Aikido Course

Lesson 1 • History and Origins of Aikido

Traces Aikido's development from traditional Japanese martial arts to Morihei Ueshiba's synthesis. Provides context for understanding why techniques and principles are structured as they are.

Lesson 2 • Core Principles of Aiki

Introduces the concept of aiki — harmonising with an opponent's energy rather than opposing it. These principles underpin every technique taught throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • The Role of Uke and Nage

Defines the complementary roles of the attacker (uke) and the practitioner executing technique (nage). Understanding both roles is essential for cooperative and effective training.

Lesson 1 • Footwork and Stepping Patterns

Covers the primary stepping methods used to enter, evade, and position relative to an attacker. Efficient footwork is the basis for executing all Aikido techniques.

Lesson 2 • Relaxation and Whole-Body Movement

Trains the practitioner to move as a unified whole rather than using isolated muscle groups. Relaxation amplifies technique effectiveness and reduces injury risk.

Lesson 3 • Kamae: Ready Stance and Posture

Teaches the fundamental ready stance, weight distribution, and spinal alignment used in Aikido. Correct kamae enables stable, responsive movement in all directions.

Lesson 1 • Ukemi in Dynamic Practice

Applies ukemi skills at increasing speed and from varied attack angles. Builds the reflexive ability to fall safely without conscious deliberation.

Lesson 2 • Breakfalls: High and Side Falls

Introduces high breakfalls and lateral slapping falls for absorbing powerful throws. These advanced ukemi skills are required for receiving dynamic Aikido projections.

Lesson 3 • Backward Rolling Techniques

Develops the backward roll for situations where forward rolling is not possible. Proper technique protects the spine and head during rear falls.

Lesson 1 • Tsuki Punch and Rear Attacks

Covers the straight thrust punch (tsuki) and rear grab attacks such as ushiro ryote-dori. These attacks expand the range of scenarios nage must respond to.

Lesson 2 • Wrist and Sleeve Grab Attacks

Covers the primary grab attacks — katate-dori, morote-dori, and ryote-dori — and their correct execution. Grabs provide the initial contact point for most foundational Aikido techniques.

Lesson 3 • Shoulder and Lapel Grab Attacks

Introduces kata-dori shoulder grab and mune-dori chest grab as common attack forms. These grabs simulate realistic confrontation scenarios and vary the entry angle for nage.

Lesson 1 • Ikkyo: First Principle Technique

Teaches ikkyo, the arm-control pin that introduces the core principle of leading uke's energy to the ground. Ikkyo is the template from which many other techniques derive.

Lesson 2 • Nikyo and Sankyo Wrist Locks

Introduces nikyo (inward wrist rotation) and sankyo (spiral wrist lock) as progressive joint-control techniques. Each builds on ikkyo's entry and adds rotational force to the wrist.

Lesson 3 • Applying Pins from Multiple Attacks

Practices applying ikkyo through gokyo in response to varied attack forms introduced in Chapter 4. Develops adaptability in selecting and executing the appropriate pin.

Lesson 1 • Tenchi-nage: Heaven and Earth Throw

Introduces tenchi-nage, which splits uke's balance by directing one hand upward and one downward. The technique illustrates the principle of simultaneous opposing forces.

Lesson 2 • Irimi-nage: Entering Throw

Teaches irimi-nage, the entering throw that uses direct forward movement to unbalance and project uke. Irimi-nage embodies the principle of entering rather than retreating from an attack.

Lesson 3 • Kaiten-nage and Kokyu-nage

Introduces kaiten-nage (rotary throw) and kokyu-nage (breath throw) as dynamic projection techniques. These throws emphasise timing and ki extension over mechanical leverage.

Lesson 4 • Shiho-nage: Four-Direction Throw

Teaches shiho-nage, which controls uke's arm and projects them in any of four directions. Mastery requires precise timing, body rotation, and arm-bar mechanics.

Lesson 1 • Taigi: Weapons Paired Practice

Applies weapons skills in structured partner exercises (taigi) that mirror empty-hand technique principles. Partner weapons work develops timing, trust, and precision under controlled conditions.

Lesson 2 • Tanto: Knife Defence Principles

Introduces tanto handling and the principles of defending against knife attacks using Aikido technique. Tanto training heightens awareness of weapon distance and attack angles.

Lesson 3 • Jo: Wooden Staff Fundamentals

Teaches basic jo strikes, thrusts, and blocks, along with the foundational 31-count jo kata. Jo practice builds ambidextrous coordination and spatial awareness.

Lesson 1 • Flowing Between Techniques

Trains seamless transitions between pins, throws, and controls when initial techniques are resisted or fail. Fluidity is the hallmark of advanced Aikido and requires deep internalisation of principles.

Lesson 2 • Randori: Multiple-Attacker Freestyle

Develops the ability to manage simultaneous attacks from multiple partners using movement, timing, and technique. Randori tests the integration of all physical and mental skills developed in the course.

Lesson 3 • Jiyu-waza: Free Technique Practice

Introduces jiyu-waza, where nage responds spontaneously to a single attacker using any appropriate technique. This format bridges structured practice and full freestyle.

Lesson 4 • Timing, Rhythm, and Musubi

Develops sensitivity to uke's timing and the concept of musubi — connecting with and leading uke's intention. Advanced timing transforms mechanical technique into responsive, adaptive Aikido.