Developing a solid grip

The use of excessive power is always a concern when practicing ‘randori’. Although we stress the importance of softness during practice, sometimes it is necessary to use all your human resources, including muscular strength.

Effective use of controlling techniques requires a solid grip. Your opponent will overpower you during randori practice if your grasping method lacks the strength to keep your grasp solid.
A grip that is strong must also have the ability to be flexible. Your techniques will become static and tension-filled if you lack movement skill.

The skill of ‘ju-and-go’ is to balance power and flexibility.

Basic Grip

Exercise to create a solid grip

To create a solid grip, we use a set of two sticks (tanjo, jo or bo).
A solid grip is necessary to keep the two sticks together. Without a strong grip, the two sticks will move freely and there won’t be any transfer to your training partner.
A solid grip and movement is based upon 2 basic methods:

• Inside rotation of the arm
• Outside rotation of the arm

The use of a solid grip

Solid grip and stretching or bending the arm

A basic grip on the wrist can be used for various applications. By understanding the fundamentals of a simple controlling technique, one can gain a better understanding of the complexity of the old Aikido techniques (Koryu no kata).

Timing – Hand-Body-Foot

Timing is crucial for controlling the distance between you and your opponent. Your actions can be more powerful and efficient by controlling the distance. To get a solid grip on your opponent, it’s crucial to have the correct distance. Your actions will become more effective if your distance control is more precise.
Your opponent will block or evade your hand action when you start with your foot. Before making any attempts with it, make sure to establish the distance before starting with the hand. At the appropriate distance, use offensive movements like thrusting, striking, or solid grasping techniques.
The best timing is when your hand touches the opponent and you don’t have to step. When you reach the target with your hand, utilize the body and power from your feet without taking a step.
When using your front foot to step towards the target, the time it takes to use your power will be much longer. This is a weakness in your strategy, but your actions can still be efficient.
Using both feet to step to touch the target takes a significant amount of time, and your opponent can exploit this weakness in your strategy. A clever strategy can still give you a chance to win the confrontation.

Power is always absent when touching the target with the hand. The only way to use power after touching the target is by standing correctly.