Tekubi-waza, the Tomiki method

This is part2 of “Kansetsu-waza, the Tomiki method”, Kote-hineri or inward torque.

Tekubi-waza take advantage of the vulnerable points in the wrist joints and are used to make the elbow techniques more effective.
Kenji Tomiki, Judo and Aikido

Originally in around 1950, Kenji Tomiki selected 8 different tekubi-waza or wrist-locks for his aikido randori method.

Tekubi-waza Wrist techniques	Kote-hineri Inward torque	Junte-dori Regular twist	Kote-hineri(1), (Tenkai)-Kote-hineri
		Gyakute-dori Reverse twist	Gyakute-Kote-hineri(3)(Kote-mawashi) Gyakute-Kote-hineri(4)(Kote-mawashi)
	Kote-gaeshi Outward torque	Junte-dori Regular turn	(Tenkai)-Kote-gaeshi(5)(Shiho-nage) (Tenkai)-Kote-gaeshi(6)(Shiho-nage-ura)
		Gyakute-dori Reverse turn	Kote-gaeshi(7) Kote-gaeshi(8)

The names in cursive are alternative names used in mainstream AikiKai method.

With the introduction of “Ju-nana-ho no kata”, the 17 techniques for randori, the tekubi-waza classification was reduced to 4 techniques.

Kote-hineri
Tenkai-kote-hineri
Kote-gaeshi
Tenkai-kote-gaeshi (Shiho-nage)

Parallel to the “Basic 17”, a counter techniques (ura-waza) group was created. These 10 counter techniques use a few times a “gyakute-kote-hineri”, which was omitted in the Basic17.

Shiai-rules – (tanto) Randori

In the rulesbook for the (tanto) randori competition, the scoring for the 4 tekubi-waza (basic17) is included, but there is no mention of gyakute-kote-hineri. We can conclude that this technique is considered an extension of the ‘oshi-taoshi’ technique, or the elbow push down movement. Much depends on the referee’s judgment. The traditional gyakute-kote-hineri (kote-mawashi) will be punished by certain conservative referees.

4 scenario tekubi waza applications

How to grasp the wrist seemed to be very important for Kenji Tomiki. It is already mentioned in previous posts the importance of a solid grip and the method of grasping the wrist for elbow techniques.

The classification of tekubi-waza is based upon “hineri” and “gaeshi” and the method of grasping, junte and gyakute. In another post, grabbing the wrist is discussed for martial arts but also in a social context.

Theoretical versus practical

There are instances when you can come up with a fantastic idea about how to apply techniques. This has the potential to be highly effective from a theoretical perspective. But, from a practical point of view, maybe it doesn’t work very well in a “randori” context.

The 8 tekubi-waza are performed with one hand on the wrist, performing the inside or outside torque. This is only possible if you have the strength to fulfill this task. This strength is not something that most of us possess. We can, of course, use both hands on the opponent’s wrist and apply tekubi-waza.
Another solution where we can use only one hand on the wrist can be achieved by performing tekubi-waza as an extension of hiji-waza. This case involves tekubi-waza offering support to hiji-waza.

Kenji Tomiki did an excellent job of creating a classification that is easily understood. Understanding the difference between a professional martial art teacher and a passionate amateur practitioner is crucial. At our level, not all the techniques he mentioned are working. The same holds true for Morihei Ueshiba skills.

The set-up phase

The setup depends on the circumstances of the fighting situation. Tori’s actions can be on the outside or inside.
During the study of junte-dori kote-hineri, the opponent’s perspective will be primarily taken into account.

This type of tekubi-waza is mostly used as a supporting skill for hiji-waza.
It is frequently used as a forward kuzushi example.

Three types of junte-dori kote-hineri are worth considering. When starting from a right-regular posture, the first kote-hineri is performed with the right hand, while the second is performed with the left hand. The third type of kote-hineri is the ‘tenkai’ type. Tenkai-kote-hineri is in this case a step forward and 180° turning. Take a look at the third technique in the next video clip.