The hand closest to uke's head should be just above uke's elbow, towards his tricep. Step backwards with the inside foot (closest to his head) to drop him down. Wrap his shoulder securely between your knees and apply the Sankyo pin. ■ 6/17/17, 7/10/17

Shomenuchi Sankyo Ura: Gyaku hanmi. Big step off the line behind uke's striking arm as you raise your arms to meet uke's overhead strike. Keep your hands open as you step forward and cut uke's arm down taking his balance. Your right wrist should block his right wrist (or left if he strikes with his left). Your other hand grabs the wrist of his striking hand as you slide your right foot behind his back to the middle of where his feet stand. Move your right hand over to his tricep. Bend the arm to create a chicken wing. Your hands will feel like they are grabbing the topside of a steering wheel. Scoop-turn your left hand, thumb to thumb, under his left hand for the Nikyo grip. Roll and turn his shoulder down taking him off-balance. While he is down, switch the hand that is grabbing the wrist with your other hand. Step behind him while pulling his arm keeping his elbow at your center and grab his tricep with your other hand. Now you are grabbing the underside of the steering wheel. Tenkan so he spins around. Step behind him again and tenkan again to send him spiralling down. Apply the Sankyo pin from the ground or end the pin in a standing position like in Shomenuchi Ikkyo Ura. ■ 4/17/17, 11/24/17

Suwari Waza: Shomenuchi Iriminage: Ai hanmi. Similar to the standing version, uke shikkos forward with a Shomenuchi strike. Shikko forward off the line as you raise your arms to meet uke's strike. Your right wrist should block his right wrist (or left if he strikes with his left). Shikko next to uke, shoulder to shoulder, as you grab his collar with the fingers of your back hand and tenkan keeping your right wrist against his causing his energy to fall to the ground at the end of the swing. As he gets up, hook your arm under his chin and redirect the force upward as you shikko forward to make him fall again. His right arm ends on your knee for a hyperextension to finish. ■ 12/3/16, 2/18/17

Suwari Waza: Shomenuchi Nikyo Omote: Ai hanmi. Similar to the standing version, uke shikkos forward with a Shomenuchi strike. Shikko forward off the line as you raise your arms to meet uke's strike. Your right wrist should block his right wrist (or left if he strikes with his left). Your other hand grabs his tricep and you bring his arm down by torquing his arm via his tricep to turn his shoulder down as you move forward. Once you have his arm down, shoulder down, and your arms are extended, you have control of his arm. Now place your handblade against his wrist, roll your hand around his hand, and grab his thumb with your thumb, cupping his hand in yours. Now move diagonally into uke, out again, and back in to bring him down. -- NIKYO PIN -- Place one knee under uke's armpit. Move your hand from uke's elbow to uke's shoulder to keep uke's arm controlled. Swing hips around and place your other knee tightly against his shoulder locking his arm between your knees. Your center should be facing his center. Move uke's arm into your elbow to secure his wrist. Place your palm over his palm. Make sure there is a bend in his elbow. Now move your hand under uke's elbow and twist circularly towards his head until he taps.

Suwari Waza: Shomenuchi Nikyo Ura: Ai hanmi. Similar to the standing version, uke shikkos forward with a Shomenuchi strike. Shikko forward off the line to step behind uke and block uke's strike with your opposite arm before he gets to downswing. Grab his arm to form a triangle. You should be able to see his face in the triangle. Get uke's arm and shoulder down first before you begin stepping back. If you step back first, you will have no leverage on him. Step back in a spiral, keeping his elbow in front of your center, and spiral him down to the ground for the pin (see Omote for the proper pin). ■ 6/12/17, 6/17/17, 8/19/17, 12/9/17

Hanmi Handachi: Katatetori Shihonage Omote: Gyaku hanmi. Think of the knee movement as shikkoing the forward knee to the outside angled towards wrists, other knee steps in front also angled towards the wrists. Lower your center as you raise uke's arms up and pass underneath him. The index fingers of both of your hands are pointing forward. Pivot 180 to face the point of tension (the wrists) and cut down. You are keeping this point of tension in front of your center. ■ 11/27/17

Hanmi Handachi: Katatetori Shihonage Ura: Gyaku hanmi. Think of the knee movement as an irimi-tenkan with a pivoting of both knees 180 degrees at the end. Shikko off the line and curl your wrist in so you can grab the place between uke's wrist and hand. As you move in, you should be able to break free of uke's katatetori grip on you and grab his hand with yours. The index fingers of both of your hands are pointing forward. Pivot 180 and shikko back, lowering your center, as you pass underneath uke and pivot 180 again to face forward as you cut uke down to the ground. Curl his arm in towards his shoulder. ■

Hanmi Handachi: Katatetori Kaitenage Uchi (or Uchi Kaiten): Turn inside. Gyaku hanmi. Uke grabs your wrist. Let's say he grabs your right wrist with his left hand. Big shikko to his outside with your right arm curving forward down and up in a circle, left arm in for an atemi to his face. Shikko forward with the left knee and tenkan and turn your wrist over so your hand is above his. Swing his arm in a downward circle and secure the back of his neck with your left hand. Side step shikko to the left as you Kaitenage uke forward and away from you.

Hanmi Handachi: Katatetori Kaitenage Soto (or Soto Kaiten): Turn outside. Gyaku hanmi. Uke grabs your wrist. Let's say he grabs your right wrist with his left hand. Big shikko to his outside with your right arm curving forward down and up in a circle, left arm in for an atemi to his face. Tenkan and turn your wrist over so your hand is above his. Swing his arm in a downward circle and secure the back of his neck with your left hand. Side step shikko to the left as you Kaitenage uke forward and away from you.


4th Kyu Techniques in Detail (15 techniques)

Shomenuchi Nikyo Omote: Gyaku hanmi. Think of the foot movement as entering in a zig-zag. Big step off the line as you raise your arms to meet uke's overhead strike (like Ikkyo). Your right wrist should block his right wrist (or left if he strikes with his left). Your other hand grabs his tricep just below his elbow and you bring his arm down by torquing his arm via his tricep to turn his shoulder down as you move forward. Once you have his arm down, shoulder down, and your arms are extended, you have control of his arm. Now place your handblade against his wrist, roll your hand around his hand, and grab his thumb with your thumb, cupping his hand in yours. Now move diagonally into uke, out again, and back in to bring him down. -- NIKYO PIN -- Place one knee under uke's armpit. Move your hand from uke's elbow to uke's shoulder to keep uke's arm controlled. Swing hips around and place your other knee tightly against his shoulder locking his arm between your knees. Your center should be facing his center. Move uke's arm into your elbow to secure his wrist. Place your palm over his palm. Make sure there is a bend in his elbow. Now move your hand under uke's elbow and twist circularly towards his head until he taps. ■ 4/25/16, 8/18/16, 10/31/16, 11/12/16, 12/26/16

Shomenuchi Nikyo Ura: Gyaku hanmi. Big step off the line as you raise your arms to meet uke's overhead strike. Your right wrist should block his right wrist (or left if he strikes with his left). Your other hand grabs the wrist of his striking hand as you slide your right foot behind his back to the middle of where his feet stand. Move your right hand over to his tricep. Bend the arm to create a chicken wing. Scoop-turn your left hand, thumb to thumb, under his left hand for the Nikyo grip. Roll and turn his shoulder down while stepping back and taking him off-balance. As he starts to get up, position his hand in the Nikyo against your chest or shoulder (if he is taller) with your thumb touching your chest (or shoulder) and your right hand against the inside of his elbow for the leverage. The more force he comes at you with a punch, the easier the Nikyo will be. Aim the Nikyo grip as if slicing him from head to belly. Use the leverage hand to simultaneously bend his elbow while slicing. If executed correctly, this will painfully send him down again. Step behind him and send him around in a semi-circle (much like Shomenuchi Ikkyo Ura) and down to the ground for the pin. -- NIKYO PIN -- Place one knee under uke's armpit. Move your hand from uke's elbow to uke's shoulder to keep uke's arm controlled. Swing hips around and place your other knee tightly against his shoulder locking his arm between your knees. Your center should be facing his center. Move uke's arm into your elbow to secure his wrist. Place your palm over his palm. Make sure there is a bend in his elbow. Now move your hand under uke's elbow and twist circularly towards his head until he taps. ■ 3/10/16, 5/25/16, 8/19/16, 10/31/16, 11/14/16, 12/26/16

