Kokyu-nage - Katatedori - Standing

Aspect Description
Japanese ε‘ΌεΈζŠ•γ’ η‰‡ζ‰‹ε–γ‚Šη«‹γ‘ζŠ€
Translation Breath throw from one-hand grab, standing
Classification Nage-waza (Throwing techniques) > Kokyu-nage series > Fundamental form

Overview

Katatedori Kokyu-nage is the fundamental breath throw in aikido. When grabbed at the wrist, you extend forward with whole-body power, disrupting the opponent's balance and throwing them without using locks or holds. Unlike techniques that control specific joints, kokyu-nage uses extension and timing to throw. This is one of the highest-level throwing techniques when executed correctly.

This technique demonstrates using breath power and whole-body extension to control and throw.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Source: Takemusu Aikido Volume 3, Pages 88-91

[1] Initial Grab

[2] Step and Extend

Key action: Whole-body extension, not arm strength

[3] Continue Extension

Power: From hips and center, through whole body

[4] Complete Throw

No grabbing: Pure extension throws them

Kuden (口伝) - Oral Teachings

Kokyu-Ryoku - Breath Power

Kokyu-ryoku is:

From center:

Like breathing:

Extend Forward and Up

Extension direction:

Why this angle?:

Not down or level:

No Grabbing or Holding

Kokyu-nage principle:

Why no grabbing?:

If must grab:

Move From Center

Extension must originate:

Center movement:

Riai (η†εˆ) - Sword Connection

Tsuki Motion

The extension represents:

Debana - Perfect Timing

Kokyu-nage requires:

No Sword Required

Pure kokyu-nage shows:

Technical Details

The Initial Grab

Photo ❢:

The Extension Begins

Photo ❷:

From center:

Continuing Forward

Photo ❸:

No pause:

The Throw

Photo ❹:

Pure throw:

Common Mistakes

1. Using Arm Strength

2. Wrong Extension Angle

3. Grabbing or Holding

4. Stopping Motion

5. Not Moving Center

6. Too High Extension

7. Weak Extension

8. Wrong Timing

Training Progression

Kotai (固体 - Solid Practice)

Jutai (ζŸ”δ½“ - Soft Practice)

Ryutai (桁体 - Flowing Practice)

Kitai (気体 - Ki/Spirit Practice)

Other Kokyu-nage

From different attacks:

All share breath-power principle.

Other Katatedori Techniques

All from same grab, different responses.

The Highest Techniques

Kokyu-nage is considered:

Sources

Primary Sources

Notes

The Breath Throw Family

Kokyu-nage (breath throw):

This refers to: (breath power)

What is Kokyu-Ryoku?

Kokyu-ryoku is difficult to define:

Characteristics:

Like breathing:

Why Kokyu-nage is Advanced

Kokyu-nage requires:

Tests real ability:

The Forward-Upward Extension

This angle is critical:

Not straight forward:

Not straight up:

No Grabbing Principle

Pure kokyu-nage has:

Why important?:

Progressive learning:

Moving from Center

Center (hara/tanden) must move:

Without center movement:

With center movement:

The Timing Element

Timing is critical:

Perfect moment:

This timing:

Size and Strength Irrelevant

Proper kokyu-nage:

Small person can throw large:

The Psychological Element

Pure extension creates:

Opponent cannot understand:

Breath Coordination

Kokyu-nage coordinates:

Not just breathing:

Training Patience Required

Kokyu-nage takes years:

Cannot rush:

The Complete Extension

Extension must be:

Not stopping at them:

When to Use Kokyu-nage

Good for:

Not good for:

Real Combat Application

In reality:

Risk/reward:

The Pure Principle

Kokyu-nage demonstrates:

This understanding:

Integration with Other Techniques

Kokyu-nage connects to:

Learning kokyu-nage:

The Test of Ability

Kokyu-nage tests:

Cannot fake: