How to Do an Aikido Head Strike

The Japanese Aikido head strike is a throwing technique in a martial arts self-defense system that uses the attacker's strength and momentum against the attacker. The Aikido head strike is called Shomen uchi. "Sho" means first, "men" means head and "uchi" means strike. So Shomen uchi means "first head strike." It has also been translated as "descending strike to the top of the head."

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Stand in a static position and wait for your opponent to attack.

2. Slide to the side while blocking the strike with your forearm as your opponent attacks.

3. Place the heel of the palm on your free hand on your opponent's chin and push up. Step between your opponent's legs while pushing up on his chin. This move allows you to capture his momentum and use it to your advantage.

4. Push the palm of your hand into your opponent's chin until he falls back

Tips & Warnings

• The goal is to use the other person's strength and reaction against him. You want your opponent's posture and balance to be broken while maintaining your own balance.
• Always counterstrike instead of simply redirecting your opponent's strike. If you don't, your attacker maintains his balance and can easily try to hit you again.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!