Yokomenuchi Shihonage Omote: Ai Hanmi. As uke steps forward with a Yokomen strike, you simultaneously tenshin in a circular movement to mirror and meet him and block his strike with your front hand against his wrist and atemi with the back hand (slice across the jaw), slide your hands down his arm to grab the wrist of his striking hand with both of your hands, both thumbs on front of wrist, turn your lead foot out, and execute Shihonage Omote to bring him down. Remember at the end of Shihonage, uke's fingertips are touching her shoulder, hr elbow is the higher than the rest of her arm, and your lead foot turns to her shoulder. You then tenkan back with the outside foot to bring her down. Keep uke close to your body. NO PIN. ■ 5/5/16, 10/31/16, 12/26/16, 1/9/17

Yokomenuchi Shihonage Ura: Ai Hanmi. As uke steps forward with a Yokomen strike, you simultaneously tenshin in a circular movement to mirror and meet him and block his strike with your front hand against his wrist and atemi with the back hand (slice across the jaw), slide your hands down his arm to grab the wrist of his striking hand with both of your hands, both thumbs on front of wrist, turn your lead foot out, and execute Shihonage Ura to bring him down. NO PIN. ■ 10/31/16

Tsuki Iriminage: (variation 1) Ai hanmi. As uke steps forward with a Tsuki strike (let's say he strikes with his right hand), step off the line and direct the line of his attack downward by pushing against his elbow with your left hand as you turn to face his side and then turn to face his direction. Now move your hand from the elbow to his shoulder and grab her gi. With your right arm, slide it along the length of his arm and hook under uke's chin and at the same time pulling the shoulder down or pressing her lower back (or sliding your left hand from midback to lower back to tily him backwards) as you step forward for the throw. Your foot should end up behind uke. NO PIN.
(variation 2) Ai hanmi. As uke steps forward with a Tsuki strike (let's say he strikes with his right hand), step back (tenshin movement) and block the strike with your right handblade on his wrist. As you irimi (enter) into his front side, deep irimi, front foot almost to his back foot, keep your hand on his forearm, and your left hand pulls his head against your right shoulder. Swing your right arm around, hook under his chin, as you tenkan back for the throw. NO PIN. ■ 11/14/16, 12/26/16

Ushiro Tekubitori Sankyo Omote: Offer your hand to uke. Let's say it's your right hand. You stand in right hanmi. As uke charges towards you attempting to grab your right wrist with his right hand, retract your open hand to your hip as your right foot semicircles back and behind you to attain left hanmi. Uke never manages to grab your wrist until he is behind you. Uke grabs both of your wrists from behind you. Never let your hands go behind you, otherwise you've lost. Sink (squat) down and round your arms (kokyu movement) to break uke's balance. Slide underneath uke's right arm keeping his arm high and thrust at his face with your right hand. At the same time, grab his right wrist with your left hand for the Sankyo. Swing his arm out and down while you irimi tenkan around his arm and grab hold of his inside forearm next to the elbow with your right hand. Tenkan around again to get uke down on the ground and apply the Sankyo pin. ■ 4/25/16, 10/3/16

