03/24/2026
This post is to collect my thoughts for my classes on the weekend. I will use Niten Ichi Ryu, not to offer the uninitiated lessons in the seiho, or even the initiated for that matter as if you are not my student I am not invested in your practice (just saying)
In the world of Japanese budo we have a form of practice called seiho 勢法 in Niten, kata 型 in Hozoin Ryu, kata 形 in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu and waza 技 in Yoshinkan aikido. They are not stories or what if scenarios, they are carefully thought out and taught in a fashion to rewire the mind and nervous system to fit the riai 理合 (the logic) of that school. In other words seiho, kata and waza are vessels to hold the logic of the school. I will use 9 techniques from Niten to illustrate my point, but although I am using Niten the same principle applies to the other schools. I will add one more thing, knowing one technique from the school does not inform you about the school. The sum of all the techniques in the school create the logic of said school, one question from one technique is probably answered in another technique.
In Niten we have several sets, I will use the first three techniques from three sets to explain a concept (not teach the complete concept of said techniques). Tachi seiho 太刀勢法, kodachi seiho 小太刀勢法 and Nito seiho 二刀勢法 first technique is sassen 指先 in tachi and kodachi and chudan 中段 (円相之構) in Nito. These are exactly the same technique, even if in Nito they don’t look the same. When uchitachi 打太刀 approaches sh*tachi 仕太刀 they must be aware of the dangers of approaching someone in a single handed gedan, what is open on themselves, this will effect the timing and distance and uchitachi should encourage sh*tachi by using the correct timing, distance and cadence.
Next is hasso ハ相 (left and right) in tachi seiho, chudan 中段 in kodachi seiho and Jodan 上段 (火之構) in nito seiho, these are also exactly the same technique. Uchitachi approaches shidachi differently in these forms because the threat is different, therefore the timing, distance and cadence are slightly different to the first technique, a little closer and slightly quicker.
The third technique is uke nagashi 受流 (left and right) in tachi seiho, uke nagashi 受流 in kodachi seiho and gedan 下段 (慄然) in nito seiho, these are also the same techniques. What is different in the approach from this technique and the first technique, especially since sh*tachi is in a single handed gedan in tachi and kodachi? Uchitachi shortens the timing, in other words the attack comes quicker! It’s not the same timing or cadence as the first one so it is teaching a different lesson.
Yoshinkan aikido is the same! What makes the difference between ikkajo 一ヶ条, nikajo 二ヶ条 and sankajo 三ヶ条 to name only a few? The movement of uke 受け creates the difference. Uke moves in a fashion that logically creates ikkajo, nikajo and sankajo, sh*te 仕手 doesn’t decide to force the technique, they flow with the most logical movement that invites that particular technique and uke most definitely does not stand there like a sandbag waiting for something to happen to them. This practice of waiting is what makes the practical aspect of aikido difficult to apply. I have had the great fortune of my profession to use what I have learned numerous times and it’s the flow of movement that has been burned into the body through countless hours of practice that has allowed me to effectively use the techniques learned.
Your mind and body should learn to read the cues of distance, timing, pressure, cadence to unconsciously apply the kata, seiho, waza learned in class!
