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.  Wrist grabs, in this case Morote-dori, cultivate a sense of Maai, or “correct temporal and spatial relationships.”  Morote-dori, in particular, enhances the given energy along the homo-lateral plane by having Uke apply more mass at the wrist grab.  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, Tachi Waza, Morote-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: Sean Sanders - Shodan; Steve Cady - Sankyu. (2 minutes, 33 seconds)