Ushiro Tekubitori Sankyo Ura: This one is a little easier than the Omote version. Offer your hand to uke. Let's say it's your right hand. You stand in right hanmi. As uke charges towards you attempting to grab your right wrist with his right hand, retract your open hand to your hip as your right foot semicircles back and behind you to attain left hanmi. Uke never manages to grab your wrist until he is behind you. Uke grabs both of your wrists from behind you. Never let your hands go behind you, otherwise you've lost. Sink (squat) down and round your arms (kokyu movement up) to break uke's balance. Grab his right hand in Sankyo, your thumb against his thumb and your pinky wrapped around his pinky. The pinky does all the work. Move the Sanyo into uke and cast down, turning his shoulder down and swing his arm back as you step back and tenkan back (step back) and apply the Sankyo pin from the ground or end the pin in a standing position like in Shomenuchi Ikkyo Ura. ■ 5/2/16, 11/12/16, 11/14/16, 1/9/17

Ushiro Ryokatatori Kotegaeshi Omote: Offer your hand to uke. Let's say it's your right hand. You stand in right hanmi. As uke charges towards you attempting to grab your right wrist with his right hand, raise your arms up to deflect his wrist with your handblade to prevent a choke to the neck and allow him to grab onto your right shoulder instead. Frame your face with your hands. Your right foot semicircles back and behind you to attain left hanmi. Uke grabs both your shoulders. Sink (squat) down and tilt your head and body over to the left and simultaneously step underneath uke's left arm as your right arm goes in a rainbow arc towards's his face (element of surprise) and then down his left arm to grasp his left hand with your right hand. Moving the energy downward, sink your knees down as you pull uke's arm down. Do an irimi tenkan while applying Kotegaeshi and ending with the pin. ■ 5/2/16, 10/3/16

Ushiro Ryokatatori Kotegaeshi Ura: Offer your hand to uke. Let's say it's your right hand. You stand in right hanmi. As uke charges towards you attempting to grab your right wrist with his right hand, raise your arms up to deflect his wrist with your handblade and allow him to grab onto your right shoulder instead. Your right foot semicircles back and behind you to attain left hanmi. Uke grabs both your shoulders. Sink (squat) down and tilt your body over to the left and simultaneously step underneath uke's left arm as your right arm goes in a rainbow arc towards's his face (element of surprise) and then down his left arm to grasp his left hand with your right hand. Go shoulder to shoulder with uke. Lean forward to bring uke down more and do a tenkan and step back while applying Kotegaeshi and ending with the pin. ■

Suwari Waza: Shomenuchi Ikkyo Omote: Ai hanmi. Similar to the standing version, uke shikkos forward with a Shomenuchi strike. Shikko forward off the line as you raise your arms to meet uke's strike. Your right wrist should block his right wrist (or left if he strikes with his left). Your other hand grabs his tricep and you bring his arm down by torquing his arm via his tricep to turn his shoulder down as you move forward. Once you have his arm down, shoulder down, and your arms are extended, you have control of his arm. Now move diagonally into uke, out again, and back in. Step forward with leading foot and follow with back foot. Press your knee against his armpit. Sit in kiza. Change the grab on his tricep to a handblade and press against his tricep and slice upward to finish. ■

Suwari Waza: Shomenuchi Ikkyo Ura: Ai hanmi. Similar to the standing version, uke shikkos forward with a Shomenuchi strike. Shikko forward off the line to step behind uke and block uke's strike with your opposite arm before he gets to downswing. Grab his arm to form a triangle. You should be able to see his face in the triangle. Get uke's arm and shoulder down first before you begin stepping back. If you step back first, you will have no leverage on him. Step back in a spiral, keeping his elbow in front of your center, and spiral him down to the ground for the pin (see Omote for the proper pin). ■ 5/12/16

