Points to Watch Out For

Know in advance what not to do in an examination as well. Even when you think you are doing it properly, sometimes you are not. Check every detail one by one and correct the weak points in your technique ahead of time.

1. Insufficient body movement: Do not fail to receive and redirect your partner’s shomen-uchi properly, or enter shallowly where you should enter deep. Nor should you force a technique through with strength when you have not sufficiently broken your partner’s balance.
2. No variation in pace: However good your posture, if you lack the right contrast between where you should be sharp and where you should finish, the technique is not complete.
3. Poor posture: Do not bow your head looking only at your hands, or let your hips drop back because your footwork is lacking. Throughout the technique, be aware of your body’s axis and keep a correct posture that makes use of the power your body produces.
4. Rough movements: Do not let fine movements become rough, such as missing the key point where you should lead your partner with the body’s center, or failing to make proper use of the tegatana. Also avoid throwing your partner and then simply leaving them.
5. Etiquette without heart: Whether you perform etiquette properly is also evaluated. In aikido, a heart that respects your partner matters most. Perform zarei (座礼) sincerely, with respect for your partner.
6. Stiff movements: If your movements stiffen from nerves, it affects the examination. It is important not to be preoccupied with passing or failing and to perform with a calm mind, as in everyday training. Repeat your training until you are confident, so that you can turn that tension to good use.