Torso-led Tai Atari – Gozo Shioda Signature Variation

As he is demonstrating, Gozo Shioda Sensei states: "It's the right time to hit him, so you can take him down. If I'm a little late, maybe I'll get knocked out.". Shioda Sensei’s statement emphasizes that the effectiveness of the technique depends less on strength or form than on timing; Tori’s action must be executed at the point of contact, seizing back the initiative .This is the principle of Irimi. In his Dynamic Aikido book, Gozo Shioda defines Irimi as: 'Literally "putting in the body." Tori brings his body into — or almost into — contact with Uke's body to effect the technique.' In the same book, he defines Irimi Nage as: 'Throw in which Tori brings his body into contact with, or very close to, Uke.' Following these definitions, we can consider this Torso-led Tai-Atari throw as a variation of Irimi Nage.