Iriminage - Shomenuchikomi (1) - Standing

Aspect	Description
Japanese	入身投げ 正面打ち込み（１）立ち技
Translation	Entering-body throw from committed overhead strike (method 1), standing
Classification	Nage-waza (Throwing techniques) > Iriminage series > Shomenuchikomi variations

Overview

Shomenuchikomi Iriminage (1) is the first of three advanced shomenuchi iriminage variations where you enter directly to opponent's rear as they strike, with minimal deflection. The "komi" (込み - committed/incoming) indicates the opponent's strike is committed and you enter during its execution.

This method demonstrates deep, direct irimi (entering) - stepping behind opponent with your left foot as they strike, grabbing collar, and throwing without extensive preliminary movements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Source: Takemusu Aikido Volume 2, Pages 154-155

[1] [2] Direct Entry to Rear

• When your partner steps forward with her right foot to strike your forehead
• Enter to her rear with your left foot

Key characteristic: Direct entry, no deflection shown

[3] Control from Behind

• Grab the back of your partner's collar with your left hand
• Pull her towards your chest

[4] [5] Step Through and Throw

• Step through with your right foot
• At the same time, throw your partner as though pushing her neck down with your inside right elbow
• Put power into your fingertips and turn your arm inward

Kuden (口伝) - Oral Teachings

The Tachidori Mindset

From Volume 2 (Page 154):

"Many people forget their right hand and leave it behind when they try to evade the attack. Be sure to apply this technique in the same manner as when executing tachidori (sword-taking techniques) and be careful not to allow your hand to be cut."

Critical teaching:

• Think of opponent's strike as sword
• If your right hand stays in path, it gets cut
• Must move entire body, including right hand
• Tachidori mindset is essential

This is not abstract:

• In real sword encounter, forgetting hand = losing hand
• Train with that reality
• Every movement must account for blade
• No careless motion

Pull Collar to Chest

From Volume 2 (Page 154):

"Grab the back of your partner's collar with your left hand and pull her towards your chest."

Universal iriminage principle:

• Collar connects to your center
• Pull to chest, not hold away
• This control is essential

Riai (理合) - Sword Connection

Pure Tachidori Application

From Volume 2 (Page 154):

"Be sure to apply this technique in the same manner as when executing tachidori (sword-taking techniques)."

This IS tachidori:

• Opponent's hand IS a sword
• Your entry must work against blade
• Can't be careless with hand position
• Must move to dead angle

Direct Irimi Against Sword Strike

Entering directly behind attacking opponent mirrors:

• Sword combat timing
• Moving during their cut
• Entering to position where their sword can't reach
• Decisive timing

The Right Hand Problem

The warning about "forgetting right hand":

• In sword combat, staying hand gets cut off
• Must protect all parts of body
• Can't focus only on entry, forget extremities
• Complete awareness required

Technical Details

The Direct Entry

Photo ❶❷:

• Partner steps forward with right foot
• Strikes overhead (shomenuchi)
• You enter to rear with left foot
• No shown deflection or parry

Direct entry means:

• Timing is critical
• Must enter during strike
• Not after strike completes
• Requires confidence and precision

Protecting the Right Hand

Critical but not shown explicitly:

• Right hand must move with you
• Can't leave it in striking path
• Bring it safely as you enter
• Full body movement

Common error:

• Focus on footwork
• Forget right hand
• Hand stays in opponent's cutting path
• Would be cut in real encounter

Behind Opponent

Photo ❸:

• You're behind partner's right side
• Their back is toward you
• Dead angle position
• They can't strike you

Collar Grab

Photo ❸:

• Left hand grabs collar from behind
• Standard iriminage control
• Pull to your chest
• Maintain connection

The Throw

Photo ❹❺:

• Right foot steps through
• Right inner elbow to neck
• Power in fingertips
• Turn arm inward

Same throwing mechanism as all iriminage

Common Mistakes

1. Forgetting Right Hand (Most Critical)

• Error: Leaving right hand in striking path
• Correction: Move entire body including right hand
• Teaching: "Many people forget their right hand and leave it behind"
• Reality: In sword encounter, this loses the hand

2. Entering After Strike Completes

• Error: Waiting for strike to finish
• Correction: Enter DURING the strike
• Timing: This is "komi" - entering the incoming attack

3. Hesitant Entry

• Error: Cautious, testing entry
• Correction: Committed, decisive entry to rear
• Requirement: Must reach dead angle completely

