Kihon Waza, or “basic techniques,” are ideal tactical architectures through which a student comes to develop several elements central to Aikido practice.  Aside from conditioning the body and working toward gaining the tools necessary for more advanced training, Kihon Waza introduce the student to Aikido’s key strategic considerations.  Suwari Waza, or “seated techniques,” are utilized to condition one’s lower body and to cultivate a more grounded sense of center and of balance.    Wrist grabs, in this case, Katate-dori, cultivate a sense of Maai, or “correct temporal and spatial relationships,” along the homolateral plane.  Katame Waza, or “pinning techniques,” in this case Ikkyo, work to bring a “heaviness” to one’s movement.  That heaviness is then applied to striking techniques, throwing techniques, choking techniques, etc.  The traditional tools of Kihon Waza, Suwari Waza, Katate-dori, and Katame Waza, do not make up a scenario-based training, such as exists at the heart of today’s “self-defense” industry.  Rather, these tools are concerned with tempering, honing, and sharpening the overall body-mind of the practitioner.  Once the body-mind has thus been cultivated, other pedagogical tools are used to bring spontaneity to one’s movement.  The result is a freedom of movement that is well grounded in correct form and detail.  Uke: Michael Harris - Ikkyu; Anthony Rachelli - Ikkyu. (2 minutes, 39 seconds)