Side Off Balance

Side Off Balance Means that Nage steps off to the side of the line of the attack. This occurs in two of the formal basic movements. These are Tenshim and Ushiro. It also occurs in some attacks and many counters to throws. For static situations the step is nearly at a right angle. For much of formal practice the step is at about a 45 degree angle but this assumes a dynamic attack.

Tenhsim

Fig. 1 1st Step of Tenshim		Fig. 2 2nd Step of Tenshim

Tenshim is a step back rather than an entry. One might want to step back because of the position of the attackers or other tactical reasons. One might also want to step back so that it is obvious to observers who is making the attack and who is acting in self-defense. Tenshim works the same way as the other Off Balance moves. Nage's feet are put in a position that makes it difficult for Uke to step to maintain balance. Then Nage rotates Uke around Nage, extending Uke's upper body to the side of Uke's line of balance causing Uke to fall.

Each of my three instructors has done Tenshim differently. The critical factor is that Nage is standing so that Uke's back foot cannot step forward. A strike to Uke's face helps this but if Uke can step forward the strike can be easily and devastatingly countered. The Aikikuta style is a little unique in that we try to take Uke straight to the ground without any dancing around. The example should help in understanding this.

Example, Tenshim

Movie of Tenshim.

Fig. 3 Start of Tenshim		Fig. 4 1st Step Forward		Fig. 5 2nd Step Back

Fig. 6 Wrap Uke Around Nage		Fig. 7 Pin Uke

The critical points are:

1. In Fig. 3 the partners are too close together so that there will be enough room on the mat. This kept the 1st step from being perfect Kata form. The distance should be such that the extended hands do not touch.

2. In Fig. 4 Nage's lead hand comes up towards Uke's face just as in the Entry Strike although because Nage does not enter there is usually no strike.

3. As Nage steps back from Fig. 4 Nage's lead hand (left in this case) catches Uke's forearm and Nage's other hand (right in this case) catches around Uke's elbow. Nage's right hand also strikes at Uke's face. Nage's shoulders must be very relaxed for up and down movement.

4. In Fig. 5 Nage's step back pulls Uke in. Notice that Nage's right foot is in a position that limits Uke's forward step.

5. Nage continues to wrap Uke around Nage and Uke hits the mat in Fig. 6. It is extremely important to pull up on Uke's arm to protect Uke. The fall can be very hard even on our 3 inch soft mats. The pull also helps to flip Uke over.

6. In Fig. 7 Uke has been flipped over and placed in an arm pin.

7. Many dojos practice something more complex as Tenshim. This is the basic movement. Uke can keep from falling by taking a large step forward that puts Uke beside Nage with Uke's back to Nage. Nage then has to counter that move. This technique, counter and counter of the counter is what clubs frequently practice. All of this is very difficult and confusing if the first step is not executed correctly.

Ushiro Defense Off Balance

Fig. 8 1st Step of Ushiro		Fig. 9 2nd Step of Ushiro

1. The partners start in Ai-Hammi. This picture does not show Uke's movement but Uke tries to step behind Nage while pulling on Nage. Nage's back foot steps forward near the front foot as Nage turns to keep facing Uke coming in behind Nage.

2. In Fig. 9 Nage's right foot takes a large step back to throw Uke. This looks like several of the previous moves, particularly Tenshim.

3. This is a simple system and there are really very few different movements. The difference between Ushiro and Tenshim is just direction with respect to Uke. In Tenshim if Nage's step back pulls Uke around Uke's back comes toward Nage. In Ushiro if Uke manages to step around Uke's front comes toward Nage. Otherwise it is the same.

4. Many people who do Tenshim and Ushiro do something much more complex. This is the basic movement. It should be learned first. If Uke manages to do the counter to these movements then Nage does the counter to the counter. That is a common practice. That practice does not make much sense if Nage does not do the first step correctly.

Example, Ushiro Defense

Movie of Ushiro Defense.

Fig. 10 Start of Ushiro Defense		Fig. 11 Entry Kuta Strike		Fig. 12 1st Ushiro Step

1. Fig. 10 shows the start position. Again partners start with enough distance that their weapons will not touch. Usually in formal practice Uke just grabs Nage's wrist to stabilize and pull Nage as Uke comes around behind Uke. In this sequence the more dynamic practice of having Uke strike to force Nage's arm out so that Uke can grab Nage.

2. Fig. 11 shows Nage's first step and the entry strike to stop Uke's attack.

3. In Fig. 12 Nage steps in as a response to Uke's pull. This starts the Tornado Spin and gets Nage out of Uke's attack. This is the 1st step of the Spin.

   Fig. 13 2nd Ushiro Step		Fig. 14 Spin and Pin

4. Fig. 13 shows Nage's large step out to the side as Uke comes in. This strengthens the Tornado Twist and keep Nage ahead of Uke's attack.

5. In Fig. 14 Nage spins and pins Uke.