Difference between revisions of "Tenkan"

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PLaceholder!!!
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'''Tenkan''' (literally: “convert/divert”) is the trick behind most [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikido aikidō] techniques. Essentially a step-pivot, tenkan efficiently and gracefully converts a opponent’s linear motion into circular motion, disrupting their balance and driving takedowns, like [[Kote-gaeshi|kote-gaeshi]] and [[Irimi-nage|irimi-nage]]. Tenkan can also be used to quickly get behind an opponent, to set up [[Shihō-nage|shihō-nage]], the [[Irimi hold|irimi hold]], and other techniques. While tenkan is not a normal part of [[Goshin-Jutsu]], its [[Manipulations_and_Takedowns|aikijutsu]] techniques work best within their original framework. To tenkan:
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#Step out into a [[Sanchin dachi|sanchin dachi]], “pre-loading” your lead leg to prevent twisting it at the end. ''(This can be a small step.)''
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#With your lead leg as a fixed pivot, rotate your rear leg behind you, and enter a [[Front stance|front stance]]. The exact amount of rotation is a point of contention within the martial arts community:
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#*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshinkan Yoshinkan] stylists believe that a tenkan should only turn 95°; this is the minimum rotation needed to produce the desired effect, so anything more is wasted motion.
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#*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikikai Aikikai] stylists believe that a tenkan should turn 180°; this is the maximum stable tenkan, so it optimizes the technique’s power.
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#*[[Goshin-Jutsu]] stylists go with whatever works; we see [[Manipulations_and_Takedowns|takedowns]] as a means to an end.
  
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Practice tenkan until it becomes elegant and hypnotic. 
  
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[video of tenkan, back and forth, fast and slow, from the front and the side. ]
 
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Latest revision as of 11:39, 4 February 2021

Tenkan (literally: “convert/divert”) is the trick behind most aikidō techniques. Essentially a step-pivot, tenkan efficiently and gracefully converts a opponent’s linear motion into circular motion, disrupting their balance and driving takedowns, like kote-gaeshi and irimi-nage. Tenkan can also be used to quickly get behind an opponent, to set up shihō-nage, the irimi hold, and other techniques. While tenkan is not a normal part of Goshin-Jutsu, its aikijutsu techniques work best within their original framework. To tenkan:

  1. Step out into a sanchin dachi, “pre-loading” your lead leg to prevent twisting it at the end. (This can be a small step.)
  2. With your lead leg as a fixed pivot, rotate your rear leg behind you, and enter a front stance. The exact amount of rotation is a point of contention within the martial arts community:
    • Yoshinkan stylists believe that a tenkan should only turn 95°; this is the minimum rotation needed to produce the desired effect, so anything more is wasted motion.
    • Aikikai stylists believe that a tenkan should turn 180°; this is the maximum stable tenkan, so it optimizes the technique’s power.
    • Goshin-Jutsu stylists go with whatever works; we see takedowns as a means to an end.

Practice tenkan until it becomes elegant and hypnotic.

[video of tenkan, back and forth, fast and slow, from the front and the side. ]