aikido weapons Overview

Below are the guidelines for what is expected to be known and demonstrated for each level of the weapons curriculum.

shoden: Foundations

Builds competency in weapons handling and begins the development of paired interactions. Proper formation and maintenance of grips, strikes, and body integration are essential.

tanto

• 2 basic tanto dori

bokken

• 8-count suburi

• 4 kiri-kaeshi

• 5 kumi tachi

jyo

• 36 jyo basics

• Sansho I (Part A)

Chuden: intermediate

Expands on the basic foundation by increasing the required volume of knowledge and building confidence in increasingly dynamic encounters. With basic handling solidified, greater emphasis is placed on your ability to freely express solid basics within more fluid and intense situations.

tanto

• 2 basic tanto dori

• Techniques demonstrating retention

bokken

• 5 kumitachi

• 3 kiri otoshi

jyo

• Sansho II

• Sansho III

• 3 basic jyo-dori and 3 basic retention techniques

okuden: mastery

Use of all weapons has become second nature, and knowledge of all basic forms and principles is required. Free-form applications are explored in depth, and there is comfort at any intensity level. Relationships across multiple weapons are understood more deeply, and a truly creative practice can begin in earnest.

prepared demonstration

A demonstration of all accumulated skills, forms, retention and seizure, and crossover relationships will be prepared by the student.