Irimi nage

Irimi-nage (entering technique) is one of the more popular techniques or principles taught to beginners. The action of Irimi introduces the novice to the circular movements that are so characteristic of Aikido. But as in all Aikido techniques, we must look past the obvious an break down each movement into various elements.

Circular movements, through the laws of physics, create forces such as centrifugal and its effect known as centripetal, which when come together can be quite dynamic. Centrifugal forces tend to move away from the center, for example, if an object were to spin on its axis it would generate energy radiating from its center. However, this gives rise to the opposing effect known as centripetal which causes an opposite reaction, that is if a force is applied in a circular movement, the energy that is generated is drawn towards the center.

Irimi is the manifestation of these energies. By controlling our partner's flow of Ki and redirecting it back to its point of origin, we can administer the technique of Irimi. Uke and Nage create these forces when they break their position of neutrality by acting and reacting to each other's movements. Uke's intention to "attack" will set in motion these forces. Nage will meet these forces by entering at an angle, pivoting, and blending with Uke's force. Nage harnesses this force and direction and returns it towards Uke's center.

However, performing Irimi Nage is not simple. Breathing, distance, and timing are just as important. Uke and Nage's breathing should be in harmony because it can affect the stability of both, their movements and posture. Spatial awareness is determined by correct distance and proper timing and can vary from person to person. Experimenting with distance makes us aware of the importance of its effect on timing.

Speed is another aspect worth mentioning. When Irimi-nage is performed with speed it gives an impression of superficial dynamic strength. Speed can hide a lot of fundamental mistakes and stop individuals from progressing. The power, generated by Irimi-nage, is easily abused by extrovert displays of speed and there is a real risk of injury. Irimi should be practiced with purpose, slowly at first, exploring all the possibilities and potential available through the principles contained in the technique.

Avoid "clothes-lining" or "decapitating" your partners.....that is not the purpose of Irimi-nage! Don't try to "body-check" or power into your partners as this could prove quite painful and lead to the demise of training partners! Uke's should not resist or appear rigid as this can be a painful experience and is certainly a quick way of losing one's friends! A Uke must be responsive to the action of Nage without necessarily being passive. Both Uke and Nage must be responsible for making the technique work and by mutual corporation to experience the full potential of the movement.

Students should be aware of the Hara, the storage of our Ki energy which we draw upon in conjunction with Kokyo when performing Aikido techniques. This energy can also be utilized by subtle movements of Nage's hips, which can control the direction and intensity of Uke's projection. Uke should receive Irimi-nage by confidently "rolling" backward taking the full Nage dynamic projection.

Although Irimi-nage can be applied as a technique on its own, it is a method to apply to other Aikido techniques. What we recognize as an Irimi-nage technique can also be a Kokyo-Nage. Both these techniques are closely related by the principles they share and we must be careful not to isolate them. The "principles" of Irimi-nage are required to enhance the other principles represented by the Ikkyo's Nikkyo's, etc. It is easy to label a movement because it emphasizes certain points and forgets that Aikido movements contain elements from different techniques.

Beginners sometimes, find it hard to appreciate the full meaning of Irimi-nage but as they gain the necessary experience they will understand its importance. The variations of Irimi-nage are limitless, but very often just practicing the simplest movements can satisfy most people's needs and is always a joy to watch to people, totally engrossed, entwining and weaving in a space that generates so much raw energy. For those who don't understand Aikido, Irimi-nage will become a boring exercise, just to be performed because it is a requirement of the discipline.

"It is the function of creative men to perceive the relations between thoughts, or things, or forms of expressions that may seem utterly different, and to be able to combine them into some new force - the power to connect the seemingly unconnected." [William Plomer]