Suwari Waza: Katatori Nikyo Omote: Gyaku hanmi. Offer your shoulder to grab. As uke shikkos forward to grab your shoulder, shikko backward and cut his arm down with your opposite hand by brushing against your shoulder. Extend his hand forward and down towards the ground. Grab uke's hand in Nikyo and extend uke's arm upward with your free hand on his bicep. Shikko in toward his body, out, and in while extending uke's arm down. Position your knee closest to his body against his armpit and position the other knee against his shoulder locking his arm. Lift his arm up and place his hand, palm up, into the crease of your elbow. Position your other hand below his elbow for the pin. ■ 4/11/16, 4/25/16

Suwari Waza: Katatori Nikyo Ura: Gyaku hanmi. Offer your shoulder to grab. As uke shikkos forward to grab your shoulder, shikko backward and cut his arm down with your other hand by brushing against your shoulder. Connect with his wrist, grab the wrist and lift his hand up to your chest (or shoulder depending on his height), his thumb against your armpit. Position your other hand on his bicep and sweep your hand down to bend his elbow joint and tilt his wrist forward with your Nikyo grip, your thumb against your chest or shoulder, depending on his height, and cut down. You are simulating a sword cut to his head. As he goes down, tenkan around his arm and extend his arm down. Position your knee closest to his body against his armpit and position the other knee against his shoulder locking his arm. Lift his arm up and place his hand, palm up, into the crease of your elbow. Position your other hand below his elbow for the pin. ■ 4/14/16, 5/5/16

Suwari Waza: Katatori Sankyo Omote: Offer the shoulder to grab. As uke shikkos forward to grab your shoulder, shikko backward with an atemi to his face. With the atemi hand, grab his hand in Nikyo, control his arm and shikko forward in toward his body taking his balance. Lean under his arm, switch hands, and grab his hand in Sankyo. Pivot your knees around the Sankyo and control his arm. Position each knee to the left and right of his arm, switch hands to control his wrist, and apply the Sankyo pin. ■ 5/2/16, 11/12/16

Suwari Waza: Katatori Sankyo Ura: Offer the shoulder to grab. As uke shikkos forward to grab your shoulder, shikko backward and feint an atemi to his face with your other hand to keep uke at a distance. With the atemi hand, cut down to his wrist, grab his hand in Nikyo, shikko behind him keeping his arm bent with elbow up, switch hands, grab his hand in Sankyo and turn his entire shoulder down. Bring his arm back and at the same time shikko back with the leg closest to uke. At that last moment where his arm is down, grab his bicep with your other hand and position his shoulder between your knees. End with a Sankyo pin (a) wrap both arms or (b) hold his hand against your shoulder with one hand and the other by your side. ■ 4/14/16, 11/12/16, 1/9/17


5th Kyu Techniques in Detail (11 techniques)

Shomenuchi Ikkyo Omote: Gyaku hanmi. Think of the foot movement as entering in a zig-zag. Big step off the line as you raise your arms to meet uke's strike. Your right wrist should block his right wrist (or left if he strikes with his left). Your other hand grabs his tricep and you bring his arm down by torquing his arm via his tricep to turn his shoulder down as you move forward. Once you have his arm down, shoulder down, and your arms are extended, you have control of his arm. Now move diagonally into uke, out again, and back in. Step forward with leading foot and follow with back foot. Press your knee against his armpit. Sit in kiza. Change the grab on his tricep to a handblade and press against his tricep and slice upward to finish. ■ 12/7/15, 1/16/16, 2/22/16, 3/14/16

Shomenuchi Ikkyo Ura: Gyaku hanmi. Think of the foot movement as an irimi-tenkan. Big step off the line to step behind uke and block uke's strike with your opposite arm before he gets to downswing. Grab his arm to form a triangle. You should be able to see his face in the triangle. Get uke's arm and shoulder down first before you begin stepping back. If you step back first, you will have no leverage on him. Step back in a spiral, keeping his elbow in front of your center, and spiral him down to the ground for the pin (see Omote for the proper pin). An alternate version ends with you standing instead of kneeling. Step back with the outside foot against uke, keep both legs extended, and keep both arms extended to pin uke to the ground. ■ 12/7/15, 1/16/16, 2/11/16, 2/22/16, 3/7/16, 3/14/16

