Focus on the Elbow

During Tuesday's class with Doran Sensei, we spent the whole time on aihanmi katatedori ikkyo. Here's what I came away with:

1. Don't focus on the wrist that is being grabbed.
2. Focus on dropping your elbow, not lifting your hand.
3. Get off the line of attack.
4. Blend!
5. Don't try to yank your partner around. Redirect.
6. Use your whole body, not just your arms.
7. Move from your center.

Why do almost all these things sound so familiar? Because I hear them all the time. It is sinking in. Come to think of it, many of these things apply off the mat as well.

Aikido is a way of life.