Aikido Techniques for Foot Movement

Series Summary

Aikido, the modern Japanese martial art, was developed between the 1920s and 1960s and emphasizes the spiritual and philosophical development of its students. This development of spirituality and philosophical belief is directly derived from Shinto and Buddhism. The name ‘aikido’ comes directly from three Japanese characters that stand for ‘matching,’ ‘spirit,’ and ‘way.’ Aikido is meant to distract or immobilize, not kill or permanently damage the attacker. Aikido fighters are thus demonstrating an effective but merciful response. Ueshiba (the Great Teacher of aikido) declared: To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace. In this free video series on aikido techniques, third-degree black belt and aikido instructor Dr. Jeff Albright teaches basic throws to defend against grabs and overhead strikes. Dr. Albright gives instructions for self-defense from same-side and cross-side wrist grabs, including simple throws and blending breath throws. He also demonstrates great aikido techniques for defending against overhead attacks without injuring the attacker.

Video Transcript

"So you're just going to grab, step and slide. Okay. All we're going to do is bring our fingers to our bellybutton, pivot, and slide. Let's try to use all of this over here, thanks guys. Good, good. Good, there you go. Good job."