Tenkan Undo

Video Transcript

"We've discussed the wrist stretches. Now, I'm going to show you some principles of motion that I like to practice in my Aikido. And, this is what I teach all the basics all the beginners. Everybody works on this from the white belt all the way up to the third, forth, fifth degree black belt. What I will do is, this is called Tenkan Undo. And Tenkan means to turn. I'll start with my left foot forward and my right hand out, opposite hand and foot. I've already turned my wrist, so it's got a nice gentle curve. It's not out straight. It's not locked. It's not anything like this. It's got a nice gentle curve just like this about belt height. What I want to do now, is take a step underneath this hand. And, since my hand is turning this way turn and face it. Just like this. And, I do this with a count. One, two. One, two. The other thing I will do, is as I do this this hand comes up for protection. I don't want to just leave my face exposed, ever. So, as I do this this hand comes up for protection. Then, I switch here. A good illustration of the Tenkan Undo. Come over this way, Kantate Osa. So, from here what I'm going to do opposite hand and foot. Step underneath it and turn. My Uke will come around beside me to complete this drill. Keep my hand up, in case he tries to grab me or strike me or do anything else. One, two. One-two-three-four."