Aikido Clips

[Togakure]

Here are some Aikido clips that I found when I ran a search on my Japanese family name. Interesting, that the master shown has my younger brother's Japanese name as well (no, to my knowledge we are not related).

Notice how he enters, blends and redirects, rather than counter force with force. It seems as if the aggressor is not attacking with much force; this is because of the great skill with which his energy is redirected and his aggression mitigated.

If you are looking for visually impressive kicky-punchy-kikkyo-asu, you should search on Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu or the like. Aikido, properly practiced, is subtle, flowing, beautiful and rather effective in its intent.

One of my favorite techniques is demonstrated in clip 2: Kote Gaeshi. It is especially effective in response to frontal punches and grabs, which are so often encountered in real-world altercations. In this clip, the nature of the attack is somewhat obscured by the aggressor's body, but Chida Sensei's response is clearly demonstrated.

Enjoy.