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Technique atlas

Attacks

Grabs, strikes and attacks from behind: in aikido, uke’s sincere attack is what gives birth to the technique.

Plate 01

Ai-hanmi katate-dori

One-wrist grab, same stance

Cross grab: right hand on right wrist (or left on left).

Ai-hanmi katate-dori
  1. Uke stands at a safe distance — ma-ai.
  2. Uke steps in and grabs across: right hand on right wrist.
  3. Contact made: tori stays centred, without blocking.

Plate 02

Gyaku-hanmi katate-dori

One-wrist grab, opposite stance

Mirror grab: left hand on right wrist (or the reverse).

Gyaku-hanmi katate-dori
  1. Uke stands at a safe distance — ma-ai.
  2. Uke steps in and grabs straight across: left hand on right wrist.
  3. Contact made: tori stays centred, without blocking.

Plate 03

Kata-dori

Shoulder grab

Uke grabs the keikogi at the shoulder with one hand.

Kata-dori
  1. Uke stands at a safe distance — ma-ai.
  2. Uke grabs the shoulder of the keikogi.
  3. Contact made: tori stays centred, without blocking.

Plate 04

Mune-dori

Chest grab

Uke grabs the lapel of the keikogi.

Mune-dori
  1. Uke stands at a safe distance — ma-ai.
  2. Uke grabs the lapel at chest height.
  3. Contact made: tori stays centred, without blocking.

Plate 05

Katate ryōte-dori

Two hands on one arm

Also called Morote-dori

Also called morote-dori: uke grabs one forearm with both hands.

Katate ryōte-dori
  1. Uke stands at a safe distance — ma-ai.
  2. Uke grabs tori's forearm with both hands.
  3. Contact made: tori stays centred, without blocking.

Plate 06

Ryōte-dori

Both-wrist grab

From the front, each of uke’s hands takes one wrist.

Ryōte-dori
  1. Uke stands at a safe distance — ma-ai.
  2. Uke grabs both wrists from the front.
  3. Contact made: tori stays centred, without blocking.

Plate 07

Ryōsode-dori

Both-sleeve grab

Uke grabs both sleeves near the elbows.

Ryōsode-dori
  1. Uke stands at a safe distance — ma-ai.
  2. Uke grabs both sleeves near the elbows.
  3. Contact made: tori stays centred, without blocking.

Plate 08

Ryōkata-dori

Both-shoulder grab

From the front, both hands on the top of the keikogi.

Ryōkata-dori
  1. Uke stands at a safe distance — ma-ai.
  2. Uke grabs both shoulders from the front.
  3. Contact made: tori stays centred, without blocking.

Plate 09

Ushiro ryōte-dori

Both wrists from behind

Uke moves behind tori and grabs both wrists.

Ushiro ryōte-dori
  1. Uke moves behind tori.
  2. Uke grabs both wrists from behind.
  3. Tori keeps the back straight and the centre low.

Plate 10

Ushiro ryōhiji-dori

Both elbows from behind

Uke grabs the keikogi at both elbows.

Ushiro ryōhiji-dori
  1. Uke moves behind tori.
  2. Uke grabs both elbows from behind.
  3. Tori keeps the back straight and the centre low.

Plate 11

Ushiro ryōkata-dori

Both shoulders from behind

Uke grabs both shoulders of the keikogi from behind.

Ushiro ryōkata-dori
  1. Uke moves behind tori.
  2. Uke grabs both shoulders from behind.
  3. Tori keeps the back straight and the centre low.

Plate 12

Ushiro katate-dori kubishime

Wrist grab and choke from behind

From behind, uke holds one wrist and wraps the other arm around the neck.

Ushiro katate-dori kubishime
  1. Uke moves behind tori.
  2. Uke grabs one wrist and wraps the other arm around the neck.
  3. Tori keeps the back straight and the centre low.

Plate 13

Shōmen-uchi

Frontal strike

A vertical cut with the edge of the hand, onto the top of the forehead.

Shōmen-uchi
  1. Uke raises the edge of the hand like a sword.
  2. Steps in and cuts straight down onto the top of the head.
  3. Back to guard.

Plate 14

Yokomen-uchi

Strike to the side of the head

A circular, diagonal strike to the temple or neck.

Yokomen-uchi
  1. Uke draws the hand back to the side.
  2. A circular, diagonal strike to the temple.
  3. Back to guard.

Plate 15

Shōmen-tsuki

Straight punch

Also called Chūdan-tsuki

A straight punch to belly height (chūdan).

Shōmen-tsuki
  1. Uke draws the fist back to the hip.
  2. Steps in and punches straight to the belly — chūdan.
  3. Uke returns to guard.

Plate 16

Ushiro eri-dori

Collar grab from behind

Uke grabs the collar of the keikogi behind tori’s neck.

Ushiro eri-dori
  1. Uke moves behind tori.
  2. Uke grabs the collar from behind.
  3. Tori keeps the back straight and the centre low.