02/06/2023
Most Aikido techniques start with a symbolic Atemi, to remind us of its importance.
For me, this post was great because it shows how O-Sensei did it with a closed fist and not open handed as we may see in various schools today.
Atemi should be precise, being done accurately towards the exact target, so if you may need it, it will be efficient and effective and may help you a continued control.
ATEMI
"Smash the opponent in the face." - Morihei Ueshiba, in his 1954 instructional manual "Aikido Maki-no-Ichi"
"... in a real battle, atemi is seventy percent, technique is thirty percent.” - Gozo Shioda
"Atemi accounts for 99% of aikido." was a remark once uttered by the Founder” - Morihiro Saito
"I regard atemi as the soul of Japanese martial arts. Atemi temporarily neutralize the opponent’s fighting ability and allow him to correct his attitude and return to his previous condition." - Shoji Nishio
Although Gozo Shioda spent most of his training time with Morihei Ueshiba in the pre-war period, he was promoted to 9th Dan by Morihei Ueshiba in Iwama in 1961.
The Maki-no-Ichi served as an instructional manual for Morihei Ueshiba in the post-war period, according to both Yasuo Kobayashi and Michio Hikitsuchi.
And Morihiro Saito and Shoji Nishio, who both placed great emphasis on atemi, were two of Morihei Ueshiba's major students through the last years of his life.