Daily Creativity: Shumatsu Dosa Ni

Shumatsu Dosa Ni is the last of the basic movements of Aikido, and this completes this series of line drawings. After Class Exercise Number Two in english, this movement is the basis of many Ni techniques. Ni techniques are when Uke (your partner) is pushing on you and you pivot 180° out of the way letting them follow their energy to unsuitability. When you are doing this exercise with a partner it is a blending exercise, but to really move your partner you must both push them around the pivot, and relax at the same time letting them push you. It’s confusing to explain, but it is needed so Uke continues with their energy, you get out of the way, and then you can move them where you want them. Normally that’s the ground or far far away. Ink on Paper

Daily Creativity: Hiriki No Yosei Ichi – Elbow Power Number One

Hiriki No Yosei Ichi is one of the basic movements for aikido. It’s called Elbow Power number one in english. By sliding forward and under you push your elbow forward to get control of your opponent. This movement is found in so many of the techniques you learn in aikido. It sounds simple but is so difficult to learn. Like all of the basic movements, mastering this will improve every aspect of your aikido.

I first drew this with pencil getting all of the lines and angles acurate and then used a brush pen to draw the lines you see. I then erased the pencil lines leaving only the fluid ink brush strokes to try to evoke movement and simplicity. Ink on paper.