Aikido self defense, harmonizing in the same direction with the opponent until his physical balance is compromised and the aikidoka can gain the upper hand.

Aikido self defense practice in a martial art school, beginner aikidoka would practice the basic forms with one partner and this include learning how to react quickly to attack. Aikido self defense movement must be “circular” and not “triangular”, so that the aikidoka is controlled not by strength but by your movement.

Next stage of aikido self defense training is exposing the aikidoka to multiple-attacker circumstances so as to provide a more continuous practice keeping your body constantly moving and not allowing the mind time to think but only for the body to respond.

This practice will show whether the aikidoka are using strength or movement in his aikido self defense and the aikidoka is expected to gain the upper hand over their opponent as quickly as possible while causing the least amount of damage possible to either party.

Aikido self defense if performed correctly, size and strength are not important for the techniques to be effective.

Aikidoka

Much of aikido self defense repertoire of defenses can be performed either as throwing techniques or as pins and are largely designed towards keeping the attacker off balance and locking joints.

1. Shino-nage (four direction throw) - this aikido self defense involve cutting in four directions when your opponent grasps your wrist.
   
   With a spiral movement, you then catch his wrist while at the same time, catch the back of his hand and break his balance to his front.
    
2. Koto-gaeshi (small hand twist) – you apply this aikido self defense when your opponent catches your right wrist with his right hand.
   
   You would grab the top of his hand while at the same time turn ninety degrees to your opposite side so that your opponent will come round in a semi-circle. Now change your direction by going back with your leg, push on the back of his right hand and throw him down.
    
3. Irimi-nage (enter body projection) - this is a special self defense of Aikido is when your opponent catches your right wrist with his right hand.
   
   You step in with your opposite foot into his rear side with your hand encircling his neck. With the advantage of you in the center of the movement, step backward so that he is on the outside circle and pull him into your shoulder. Hook your hand under his chin and throw him down. Never use strength catching him, instead the control comes from your grip on his neck so that he will not be able to resist.
    
4. Kaiten-nage (spiral throw) - this aikido self defense involves a circular movement.
   
   When your opponent attacks, step back slightly with your one of your leg while taking his arm over his head as you escape backwards under his arm. Push forward, thus making an arc while at the same time you catch his wrist. With your hand press upon his neck and you roll him forward.
    
5. Tentchi-nage (heaven and earth throw) - this aikido self defense involves moving in your foot in a zigzag manner to your opponent rear, bring your hand arm under his chin and with your fingers of your hand point directly upwards, throw your opponent down.
    
6. Ikkyo (called the first principle) – this aikido self defense are when your opponent catches your right wrist with his right hand.
   
   Move your opposite leg and hip to the rear while at the same time, your hand catches him just above his elbow thus, pushing back over his head’s as you direct him to the floor. Then pin him down by kneeling with your knee on his armpit and place your the other knee near his wrist. Keep your arms straight and posture upright.
    
7. Nikkyo (called the second principle) - the first part of this aikido self defense technique is the same as Ikkyo – the first principle.
   
   Then catch his finger that is grasping your right wrist, apply the lock by bearing down on the wrist and simultaneously, move your body backwards.
   
   Caution - this aikido technique can be painful to your partner and your partner should tap to indicate submission as is done in the other self defense.
    
8. Sankyo (called the third principle) - In this aikido self defense are when your opponent grasps your right wrist with his right hand and step to your left side.
   
   Turn your body and move under his right arm while at the same time take his left hand with your right. Now twist his right hand up and to the left, while keeping the palm open. Move your hips to the left, cut his right hand down and grasping his elbow with your right hand direct him to the floor. Apply the lock by keeping the elbow straight and face his body when pinning him on the mat.
    
9. Yonkyo (called the fourth principle) – when our opponent grasps your right wrist.
   
   In this aikido self defense, you catch his right hand with your left, twist his wrist with your right hand and put the bottom of your left forefinger on his right pulse. Push upwards his elbow then his shoulder and cut his arm down to the ground. At the same time, step forward with your left foot and pin him down.

In aikido self defense, the techniques related to each part of the body are necessarily related to the whole and is the secret of Aikido in keeping a healthy body.

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