Ai Hanmi Katate Dōri – Ikkyō Omote as a Katana Draw and Control

Uke grabs Tori’s wrist in Ai Hanmi Katate Dōri to prevent him from drawing his Katana. Tori redirects the pressure by retreating his lead leg at a 90° angle to the inside while raising his hands in front of him. In the same continuous movement, he draws his sword and places it along Uke’s arm, guiding Uke to the ground. As he does so, Tori places his free hand on the blade in a half-swording position, with the hand aligned at the level of Uke’s elbow. Even without direct elbow control, the mechanics closely resemble those of an Ikkyō Omote.