Iriminage - Shomenuchikomi (3) - Standing

Aspect Description
Japanese 入身投げ 正面打ち込み（３）立ち技
Translation Entering-body throw from committed overhead strike (method 3), standing
Classification Nage-waza (Throwing techniques) > Iriminage series > Shomenuchikomi variations

Overview

Shomenuchikomi Iriminage (3) is the third and most advanced shomenuchi iriminage variation. You initiate by striking, draw out their blocking response, then enter WITHOUT withdrawing your hand OR touching theirs - the ultimate expression of the "silent sword."

O-Sensei explained this as "I am able to succeed in cutting my opponent without his sword ever striking me." This is the highest level demonstration of irimi timing and the silent sword principle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Source: Takemusu Aikido Volume 2, Pages 158-159

[1] [2] Initiate to Draw Response

Same as Method 2: YOU initiate to draw their block

[3] Enter Without Withdrawing or Touching

Key difference: Right hand does NOT withdraw (unlike Method 2)

[4] [5] Grab Collar and Throw

Kuden (口伝) - Oral Teachings

O-Sensei's Teaching on Silent Sword

From Volume 2 (Page 158), quoting O-Sensei from Budo (p. 31):

"I will explain why I am able to succeed in cutting my opponent without his sword ever striking me."

This is O-Sensei's direct teaching:

Otonashi no ken (音無しの剣 - silent sword)

Enter Without Withdrawing or Touching

From Volume 2 (Page 158):

"Enter without withdrawing your right hand or touching your partner's hand."

Two critical elements:

  1. Don't withdraw hand (unlike Method 2)
  2. Don't touch their hand (like Method 2)

This is most difficult:

Sword Principles

From Volume 2 (Page 158):

"This is an example of the 'silent sword.' Be sure to control your opponent using the principles of the sword."

Two teachings:

  1. Silent sword (otonashi no ken)
  2. Sword principles (ken no riai)

Everything based on sword combat reality.

Riai (理合) - Sword Connection

O-Sensei's Silent Sword Teaching

Direct quote from Budo (1938), referenced in Volume 2 (Page 158):

"I will explain why I am able to succeed in cutting my opponent without his sword ever striking me."

This is core sword principle:

Cutting Without Being Cut

In sword combat, this means:

This technique demonstrates this exactly:

Sword Principles as Foundation

From Volume 2 (Page 158):

"Be sure to control your opponent using the principles of the sword."

All aikido techniques based on:

This technique makes that explicit.

Technical Details

The Initiating Strike

Photo ❶❷:

The Critical Difference - No Withdrawal

Photo ❸:

This is the key distinction:

No Touching

Photo ❸:

How is this possible?:

Body Entry

Photo ❸:

Collar Grab and Throw

Photo ❹❺:

Common Mistakes

1. Withdrawing Right Hand

2. Touching Their Blocking Hand

3. Not Entering Deeply Enough

4. Incorrect Body Angle

5. Waiting Too Long to Enter

6. Not Initiating Properly

Relationship to Other Shomenuchikomi

Three Methods Complete Progression

Method 1: Iriminage - Shomenuchikomi (1)

Method 2: Iriminage - Shomenuchikomi (2)

Method 3 (This technique):

Progressive Mastery

Each method builds on previous:

Aspect Description
Level 1 Protect yourself (withdraw hand)
Level 2 Enter without touching
Level 3 Enter without touching OR withdrawing

Each more difficult, more refined, more advanced.

Which to Use?

Method 1:

Method 2:

Method 3:

Training Progression

Prerequisites

Kotai (固体 - Solid Practice)

Jutai (柔体 - Soft Practice)

Ryutai (流体 - Flowing Practice)

Kitai (気体 - Ki Level)

Other Shomenuchikomi

Basic Form

Silent Sword Principle

Sources

Primary Sources

O-Sensei's Direct Teaching

Notes

O-Sensei's Silent Sword

The "silent sword" (otonashi no ken - 音無しの剣) is:

Means:

Why This is Method 3

This is taught third because:

Progressive difficulty:

  1. Enter safely (withdraw hand)
  2. Enter without touching (withdraw hand)
  3. Enter without touching or withdrawing (highest skill)

The Extended Hand Paradox

Keeping hand extended while entering seems impossible:

Answer:

This is subtle and requires deep practice.

Sword Principles as Core

O-Sensei's instruction to "control using sword principles":

All aikido comes from weapons work:

This technique makes that explicit and undeniable.

Cutting Without Being Cut

This is the ultimate test:

In training:

This is O-Sensei's standard:

Why From Budo (1938)?

This teaching comes from O-Sensei's 1938 manual:

Not softened, not spiritualized, pure technique:

"I will explain why I am able to succeed in cutting my opponent without his sword ever striking me."

This is combat reality O-Sensei faced and mastered.

The Three Methods as Koan

The three shomenuchikomi methods form almost like a Zen koan:

Each challenges understanding at deeper level.

Practical Impossibility?

For most practitioners:

But O-Sensei could do it:

Application Beyond Form

While specific form is training method:

These questions transcend the specific technique.