Irimi nage
Irimi-nage (entering technique) is one of the more popular techniques or principles taught to beginners. The action of Irimi introduces the novice to the circular movements that are so characteristic to Aikido. But as in all Aikido techniques we must look past the obvious and break down each movement into various elements.
Circular movements, through the laws of physics, creates forces such as centrifugal and it's effect known as centripetal, which when come together can be quite dynamic. Centrifugal forces tends to move away from the center, for example if an object was to spin on it's axis it will generate energy that will radiate from it's center. However, this give rise to the opposing effect known as centripetal which causes an opposite reaction, that is if a force is applied in a circular movement, the energy that is generated is drawn towards the center.
Irimi is the manifestations of these energies. By controlling our partners flow of Ki and redirecting it back to it's point of origin , we can administer the technique of Irimi. Uke and nage create these forces when they break their position of neutrality by acting and reacting to each others movements. Uke's intention to "attack" will set in motion these forces. Nage will meet these forces by entering at an angle, pivoting and blending with Uke's force. Nage harnesses this force and direction and returns it towards Uke's center.
However, performing Irimi nage is not that simple. Breathing, distance and timing are just as important. Uke and Nage's breathing should be in harmony because it can effect the stability of both their movements and posture. Spatial awareness is determined by correct distance and proper timing and can vary from person to person. Experimenting with distance makes us aware of the importance of it's effect on timing.
Speed is another aspect worth mentioning. When Irimi-nage is performed with speed it give an impression of superficial dynamic strength. Speed can hide a lot of fundamental mistakes and stops individuals from progressing. The power generated by Irimi-nage is easily abused by an extrovert display of speed and there is a real risk of injury. Irimi should be practiced with purpose, slowly at first, exploring all the possibilities and potential that is available through the principles that is contained in the technique.
Avoid "clothes- lining" or "decapitating" your partners.....that is not the purpose of Irimi-nage! Don't try to "body-check" or power into your partners as this could prove quite painful and could also lead to a demise of training partners! By the same token, Uke's should not resist or appear rigid as this to can end up a painful experience and is certainly a quick way of loosing one's friends! A Uke must be responsive to the action of Nage without necessary being passive. Both Uke and Nage must be responsible for making the technique work and by mutual corporation to experience the full potential of the movement.
Students should be aware of the Hara, the storage of our Ki energy from which we draw upon in conjunction with Kokyo when performing Aikido techniques. This energy can also be utilized by subtle movements of Nage hips which can control the direction and intensity of Uke's projection. However, it is advisable for Uke to receive Irimi-nage by firstly rolling backwards , then as one's confidence builds up, attempt to take the full dynamic projection.
Although Irimi-nage can be applied as a technique on it's own, in reality it is a method to apply to other Aikido techniques. What we recognize as an Irimi-nage technique can in effect be seen as a Kokyo-nage. Both these techniques are closely related by the principles they share and we must be careful not to isolate them. The principles of Irimi-nage are quite often a requirement to enhance the other principles that are represented by the Ikkyo's Nikkyo's, etc. It is all to easy to label a movement because it put emphasis on certain points and forget to realize that Aikido movements contains elements from different techniques.
Beginners may find it hard to appreciate the full meaning of Irimi-nage but as they gain the necessary experience they will understand it's importance. The variations of Irimi-nage are limitless, but very often just practicing the simplest movements can satisfy most peoples needs and it is always a joy to watch to people, totally engrossed, entwining and weaving in a space that generates so much raw energy. For those who don't understand Aikido, Irimi-nage's will become a boring exercise, just to be performed because it is a requirement of the discipline.
"It is the function of creative men to perceive the relations between thoughts, or things, or forms of expressions that may seem utterly different, and to be able to combine them into some new force - the power to connect the seemingly unconnected." [William Plomer]
"He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened"
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