Aikido Techniques

Aikido Attack and Defence Exercise

Exercise: Click on an Aikido attack on the left. A corresponding defence technique will appear on the right. Go through the technique step by step in your mind.

Some combinations may not be realistic or possible — recognising this is part of the training. If you are unsure, ask an instructor or training partner. The aim of this exercise is to develop your ability to rehearse movement mentally and deepen your understanding of technique.

Click an attack on the left → a defence appears on the right → visualise the movement.

Attack Techniques

Choose an attack

1. Ai-Hanmi Katate-Tori (Wrist Grab) – Same stance wrist grab. Both partners stand with the same foot forward, and the attacker grips one wrist.
2. Gyaku-Hanmi Katate-Tori (Wrist Grab) – Opposite stance wrist grab. The partners stand with opposite feet forward, and the wrist is seized across the centre line.
3. Kata-Tori (Shoulder Grab) – The attacker grabs the shoulder firmly, usually to control posture, balance, or movement.
4. Mune-Tori (Chest / Lapel Grab) – A grab to the chest or lapel area, often used to off-balance, restrain, or prepare for a follow-up strike.
5. Shomen-Uchi (Front Strike) – A vertical downward strike aimed at the front of the head, like a sword cut coming straight down.
6. Yokomen-Uchi (Side Strike) – A diagonal strike to the side of the head or neck, travelling in a curved line from the outside.
7. Chudan-Tsuki (Mid-level Punch) – A direct punch aimed at the middle of the body, usually toward the stomach, ribs, or solar plexus.
8. Ushiro-Katate-Eri-Tori (Rear Collar Grab) – From behind, the attacker grabs the collar with one hand while controlling from the rear position.
9. Katate-Ryote-Tori – The attacker uses both hands to grab one of the defender’s wrists, creating strong forward control on one side.
10. Ryote-Tori – Both of the defender’s wrists are grabbed, one in each of the attacker’s hands, restricting movement on both sides.
11. Ryote-Hiji-Tori – Both elbows are grabbed, limiting arm movement and making posture control more difficult.
12. Ryokata-Tori – Both shoulders are seized at the same time, often to immobilise the upper body or push the defender off balance.
13. Ushiro-Ryote-Tori – From behind, both wrists are grabbed, creating a strong restraining attack from the rear.
14. Ushiro-Kata-Tori – From behind, one or both shoulders are grabbed to control posture and block turning.
15. Ushiro-Ryokata-Tori – From behind, both shoulders are gripped, fixing the upper body and limiting escape or rotation.
16. Ushiro-Kubi-Shime-Katate-Tori – From behind, the attacker applies a neck choke while also controlling one wrist, combining strangulation and restraint.

Defence Techniques

A random technique will be highlighted

1. Ikkyo – A control technique where the arm is guided downward and pinned.
2. Nikyo – A wrist rotation technique that creates strong pressure and control.
3. Sankyo – A spiralling arm control affecting the entire body.
4. Yonkyo – A pressure-point control applied to the forearm.
5. Gokyo – A variation of Ikkyo, often used against knife attacks.
6. Irimi-Nage – Entering behind the attacker and throwing using body movement.
7. Tenchi-Nage – “Heaven and Earth” throw using opposing arm directions.
8. Shiho-Nage – “Four-direction” throw with arm rotation and control.
9. Kote-Gaeshi – Outward wrist turn leading to a throw.
10. Kaiten-Nage – Rotational throw guiding the attacker in a circular motion.
11. Juji-Garami – Cross-arm lock for controlling the opponent.
12. Koshi-Nage – Hip throw similar to Judo techniques.
13. Kokyu-Nage – Breath-powered throw using fluid movement.
14. Ude-Garami – Arm entanglement lock for control.
15. Soto-Kaiten-Nage – Outer rotational throw.
16. Uchi-Kaiten-Nage – Inner rotational throw.

Aikido Techniques Video Guide

Explore the core Aikido techniques below. Each section includes the name of the technique, a short explanation, and a video link. The videos help you review the movement, structure, and flow of each technique in a clear and practical way.