Tantō Dōri – Tsuki – Ude Garami (Kimura) – Throat Palm Atemi Entry

As Uke attacks with a Tsuki, Tori steps forward on the centerline, raising both hands along the centerline before they separate: his rear hand meets the attacking arm on the inside, while his lead hand strikes Uke’s throat with an open palm (it could also target the chin, but the throat is preferred). The atemi is crucial, as it both distracts Uke, preventing him from rearming and attacking again, and unbalances him backward; parrying the incoming attack without the atemi with the other hand alone is insufficient, as Uke is able to quickly rearm and attack again. Using this disruption, Tori takes hold of Uke’s attacking hand with both hands and lowers his body into a horse stance, pulling the arm to unbalance Uke forward. From this position, Tori releases his lead-hand grip while maintaining control of Uke’s wrist with his rear hand, then wraps the free arm over Uke’s arm from above and takes his own wrist in a Kimura grip, establishing a standing Ude Garami (Kimura), and steps to the outside with his rear leg. It is crucial that Uke’s hand is controlled behind and over his back, as if it is in front of the body Uke could reach it with the free hand. Tori then retreats his now lead leg, lowering the knee to the ground and lowering his whole body to bring Uke down. From there, Tori can transition into the classic Aikidō Ude Garami pin, with Uke’s arm controlled between Tori’s knees.