Difference between revisions of "Tenkan"
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| − | '''Tenkan''' (literally: “convert/divert”) is the | + | '''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: |
| − | #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. | + | #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.)'' |
| − | # | + | #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: |
| − | #*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshinkan Yoshinkan] stylists believe that a tenkan should turn 95° | + | #*[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. |
| − | #*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikikai Aikikai] stylists believe that a tenkan should turn 180° | + | #*[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. |
| − | #*[[Goshin-Jutsu]] stylists | + | #*[[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. | ||
| + | [video of tenkan, back and forth, fast and slow, from the front and the side. ] | ||
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{{Navigation}} | {{Navigation}} | ||
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:
- Step out into a sanchin dachi, “pre-loading” your lead leg to prevent twisting it at the end. (This can be a small step.)
- 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. ]
