Video Dictionary of AikidoTerms and Techniques

Here are explanations of basic aikido techniques in video form. All of these and more can be found on our Youtube channel.

Ukemi (Techniques for falling)

In aikido, falling without harm is a fundamental skill to be mastered. Learning aikido involves being thrown as well as throwing. More deeply, though, in aikido, we literally learn "to roll with it." This is aikido, the practice of uniting and flowing with the energy of the world.

-forward rolls

-backward rolls

-roll backs (koho tento undo)

Aiki Taiso (Aikido exercises)

The aiki taiso are exercises that contain the basic motions of aikido. Practicing the aiki taiso are akin to a musician practicing scales.

-fune kogi undo (explanation) -fune kogi undo (example)

-shomen uchi undo (explanation) -shomen uchi undo (example)

-zengo undo (explanation)

-happo undo (explanation)

-tekubi kosa undo (explanation) -tekubi kosa undo (example)

-tekubi joho kosa (explanation) -tekubi joho kosa (example)

-sayu undo (explanation) -sayu undo (example)

Basic Eight

The basic eight are a series that contain a wide variety of aikido techniques. They are intentionally complicated and difficult. By knowing the basic eight, the student has a reference frame for learning aikido. These techniques serve as a gauge for students' progress. They are like a musician's etudes.

Basic Eight 1 Basic Eight 2

Basic Eight 3 Basic Eight 4

Basic Eight 5 Basic Eight 6

Basic Eight 7 Basic Eight 8

Ukemi (Techniques for falling safely)

Forward Roll Backward Roll