Shomenuchi Iriminage: Ai hanmi. Think of the foot movement as an irimi-tenkan with a step forward at the end. Big step off the line to step behind uke and photo selfie next to uke. Your arm over his arm, your other hand grabbing his collar. Arms, hips, and legs must move in unison to bring uke down, so, in one movement, step back and chop uke down. He loses balance. As he regains his footing, hook your arm underneath his chin and raise the energy up and over as you step forward. End with both of your hands aimed directly at uke. ■ 2/11/16, 2/22/16, 3/14/16, 3/21/16

Katatetori Shihonage Omote: Gyaku hanmi. Think of the foot movement as stepping the forward foot to the outside angled towards wrists, other foot steps in front also angled towards the wrists. Lower your center as you raise uke's arms up and pass underneath him. The index fingers of both of your hands are pointing forward. Pivot 180 to face the point of tension (the wrists) and cut down. You are keeping this point of tension in front of your center. ■ 12/28/15, 1/9/16, 2/15/16

Katatetori Shihonage Ura: Gyaku hanmi. Think of the foot movement as an irimi-tenkan with a pivoting of both feet 180 degrees at the end. Step off the line and curl your wrist in so you can grab the place between uke's wrist and hand. As you move in, you should be able to break free of uke's katatetori grip on you and grab his hand with yours. The index fingers of both of your hands are pointing forward. Pivot 180 and step back, lowering your center, as you pass underneath uke and pivot 180 again to face forward as you cut uke down to the ground. Curl his arm in towards his shoulder. ■

Ryotetori Tenchinage Omote: Gyaku hanmi. Think of the foot movement as entering in a zig-zag. Big step off the line with lead foot. Back foot follows. Pull outside arm down to bring uke's outside arm down and behind him. Lower your center of gravity as you step in to break uke's balance. At the same time, inside arm hand blade goes up uke's chest towards his face. Your pinky is always going forward. Arc inside hand over uke's neck as you step your inside foot behind his outside foot. Uke falls back. ■ 12/31/15, 1/18/16, 2/1/16, 2/22/16

Ryotetori Tenchinage Ura: Gyaku hanmi. Think of the foot movement as an irimi-tenkan following by entering in a zig-zag.After laying out your hands and allowing uke to grab your wrists, you position your hands as if cradling a large baby or stuffed animal (the hand on the side of the forward leg is down, the other hand is above it). If uke presses into you, use that energy by stepping in, doing a tenkan to bring uke around, and then perform a Ryotetori Tenchinage Omote with the low hand pulling uke's arm back to break his balance, and the high hand going up the centerline of the body like in Ikkyo, up and over uke's shoulder. You should end in a position where you feet are relatively close to each other and the arms are extended out towards uke with the upper hand turned down (pinky up, thumb towards ground). ■ 2/1/16

Tsuki Kotegaeshi: Ai Hanmi. Think of the foot movement as an irimi-tenkan, mirroring uke's stance (if he's in left hanmi, you're in right hanmi). Lower your center. Step off the line and strike uke's forearm as you enter. Grab his hand for the kotegaeshi and then pull his body in towards you. Do not lower his arm. This will cause his body to swing around the point of tension. As he comes towards you, step out and sweep your other foot back while applying kotegaeshi. Crank uke's arm to turn him over for the pin. ■ 1/28/16, 2/25/16, 3/10/16

Ushiro Tekubitori Kotegaeshi Omote: Offer your hands, one hand further out with the direction of the hanmi. As uke runs to you to grab your wrist, allow him to grab it and sweep your leg on that side around and back causing him to wrap around behind you. You want to sweep around rather than simply step back because that will psychologically cause uke to run around behind you and grab your other wrist rather than get directly behind you for a choke hold. Keep your wrists in front of your hips because if your wrists end up behind you, uke has won. Do a kokyuho with your hands up in the air as you butt atemi uke. Do a rainbow arc move with one arm (the arm that uke grabbed first) to almost scrape across uke's face as you come down from his face down to his hand to pick up the kotegaeshi. Step out in front of uke and sweep your other foot back while applying koetgaeshi. Uke falls into the space where your front foot was. Crank uke's arm to turn him over for the pin. ■ 12/24/15, 1/14/16, 2/29/16

