Aikido Kata-Dori Practice, Episode 5 Kata-dori Soto-kaiten Kata-gime

Etsuji Horii Shihan demonstrates "Kata-dori Soto-kaiten Kata-gime," emphasizing the control of the elbow using te-gatana and precise movements.

Elbow Control in Soto-kaiten Kata-gime

In "Kata-dori Soto-kaiten Kata-gime," as taught by Etsuji Horii Shihan, the key difference from the inner rotation technique is the use of te-gatana to lift the opponent's elbow. During irimi, practitioners should focus on applying the te-gatana to the elbow, not the upper arm, to effectively control and unbalance the opponent. This technique smoothly transitions into locking the shoulder while dropping the elbow. Similar principles apply in techniques like Shomen-uchi Ikkyo, where controlling the elbow is crucial. By integrating atemi, elbow elevation, and a precise drop, this movement ensures stability and efficiency. Pay close attention to these details in practice to refine your technique.