Irimi
Encyclopedia
is a Japanese martial arts
term used to describe entering straight into a technique, as opposed to the more indirect entrance into technique called tenkan
. In basic training, irimi usually looks like a step forward, straight or at an angle but usually ending with the body facing the attacker, rather than in the direction of the step. To enter with irimi, the defender needs to move in the very moment of the attack or even himself initiate it.
Irimi (ee-ree-mee) is the second pillar of Aikido
(Aikido techniques are structured around six main pillars). Irimi involves entering deeply around or behind an attack to defuse or neutralize the attack. The concept of irimi teaches one to blend with or enter into an opponent’s attack to become one with the opponent’s movement and leaving the opponent with nowhere to strike. This movement is utilized during the moment of your opponent’s attack. To complete the movement, you move out of your opponent's line of attack to your opponent’s shikaku, or blind spot. When executed properly, you can strike your opponent with great force, combining his attacking momentum and your forward movement.
The entering principle is basic to most Aikido movements as the postures and movements in Aikido contain quite a few oblique stances which are adapted from Sōjutsu
(spear fighting).
In Aikido, there are numerous examples of techniques exhibiting the concepts of yin and yang
. Irimi and tenkan
are an example. Tenkan is the motion of turning (yin) and irimi is the motion of entering (yang).
Irimi is one of two motions Aikido students perform in the role of nage. Practicing irimi will help the Aikido student develop Hara
, balance, and groundedness.
Japanese martial arts
Japanese martial arts refers to the enormous variety of martial arts native to Japan. At least three Japanese terms are often used interchangeably with the English phrase "Japanese martial arts": , literally meaning "martial way", , which has no perfect translation but means something like science,...
term used to describe entering straight into a technique, as opposed to the more indirect entrance into technique called tenkan
Tenkan
is the Japanese name of a movement practiced in several martial arts. It is a 180 degree pivot to one's rear, on the lead foot. That is, if the left foot is forward, the pivot is clockwise, and if the right foot is forward, the pivot is counter-clockwise.-Aikido:...
. In basic training, irimi usually looks like a step forward, straight or at an angle but usually ending with the body facing the attacker, rather than in the direction of the step. To enter with irimi, the defender needs to move in the very moment of the attack or even himself initiate it.
In Aikido
Meaning: Entering or putting in the body.Irimi (ee-ree-mee) is the second pillar of Aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
(Aikido techniques are structured around six main pillars). Irimi involves entering deeply around or behind an attack to defuse or neutralize the attack. The concept of irimi teaches one to blend with or enter into an opponent’s attack to become one with the opponent’s movement and leaving the opponent with nowhere to strike. This movement is utilized during the moment of your opponent’s attack. To complete the movement, you move out of your opponent's line of attack to your opponent’s shikaku, or blind spot. When executed properly, you can strike your opponent with great force, combining his attacking momentum and your forward movement.
The entering principle is basic to most Aikido movements as the postures and movements in Aikido contain quite a few oblique stances which are adapted from Sōjutsu
Sojutsu
, meaning "art of the spear" is the Japanese martial art of fighting with the Japanese .-Origins:Although the spear had a profound role in early Japanese mythology, where the islands of Japan themselves were said to be created by salt water dripping from the tip of a spear, as a weapon the first...
(spear fighting).
In Aikido, there are numerous examples of techniques exhibiting the concepts of yin and yang
Yin and yang
In Asian philosophy, the concept of yin yang , which is often referred to in the West as "yin and yang", is used to describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other in turn. Opposites thus only...
. Irimi and tenkan
Tenkan
is the Japanese name of a movement practiced in several martial arts. It is a 180 degree pivot to one's rear, on the lead foot. That is, if the left foot is forward, the pivot is clockwise, and if the right foot is forward, the pivot is counter-clockwise.-Aikido:...
are an example. Tenkan is the motion of turning (yin) and irimi is the motion of entering (yang).
Irimi is one of two motions Aikido students perform in the role of nage. Practicing irimi will help the Aikido student develop Hara
Dantian
Dantian, dan t'ian, dan tien or tan t'ien is loosely translated as "elixir field". It is described as an important focal point for internal meditative techniques.There are various points of dantian...
, balance, and groundedness.
See also
- AikiAiki (martial arts principle)Aiki is a Japanese martial arts principle or tactic in which the defender blends with the attacker, then goes on to dominate the assailant through the strength of their application of internal dynamics or Ki energy to effect techniques. Blending with an attacker's movements allows the Aiki...
- AikidoAikidois a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
- KuzushiKuzushiis a Japanese term for unbalancing an opponent in the martial arts.The noun comes from the intransitive verb, kuzusu, meaning to level, pull down, or demolish...
- maaiMaai, translating simply to "interval", is a Japanese martial arts term referring to the space between two opponents in combat; formally, the "engagement distance". It is a complex concept, incorporating not just the distance between opponents, but also the time it will take to cross the distance,...
- tai sabakiTai sabakiis a term from Japanese martial arts and which relates to 'whole body movement', or repositioning. It can be translated as body-management. It is a term used widely in kendo, jujutsu, aikido, judo, karate and ninjutsu...
- Takemusu
- TenkanTenkanis the Japanese name of a movement practiced in several martial arts. It is a 180 degree pivot to one's rear, on the lead foot. That is, if the left foot is forward, the pivot is clockwise, and if the right foot is forward, the pivot is counter-clockwise.-Aikido:...
- ZanshinZanshinZanshin is a term used in the Japanese martial arts. It refers to a state of awareness – of relaxed alertness. The literal translation of zanshin is "remaining mind"....
External links
- Excerpt from the book "Aikido" by Kisshomaru UeshibaKisshomaru Ueshibawas a prominent Japanese master of aikido. He was the son of Morihei Ueshiba, founder of aikido, and became the international leader of aikido after his father's death.-Early life:...