4. Not Pulling Collar to Chest

• Error: Holding collar away from body
• Correction: Pull to chest
• Universal: All iriminage require this

5. No Power in Fingertips

• Error: Using only elbow
• Correction: "Put power into your fingertips"
• Teaching: Fingertip power essential for all iriminage

6. Missing Tachidori Mindset

• Error: Casual movement, not accounting for sword
• Correction: Every movement assumes opponent has blade
• Training: This mental framework is essential

Relationship to Other Shomenuchikomi

Three Shomenuchikomi Methods

Method 1 (This technique):

• Direct entry to rear
• Minimal shown technique
• Emphasis on tachidori mindset
• Protecting right hand

Method 2: Iriminage - Shomenuchikomi (2)

• Initiates to draw block
• Uses ki no myoyo (subtle use of ki)
• More sophisticated timing

Method 3: Iriminage - Shomenuchikomi (3)

• Enter without withdrawing or touching
• "Silent sword" example
• Highest level timing

All three show progressive sophistication in timing and principle.

Versus Basic Shomenuchi Iriminage

Basic shomenuchi: Iriminage - Shomenuchi

• Clear staged movements
• Atemi to side
• Cut down opponent's hand
• Grab collar
• Throw

Shomenuchikomi (1):

• Direct entry during strike
• Less staged
• More timing-dependent
• Advanced application

Training Progression

Prerequisites

• Solid proficiency in basic shomenuchi iriminage
• Understanding of tachidori
• Confidence in timing
• Ability to commit to deep entry

Kotai (固体 - Solid Practice)

• Partner completes full strike
• Practice direct entry slowly
• Conscious attention to right hand position
• Build deep entry confidence

Jutai (柔体 - Soft Practice)

• Partner strikes with power
• Enter earlier in strike
• Increase speed
• Maintain tachidori awareness

Ryutai (流体 - Flowing Practice)

• Entry happens during strike initiation
• Timing becomes natural
• Full tachidori mindset integrated

Related Techniques

Other Shomenuchikomi

• Iriminage - Shomenuchikomi (2) - Ki no myoyo method
• Iriminage - Shomenuchikomi (3) - Silent sword method

Basic Version

• Iriminage - Shomenuchi - Staged basic form

Tachidori Connection

• All tachidori techniques share this mindset
• Sword-taking requires same awareness
• Same principles of timing and position

Sources

Primary Sources

• Takemusu Aikido Volume 2 (Pages 154-155): Complete step-by-step with critical commentary on tachidori mindset and right hand awareness

Notes

The Forgotten Right Hand

This teaching about forgetting the right hand is crucial:

• Reflects real training error
• Common mistake even for experienced practitioners
• Focus on footwork → forget hand
• In real sword situation = serious injury

Saito Sensei specifically warns about this because:

• He saw this error frequently
• It's dangerous habit
• Must be corrected early
• Fundamental to proper technique

Tachidori as Universal Mindset

The instruction to apply "same manner as tachidori":

• Not just for this technique
• Universal principle for all techniques
• Every attack should be treated as if it's a sword
• This mindset creates proper seriousness

When training always assumes sword:

• Movements become precise
• No careless actions
• Proper respect for attack
• Real martial effectiveness

"Komi" Indicates Commitment

The word "komi" (込み):

• Means "incoming" or "committed"
• Indicates strike is fully committed
• You enter during that commitment
• Different from preparatory stage

This distinguishes from basic form:

• Basic: Enter after receiving/deflecting
• Komi: Enter during the attack itself

Direct Entry Advanced Timing

The direct entry requires:

• Perfect timing
• Confidence
• Understanding of ma-ai (distance)
• No hesitation

This is why it's taught after basic form:

• Basic builds foundation
• Komi develops timing
• Can't rush to advanced timing

The Complete Body Movement

"Forgetting right hand" reflects larger principle:

• Must move entire body
• Can't move only feet
• Can't focus on one element and forget others
• Complete, integrated movement

This applies beyond right hand:

• Every part moves together
• Nothing left behind
• Total commitment
• Complete technique

Why Three Shomenuchikomi?

Having three methods shows:

1. Direct entry (Method 1)
2. Draw and enter (Method 2)
3. Enter without contact (Method 3)

Together they cover:

• Different timing levels
• Different principles
• Progressive sophistication
• Complete understanding of irimi

Application Beyond Training

While training uses shomenuchi attack:

• Principles apply to any overhead strike
• Weapon or empty hand
• Baseball bat, stick, etc.
• Tachidori mindset makes it real

The training form is specific but principles are universal.