The 4 Points Of "Awase" - No Contact Aikido Bokken Practice

The 4 Points Of Awase - Aiki-Ken Tutorial | In this Aikido Bokken tutorial Miles Kessler Sensei (6th dan Aikikai) teaches the 4 points of "awase" (blending) in no contact Aikido bokken practice. For more on this "Aikido Bokken Tutorial go to www.theintegraldojo.com

[@oosmanbeekawoo]

Actually, this concept of Awase is pertinent to all martial arts that practice ‘Bunkai’ like Karate and Jū-Jutsu. Your movements have to match the opponent's to execute the applications of the technique perfectly.

[@nickregnier1]

Thanks Miles for sharing this video. One thing that I would say, which is the most important point, Blending begins with the hips. Moving in Migi Hanmi aside is done with the hips moving the right leg to the side (not yet fully on the ground) with heels slightly up. If the foot is positioned flat onto the ground too early, you are moving off line to quickly and Uke can redirect the attack to where you are moving... I have done a video on this very specific point: ruclips.net/video/3efzxT2EhWE/видео.html . Your video is nevertheless interesting to watch and you are giving another dimension to Awase blend. Thanks for sharing it.

[@IntegralDojoTV]

HI Nick, well, eventually these 4 points, as well as the hips are all simultaneous. The above video is a basic way of teaching awase. When the awase is off, it is usually in one of these for places (movement of the hands, the feet, in the timing, or in the rhythm). These are four points that beginners can grasp. And to be fair, I see many non-beginners missing these points as well.
Ultimately, at the most advanced level it is an issue of connection. When in deep connection with the other, then Awase comes naturally. But to get to that point, synchronizing these 4 points are the steps to take. If you do not have synchronization, there will be no connection, nor integration.
As to your point, the only way we can deeply connect with another, is if we are deeply centered. You mention the hips, but I prefer the term center because it is more internal then the term "hips." But I think we are referring to the same thing.
The only way a p[erson can effectively move from their center is if they are relaxed and the center is connected to the ground. SO I get what you mean by "awase begins from the hips", but I prefer to say only when the center is relaxed and connected to the ground can we begin to blend spontaneously and synchronistic.
So not "from the hips", but rather from the ground, and through the center (hips).
From a teaching point of view, when teaching to;
1) Beginner students: synchronize the 4 points to belnd
2) Intermediate students (when the 4 points are solid): blend from the ground through the center
3) Advanced students (when the center is integrated and online): just deeply connect and allow your body to spontaneously blend

[@nickregnier1]

@@IntegralDojoTV Hello Miles, thank you for your time to respond. I agree with your points and I mentioned hips which is what you are also referring about center and being relaxed. There was a crucial point I made in the video that I shared that the placement of the right foot cannot be with moving the body weight to the side where the right foot is going as it would 'indicate Uke' where Tori is moving to. When Uke holds the ken above the head, he can move direction and if Tori is already committed to going to the right, Uke could strike where Tori is moving to, which would create an issue. The only reason that Tori is able to do it is because Uke is agreeing to cut where Tori 'was'. So in my video, I explained cautiously that it is only when Uke is beginning to cut down that he is unable to change the direction of the cut so it is only when Tori should move off line not before! The right foot steps aside but the body remains in the same line of attack so Uke believes he can complete the cut where Tori is standing.... This certainly good to bear in mind! Thank you.

[@JustMe-vz3wd]

I apreciate calling it hips. of course, everything comes from the center, the hara, the tanden. But calling it "the hips" just seems so more understandable. "move your hips" is more easily picked up than a "move from your center".
Good bokken tutorial. Had to look many unsatisfying bokken videos until i found this one.