Is Ikkyo a challenge for you or your students?
One common issue I see is the collapse of the lower hand during execution. To compensate, many people reach out abruptly and stiffly—which doesn’t work either.
If you saw last week’s video, you’ll remember we used a shoto almost like a horse whip—calling uke’s attention to the space under their arm, encouraging forward movement. But that exercise wasn’t just for uke. It also helped nage become more aware of the space—and that awareness is key to real progress.
In today’s video, we continue this theme, now without the shoto and from a standing position. We return to a more orthodox version of ikkyo, but with an amplified focus on space.
Instead of reacting stiffly to our partner’s arm, we use an upward motion that invites cooperation—rather than “tripping the alarm,” so to speak.
I hope this gives you new insight, fresh inspiration, and motivation to keep refining your technique—and take your Aikido to the next level.
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Let’s dive in. And be sure to stick around until the end for a special announcement.
🎥 WATCH: Fix This Common Ikkyo Mistake | Aikido Technique for Advanced Progress
💬 Question for You:
Let me know in the comments:
- Do you find Ikkyo to be a challenging technique?
- And if you’re an instructor, what kinds of exercises do you do with your students to help them with Ikkyo?
Lia Suzuki
Author
• The Teacher
• Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
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