Techniques in a Narrow Space
(Extracted from Aikido-L)

Date:    Tue, 23 Apr 2002 11:27:43 +0800
From:    Aylwin Tan
Subject: Techniques in a Narrow Space

Hi,

I've noticed (only at my beginner's level) that I need a lot of space to throw or bring my partner to the ground. So far I've only had experience with ikkyo, iriminage, shihonage, a bit of nikyo, kaitennage, kokyunage and even less for sankyo.

[ * Moderator : Excluded * ]

But I've often wondered, how anyone might apply techniques in such a narrow space along the walkway of the bus. I can only think of staying away from the end of the bus where you might get cornered. But by staying somehere in the middle kind of ensures that only 1 attacker (maybe 2) can reach you at anyone time. But that's a double edge sword coz there probably won't be enough space to maneuver as well. O yea, maybe I should mention that the group were wielding weapons like hammers and such. But can the list just describe some alternatives with regards to empty handed attacks as well?

Personally I wouldn't have the confidence to face 5 guys coming at me in any situation. I'd probably just make a run for it. But then again, I'm not a
fast runner...

Regards,
Aylwin

"One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to
train." -- O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba

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Date:    Tue, 23 Apr 2002 07:14:18 -0400
From:    Simon Watkins
Subject: Re: Techniques in a Narrow Space

The reason a lot of techniques take up space is to make it safe for uke. instead of going straight down they have a gentle incline. more vertical versions are possible it helps if you can avoid looking like a slam dunker.

on a bus you wont be attacked by five people you are more likly to be attacked five times by one person at a time. The sole advantage of the meeting on the bridge. well maybe not thje sole advantage, provided you can be the one who retains their space.

Simon

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Date:    Tue, 23 Apr 2002 08:56:49 EDT
From:    "(Alex Rusinko)"
Subject: Re: Techniques in a Narrow Space

Hi Aylwin,

I will try to answer your question with the experience I have learned over the years. Yes, aikido can be applied to attackers in small places. You have
to shorten the movements and have a good ability to redirect the attackers energy but it can be done. The aikidoka can use the triangle foundation or
the axis foundation of Aikido. The triangle or Irimi and the axis or Jiku what these are, are two of the four basic shapes used in the style of aikido
I do.

The Irimi to use it in you scenario would be a forty-five degree sliding step into the attackers energy while using your opposite hand (It is actually the
same hand but on opposite sides) that the attacker is using to redirect the blow being used to attack you.(If being attacked with the right hand you use
your right hand.) This opens the portal of Uke's energy sphere for you, then you could apply a wrist or throwing techniques if you were so inclined, but
the simplest thing to do would be just to push the individual into the seats and let gravity do it's work.

The second foundation would be the axis and it is a lot more involved with the leading of Uke's Ki but to shorten it up. Uke attacks you. You would
slide back with the rear foot while redirecting the attack to the inside of the Uke once again opening the portal of Uke's energy sphere and then apply
technique. But again a push would do the trick and it doesn't look bad on video, it looks like you were trying to escape the attack.

And also Aylwin running is not a bad thing it is a smart thing but if you can't run then "... Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place
to train." -- O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba

Hope this helped answer your question
Alex

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Last updated on 13 Sep 2002