With shomen uchi ikkyo don’t meet at the top – the person may perceive this as you defending and change the attack.

In ikkyo the hand on the elbow must travel in the same direction as the hand on the wrist.

The study of one’s posture within Aikido is as much spiritual as it is physical.

Learning to be soft when intimidated is the key to progress. If the ego will not yield to the attackers physical aggression a conflict of the physical to co-exist takes place. This restricts the true concepts of Aikido to be realised.

Uke’s part in trying to hold nage with strength within the technique, teaches spiritual & physical flexibility.