Iriminage - Katatedori Gedan (Lower Level)

Aspect Description
Japanese 入身投げ 片手取り下段立ち技
Translation Entering-body throw from single-hand grab, lower level, standing
Classification Nage-waza (Throwing techniques) > Iriminage series > Katatedori variations
Alternative Names Katatedori Iriminage (Shita) 片手取り入身投げ（下）

Overview

Katatedori Iriminage Gedan is the lower-level hand release method for iriminage from a wrist grab. It is the second of three methods that O-Sensei taught, paired with Jodan (upper) as contrasting movements to help students understand the full range of release possibilities.

The "lower" (gedan/shita) designation refers to the hand moving downward to release. This method is particularly effective against taller opponents or when the grab is positioned high.

Historical Context

From Takemusu Aikido Volume 2 (Page 174):

"Although the normal order for these three techniques would be upper, middle and lower, the founder taught them in this order: upper, lower, and middle. I think his intention was to have students practice omote and ura—strongly contrasting movements—and then move on to the middle variation."

O-Sensei's pedagogical approach:

  1. First: Jodan (Upper) - extreme upward release
  2. Second: Gedan (Lower) - extreme downward release (opposite)
  3. Third: Chudan (Middle) - moderate release between extremes

By learning the two extremes first, students understand the principles more deeply before refining the middle approach.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Source: Takemusu Aikido Volume 2, Pages 172-173

[1] Initial Grab

When your partner grabs your left hand with her right hand

[2] Step In with Downward Extension

[3] Insert Right Hand and Face Same Direction

Note the contrast with Jodan:

[3'] Hand Release Detail

[4] Step Behind and Control

Critical Detail:

"When you grab her collar with your left hand from behind and also her wrist with your right hand, you should not pull your right hand, but rather extend it when bringing your partner to your chest."

[5] [6] Step Through and Throw

Kuden (口伝) - Oral Teachings

The Downward Extension Principle

From Volume 2 (Page 172):

"Extend your hand downward while facing the same direction as your partner."

This is the defining characteristic of gedan:

Right Hand Position Difference

For Gedan (Lower) Release (Volume 2, Page 174):

"When your partner grabs your hand in katatedori iriminage (shita), insert your right hand in from above and fully extend downward to free it."

Compare to Jodan:

These are exact opposites, which is why O-Sensei taught them as a pair.

The Key: Facing Same Direction

From Volume 2 (Page 172):

"Extend your hand downward while facing the same direction as your partner. When you grab her collar with your left hand from behind and also her wrist with your right hand, you should not pull your right hand, but rather extend it when bringing your partner to your chest."

The same-direction facing principle applies equally to all three methods (jodan, gedan, chudan). This is universal.

Extension, Not Pulling

A critical but subtle point about the wrist control:

"You should not pull your right hand, but rather extend it when bringing your partner to your chest."

This means:

Full Extension Required

From Volume 2 (Page 174):

"Be sure to extend your left arm fully."

As with jodan, half-measures don't work:

Facing Same Direction Is Key to Release

From Volume 2 (Page 174):

"Free your left hand from your partner's grip by extending your hand and facing the same direction as your partner."

Without the same-direction facing:

This is true for all three methods.

Riai (理合) - Sword Connection

Downward Cut Principle

The downward extension mirrors a downward sword cut:

In sword work, you extend through the cut. In gedan iriminage, you extend through the release.

Same Irimi as All Iriminage

The entering behind the opponent is identical to:

The release method changes (up, middle, down), but the irimi principle remains constant.

Hand-over-Forearm Like Overhead Block

The right hand coming over the left forearm is similar to:

This gives structural advantage for the downward extension.

Technical Details

Right Hand Placement

Critical Difference from Jodan:

This creates opposite vectors:

The Downward Vector

When extending downward:

  1. Step in with left foot
  2. Lower your left hand (don't just push down - extend with your whole body lowering slightly)
  3. Right hand presses over from above
  4. Both hands extend outward and down
  5. The grip breaks as you face same direction

Stepping Sequence

Same as Jodan:

  1. Left foot: Step in toward opponent
  2. Body: Turn to face same direction
  3. Left foot again: Deep step behind opponent
  4. Right foot: Step through for throw

Wrist Control After Release

After breaking free, you grab opponent's wrist from below:

Body Position: Same Direction

As with jodan, you must:

Common Mistakes

1. Pulling Hand Away Instead of Extending Down

2. Wrong Right Hand Position

3. Not Facing Same Direction

4. Pulling Wrist After Grab

5. Insufficient Downward Extension

6. Incomplete Body Turn

Relationship to Upper and Middle Variations

Jodan and Gedan as Complementary Pair

O-Sensei taught these two first because they are opposites:

Aspect Jodan (Upper) Gedan (Lower)
Right hand enters From below From above
Extension direction Upward Downward
Left hand position Rises high Extends low
Vector Lifting Pressing down

By practicing both extremes, you understand the principle that works at any height.

Middle (Chudan) Combines Both

After mastering jodan and gedan, chudan becomes natural:

All Three Share Core Principles

Regardless of height (jodan, chudan, gedan), all three require:

  1. Stepping IN toward opponent
  2. Facing same direction
  3. Full 180-degree turn
  4. Complete extension (up, middle, or down)
  5. Same entering behind for throw
  6. Same collar grab and throwing mechanism

The only variable is the height and direction of the release.

Choosing Which Method

When to Use Gedan:

When to Use Jodan:

When to Use Chudan:

From Volume 2 (Page 174):

"You release your hand in a high, low or middle position according to the opponent's body type."

The skilled practitioner can use any of the three based on the situation.

Training Progression

Kotai (固体 - Solid Practice)

Jutai (柔体 - Soft Practice)

Ryutai (流体 - Flowing Practice)

Same Attack, Different Releases

Same Principle, Different Attacks

Principle Application

All three katatedori methods demonstrate the same entering principle applied with different release mechanics.

Sources

Primary Sources

Teaching Order Reference

Principle References

Notes

Why Gedan Second, Not Third?

The logical order would be: Upper → Middle → Lower (high to low progression)

O-Sensei taught: Upper → Lower → Middle (extremes first, then moderate)

Pedagogical Reason (Volume 2, Page 174):

"I think his intention was to have students practice omote and ura—strongly contrasting movements—and then move on to the middle variation."

This is classic O-Sensei teaching methodology:

Omote/Ura in Release Methods

Jodan and Gedan can be thought of as omote/ura:

Chudan becomes the neutral point between these two poles.

Extension Principle Universal

Whether extending up (jodan) or down (gedan), the principle is the same:

Extend, don't retract.

This is true for:

Extension creates connection and power. Pulling creates separation and conflict.

The Subtlety of "From Above"

The instruction that the right hand comes "from above" in gedan might seem like a small detail, but it's critical:

Without this detail, the technique becomes much less effective.