Greetings everyone, I greatly appreciate the very helpful responses that I have received from many of you to my periodic questions over the last several months since I have begun studying the wonderful martial art of aikido. My instructor has informed us that we are studying the aikdo style of “Nishio”. Today I have a question regarding the correct spelling of “sukku men”. Over the last several months, my aikido instructor has beautifully demonstrated the footwork for this technique where we then proceed to practice this, first, in solo, and then after warming up a bit, with a partner. That is, a partner holds onto our wrist as we then proceed to do “suku men” (spelling?). I asked my aikido instructor for the correct spelling of this technique. He told me that he was not sure. Therefore, by sounding it out as best that I can, I come up with the first word as being either “sukku”, “soku”, or “suki”, and the second word being either “men” or “min”. (?) Please allow me to state that I am certain that my instructor (2nd dan), he being very congenial, approachable and otherwise very informative, as well as being able to, literally, beautifully move as swift and graceful as a cat, I guess that I can’t hold it against him that he doesn’t know the correct spelling of this particular technique. Apparently, he learned aikido through the sound of words and the feeling of aikido, as opposed to someone like me who wants to know the written word. That being said, I am interested in finding out the correct spelling of this aikido technique because I would like to ultimately be able to do a search on it on YouTube in order to see some, hopefully, informative videos regarding the form of this technique. By googling the phrase, “aikido glossary”, I am returned the URL links for several different websites who have an aikido glossary. However, I can not seem to be able to find anything in regard to resembling the above amongst these various glossaries. Therefore, please allow me to describe this technique, below. Uke is in the stance of, for instance, let’s say, Migi hanmi. That is, his right foot is forward. Nage is in Hidari hanmi. That is, his left foot is forward. Uke grabs onto Nage’s wrist with Gyakuhanmi, that is, Uke’s right hand grabs onto Nage’s left wrist. Nage then proceeds to sweep his left leg along the floor somewhat backwards and to the left (in an arc pattern) in order to “get off the line of attack from Uke”, and then Nage twists or turns himself sideways to Uke. Now Nage’s left side is facing Uke. While Uke continues to hold onto Nage’s left wrist, Nage then takes his left arm downward toward the mat, so now at this point Nage’s wrist (and subsequently Uke as well) is relatively lower to the ground, and then to sweep his left hand lightly over his left thigh and then right thigh as Nage then continues this same sweeping motion of his left hand to go to his right as far as he can comfortably and then to spiral his hand outward and at the same time to his left, resulting in Nage’s hand beginning to come up higher so that he catches Uke underneath his chin. Nage’s palm is facing upward (to the ceiling) as he catches Uke underneath the chin. I broke down Nage’s hand sweep in the above just for clarity sake. However, in reality, Nage’s left hand makes a very smooth, continuous sweep of spiraling his hand, initially to the right, and then upward and outward and to the left. Thus, based upon my description, does anyone know the correct spelling of “sukku men”? Thank you very much. The best to all, Greetings!
Could be the cutting motion combined with the footwork. If so, try "sayu men", which is like shomen strike but at a slight angle. If it is the throw at the end, I'm not sure the Aikido name but it is basically an irimi-nage or kokyu version of "sukui nage" (or scooping throw).
On the technique -- maybe this helps? http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-4565.html Are you at the Venice Aikido Club?
Greetings everyone, Having been offline for the last few days, I am finally now grateful for having the opportunity to check in again with MAP. Thank you for everyone’s replies. I finally just learned last night that the definitive spelling of what I am referring to is Sokumen. That being said, I am sorry that I had to take up everyone’s time with the posting of this question of mine a few days ago here on MAP. I am hoping that at least the following discussion that entailed on this thread was educational for everyone. It was definitely for me. Again, I greatly thank Rebel Wado, Aiki Mac, and Melbgoju for your nice input. Rebel Wado, Thank you very much for your reply. Aiki Mac, I am greatly looking forward to soon looking at the video link that you kindly provided. You had asked if I am at the Venice Aikido Club. The answer is, “No.” I am not. Going to the website for Venice Aikido Club, I see that they also practice Nishio style for Aikido. Although I am relatively happy with my current Aikido instructor, it probably doesn’t hurt to periodically check out other Aikido schools in the area from time to time. Perhaps in the very near future, I may decide to check out Venice Aikido Club. Perhaps you asked me this because you would maybe like to share something with me regarding this particular Aikido school? Please feel free to send me a private message at any time if you would like. Melbgoju, Thank you for your input. The best to all, Greetings!
Actually, I suggest that you stay away from the Venice Aikido Club. It doesn't teach good aikido. If you want more help you'd do well to say where you study, but regardless of where you are I suggest you try a few classes at Culver City Aikido (also known as Doshinokai). It's on your side of town and it teaches real aikido.
