Iriminage - Shomenuchikomi (2) - Standing

Aspect Description
Japanese 入身投げ 正面打ち込み（２）立ち技
Translation Entering-body throw from committed overhead strike (method 2), standing
Classification Nage-waza (Throwing techniques) > Iriminage series > Shomenuchikomi variations

Overview

Shomenuchikomi Iriminage (2) is the second advanced shomenuchi iriminage variation, demonstrating "ki no myoyo" (subtle use of ki). You initiate by striking toward opponent's face to draw out their blocking response, then evade their blocking hand without touching it and enter behind them.

This technique exemplifies O-Sensei's teaching on the "silent sword" - cutting without being cut, moving without being touched.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Source: Takemusu Aikido Volume 2, Pages 156-157

[1] [2] Initiate to Draw Response

Key: YOU initiate, drawing their response

[3] Evade and Enter

Critical: Evade WITHOUT touching their hand

[4] [5] Grab Collar and Throw

Kuden (口伝) - Oral Teachings

Initiating the Technique

From Volume 2 (Page 156):

"Be sure to initiate the technique. You should move in such a way as to entice your partner to block your hand. You should never touch her hand."

Three critical points:

  1. You initiate - don't wait for attack
  2. Entice the block - draw out their response
  3. Never touch - evade without contact

This is sophisticated timing and principle.

Ki no Myoyo

From Volume 2 (Page 156):

"This technique is an example of what the founder called 'the subtle use of ki' and also the 'silent sword.'"

Ki no myoyo (気の妙用):

This means:

Silent sword (音無しの剣 - otonashi no ken):

Withdrawing Right Hand

From Volume 2 (Page 156):

"Evade your partner's hand and enter to your partner's rear with your left foot. Be sure to withdraw your right hand to the rear."

Critical detail:

Riai (理合) - Sword Connection

The Silent Sword Principle

From Volume 2 (Page 156):

"This technique is an example of what the founder called 'the subtle use of ki' and also the 'silent sword.'"

Silent sword (otonashi no ken) means:

In this technique:

Drawing Out the Parry

In sword combat:

This technique does same:

No Contact Strategy

Advanced sword principle:

This technique embodies that:

Technical Details

The Initiating Strike

Photo ❶❷:

Purpose:

Partner's Response

Photo ❷:

The Evasion

Photo ❸:

Why no touching matters:

Withdrawing Right Hand

Photo ❸:

Coordination:

Collar Grab and Throw

Photo ❹❺:

Common Mistakes

1. Waiting for Opponent to Attack First

2. Touching Their Blocking Hand

3. Not Drawing Out Block

4. Not Withdrawing Right Hand

5. Entering Before They Block

6. Hesitant Entry

Relationship to Other Shomenuchikomi

Three Methods Progression

Method 1: Iriminage - Shomenuchikomi (1)

Method 2 (This technique):

Method 3: Iriminage - Shomenuchikomi (3)

Progressive sophistication:

  1. Enter during their attack
  2. Draw attack, enter during their defense
  3. Enter without any contact

Versus Basic Shomenuchi

Basic: Iriminage - Shomenuchi

Shomenuchikomi (2):

Training Progression

Prerequisites

Kotai (固体 - Solid Practice)

Jutai (柔体 - Soft Practice)

Ryutai (流体 - Flowing Practice)

Other Shomenuchikomi

Ki no Myoyo Examples

Basic Form

Sources

Primary Sources

O-Sensei's Teaching

Notes

Ki no Myoyo

O-Sensei's term "ki no myoyo" (気の妙用):

This appears in various forms:

The Silent Sword

"Otonashi no ken" (音無しの剣):

Meaning:

O-Sensei frequently referenced this concept.

Initiating vs. Receiving

This technique reverses usual pattern:

This shows:

But note:

Never Touch Their Hand

The emphasis on no contact is significant:

This is tactical:

Drawing the Block

The skill of "enticing your partner to block":

This requires:

Progressive Complexity

The three shomenuchikomi methods show:

  1. Enter during attack (advanced timing)
  2. Create attack, enter during defense (strategic)
  3. Enter without any contact (highest level)

Each builds on previous:

Practical Application

While training is formalized:

The training form teaches principles applicable beyond the specific form.

Ki no Myoyo vs. Ki

Important distinction:

Not just having ki, but:

This is O-Sensei's teaching on advanced application of fundamental principles.