Ushiro Tekubitori Kotegaeshi Ura: Offer your hands, one hand further out with the direction of the hanmi. As uke runs to you to grab your wrist, allow him to grab it and sweep your leg on that side around and back causing him to wrap around behind you. You want to sweep around rather than simply step back because that will psychologically cause uke to run around behind you and grab your other wrist rather than get directly behind you for a choke hold. Keep your wrists in front of your hips because if your wrists end up behind you, uke has won. Do a kokyuho with your hands up in the air as you butt atemi uke. Do a rainbow arc move with one arm (the arm thatuke grabbed first), feint an atemi to the jaw, and come down from his face down to his hand. Grab uke's wrist with his palm up. Your thumb is under uke's hand. Your fingers are wrapped around uke's palm. You are now mirroring uke shoulder to shoulder, foot to foot. Sink down and extend your arm as you pull him inward and towards your center. As soon as he starts moving, step back with your mirrored foot and apply kotegaeshi. Uke falls into the space where your front foot was. Crank uke's arm to turn him over for the pin. ■ 2/4/16, 2/25/16

Morotetori Kokyuho: Gyaku hanmi. Big step off the line with lead foot. Back foot follows. Pivot 180 degrees on both feet. Your outside arm grabs uke's outside arm and you pin his arm to your outside thigh. Stretch his arm out. Your inside arm is under uke's chin and lifts his chin upward. Pivot and turn to face the direction he is facing. Your inside hand should touch the center of your forehead. Keep your feet close together and bent. Cat step back. Cat step back again for momentum as you pivot on the balls of your feet and turn your hips towards uke with both arms out like you're holding a large basin. ■ 1/2/16, 2/1/16, 2/4/16, 2/22/16, 2/25/16, 2/29/16, 3/7/16, 3/14/16


6th Kyu Techniques

Seiza (a) Bowing/Rei (b) Rise from seiza
Shikko
Hanmi (a) Migi Hanmi (b) Hidari Hanmi
Ukemi (a) Ushiro Ukemi (1) back fall (2) back roll (b) Mae Ukemi
Kokyu Undo (a) Funakogi Undo (b) Ikkyo Undo
Tai Sabaki (a) Tenkan (b) Irimi (c) Irimi Tenkan (d) Tenshin
Hanmi (w/partner) (a) Ai Hanmi (b) Gyaku Hanmi
Atemi (w/partner) (a) Tsuki (b) Yokomenuchi (c) Shomenuchi
Tai No Henko (w/partner) as both uke and nage
Kokyudosa


1st Kyu (Ikkyu) Test Requirements

Katamenuchi – 5 Techniques
Yokomenuchi – 5 Techniques
Morotetori – 5 Techniques
Shomenuchi – 5 Techniques
Ryotetori – 5 Techniques
Koshinage – 5 Techniques

Hanmi Handachi Ushiro Waza – 5 Techniques

Tanto Tori

Randori (3 attackers)


1st Dan (Shodan) Test Requirements

All 1st Kyu requirements
Tachitori (sword-taking techniques)
Jotori (staff-taking techniques)
Henka Waza (change techniques)
Randori (4 attackers)

2nd Dan (Nidan) Test Requirements

All Shodan requirements
Tachitori (2 attackers)
Kaeshi Waza (counter techniques)
Randori (5 attackers)

3rd Dan (Sandan) Test Requirements

Exam details TBD by the United States Aikido Federation

4th Dan or higher

Exemplary years of service to the United States Aikido Federation

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