Principally, there are 4 levels of technique in Aikido training. Of course, mastering each technique will involves discipline and dedication. But to be a good aikodoka, it’s not enough to master these techniques only. One must master both the techniques and the principle of the marital art. So what are the four levels of aikido techniques?

The 4 levels of technique in aikido are the katai, the yawarakai, the ki-no-nagare and the ki. The katai refers to the basic training and is intended to develop the foundation of body movements and breathing. The yawarakai teaches the defendant to prevent attacks and fuse movements to take control of the attacker or situation. The ki-no-nagare involves training the defendant to defend or counter attack by merging the movement with the attacker even before the latter makes contact. The ki is the absolute aikido technique and involves establishing a link of ki or spirit from the defender to the attacker.

There also some aikido basic techniques. Aikido basic techniques include ikky, niky, sanky, yonky and goky. The Ikky involves control an attacker by placing one hand on the elbow and one on near the wrist giving an opportunity to throw the attacker to the ground. The Niky draws in the uke using a wristlock and twists the arm while applying painful nerve pressure. The sanky is a rotating technique aimed at applying a spiraling tension on the whole arm including the elbow and shoulder; a shoulder control technique with both hands gripping the forearm. The goky is another variant of ikky.