Kakete and Atemi, Further Clarification

My last explanation contrasted the term Kakete with Atemi in an attempt to clarify that Atemi can stand as a separate skill set. The study of Atemi as a separate skill is unfamiliar to many practitioners of Aiki arts. Taking the initiative to apply techniques proactively in Aiki arts is extremely rare. Therefore, I am adding further clarification of both the terms “atemi” and “kakete” in this blog.

Virtually all techniques may be applied proactively. I reiterated the importance of proactive engagement when employing techniques as taught by Takeda Sokaku and Ueshiba Morihei in the realms of law enforcement and military engagement.

When learning Aiki for the first time, it is actually much simpler to grasp the technique as the recipient rather than as the initiator. This is why most teachers of Aiki demonstrate by delivering Aiki. It is because Aiki feels different from Jujutsu. If one cannot feel the difference, one cannot differentiate Jujutsu from Aiki Jujutsu. It must be felt.

Once you have a clear understanding of what Aiki entails and how it should feel, the most effective approach is to master the art of generating Aiki through solitary body movement. I’ll explain why in a moment.

In partner practice, it is easier to learn to produce Aiki if one is not the initiator. This isn’t due to some moral reasoning. Moving proactively often leads to resistance, both internally and externally. This is contradictory to the fundamental principles of generating Aiki. It is important to note that the same can be said about moving reactively. This is why it is best to extensively practice solo movement before engaging with another human. Once one can produce Aiki individually, one can begin to practice doing so while in contact with a partner. This is far easier to say than to do. Virtually everyone changes their body movement when they come into contact with another individual. Having learned how to move individually, one at least has a baseline to return to after messing up. At this point, it is more convenient to be the recipient of contact rather than being the one who initiates contact with one’s partner first.

In solo practice one seeks to balance forces within one’s self. To interact with others, start by balancing your own forces. Then, continue to do so when you are in contact.

In order to effectively utilize Aiki when interacting with others, it is crucial to first have a thorough understanding of it and consistently demonstrate its principles individually as well as with a partner in a receptive manner. Why? It’s hard to initiate movement that involves contacting another person without adopting a mindset of “self vs other.” This mindset creates resistance and prevents the creation of Aiki.

Hakaru Mori defines “Kakete” as follows:

““Kakete” (掛手) is, when facing an opponent in combat, a technique that is applied to an opponent preemptively without waiting for an attack.

The converse of this situation is called “Ukete” (受手), in which technique is initiated after receiving an opponent’s attack. Most Daito-ryu technique are Ukete. Normally, Kakete is first taught only after one has significantly high rank.”

Here is a link to the article: https://www.aikidosangenkai.org/blog/hakaru-mori-kakete-aiki-jutsu/amp/ Christopher Li’s Sangenkai Blog is suggested reading for anyone interested in Daito Ryu and/or Aikido history.

Read “Hakaru Mori on Kakete and Aiki no Jutsu” by Hakaru Mori, translated by Christopher Li, for more details.

https://www.aikidosangenkai.org/blog/hakaru-mori-kakete-aiki-jutsu/amp/

Christopher Li’s Sangenkai Blog is suggested reading for anyone interested in Daito Ryu and/or Aikido history.

I want to clarify that I am not affiliated with the Takumakai group, nor did I have the privilege of being a student under the guidance of Hakaru Mori. Consequently, I don’t claim that the “kakete” I practice is the same as theirs. The definitions continue to be pertinent. This comes as no surprise. Shirata Riniro was Ueshiba Morihei “stand-in” teacher during the period that O-sensei was teaching Hisa Takuma Daito Ryu in Osaka.

Atemi, which translates to “striking the body” in Japanese, is an important aspect of many martial arts practices. It involves delivering precise strikes to vulnerable areas of the body to incapacitate an opponent. Atemi can be delivered through punches, kicks, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and even finger strikes. The goal is to precisely attack critical areas like pressure points, nerve centers, and soft tissues in order to inflict pain and disrupt the balance of our opponent. By targeting these vulnerable areas, the practitioner can effectively disable an opponent without relying solely on strength or size. The use of atemi techniques in self-defense situations proves to be remarkably effective, giving those who practice them the ability to swiftly incapacitate an assailant. It is crucial to bear in mind that atemi strikes should always be employed responsibly, as they have the potential to inflict severe harm or even result in loss of life. Atemi techniques are integrated into the training syllabus of numerous martial arts styles to amplify the effectiveness of their techniques and cultivate a versatile martial artist.

Atemijutsu is different from Jujutsu, Aikijujutsu, and Aiki no Jutsu. Although, it can be applied with those should one choose to.

I’ll conclude by reminding that all of these can be considered “tools” in one’s “tool box” of knowledge. Mastering one skill, let alone all possible skills, does not ensure invincibility, enlightenment, or peace in our time.