Difference between revisions of "Tenkan"
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| − | '''Tenkan''' (literally: “convert/divert”) is the simple yet devastating trick behind most [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikido aikidō] techniques. Essentially a step-pivot, tenkan efficiently and gracefully converts the opponent’s linear motion into circular motion, disrupting their balance to drive 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 [[Kokyūhō|kokyūhō]], [[Shihō-nage|shihō-nage]], the [[Irimi pin|irimi pin]], and other techniques. While tenkan is not a normal part of [[Goshin-Jutsu]], | + | '''Tenkan''' (literally: “convert/divert”) is the simple yet devastating trick behind most [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikido aikidō] techniques. Essentially a step-pivot, tenkan efficiently and gracefully converts the opponent’s linear motion into circular motion, disrupting their balance to drive 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 [[Kokyūhō|kokyūhō]], [[Shihō-nage|shihō-nage]], the [[Irimi pin|irimi pin]], and other techniques. While tenkan is not a normal part of [[Goshin-Jutsu]], [[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. | ||
| − | #Using your lead leg as a fixed pivot, rotate your rear leg behind you, and enter a [[Front stance|front stance]]. The amount | + | #Using your lead leg as a fixed pivot, rotate your rear leg behind you, and enter a [[Front stance|front stance]]. The amount you should rotate 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°; since that is the minimum rotation needed to produce the desired effect, | + | #*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshinkan Yoshinkan] stylists believe that a tenkan should turn 95°; since that is the minimum rotation needed to produce the desired effect, anything beyond that is wasted motion. |
#*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikikai Aikikai] stylists believe that a tenkan should turn 180°; since that is the maximum you can stably rotate, it optimizes the technique’s power. | #*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikikai Aikikai] stylists believe that a tenkan should turn 180°; since that is the maximum you can stably rotate, it optimizes the technique’s power. | ||
[[Goshin-Jutsu]] stylists are more concerned with getting [[Manipulations_and_Takedowns|takedowns]] to work, since we see them as just a means to an end. Practice tenkan back and forth, until it becomes elegant, and almost hypnotic. | [[Goshin-Jutsu]] stylists are more concerned with getting [[Manipulations_and_Takedowns|takedowns]] to work, since we see them as just a means to an end. Practice tenkan back and forth, until it becomes elegant, and almost hypnotic. | ||
Revision as of 21:29, 9 November 2019
Tenkan (literally: “convert/divert”) is the simple yet devastating trick behind most aikidō techniques. Essentially a step-pivot, tenkan efficiently and gracefully converts the opponent’s linear motion into circular motion, disrupting their balance to drive takedowns, like kote-gaeshi and irimi-nage. Tenkan can also be used to quickly get behind an opponent, to set up kokyūhō, shihō-nage, the irimi pin, and other techniques. While tenkan is not a normal part of Goshin-Jutsu, 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.
- Using your lead leg as a fixed pivot, rotate your rear leg behind you, and enter a front stance. The amount you should rotate is a point of contention within the martial arts community:
- Yoshinkan stylists believe that a tenkan should turn 95°; since that is the minimum rotation needed to produce the desired effect, anything beyond that is wasted motion.
- Aikikai stylists believe that a tenkan should turn 180°; since that is the maximum you can stably rotate, it optimizes the technique’s power.
Goshin-Jutsu stylists are more concerned with getting takedowns to work, since we see them as just a means to an end. Practice tenkan back and forth, until it becomes elegant, and almost hypnotic.
[video of tenkan, back and forth, fast and slow, from the front and the side. ]
