Rock and Roll Aikido Techniques

by Dave "Rock and Roll wishes it could forget me" Shaw

The following techniques are modern variations of some of the classical Aikido techniques, utilizing some crossover from the budo of Rock and Roll. These are merely a sampling, further exposition of this approach (preferably done with loud music and lots of alcohol) should yield a set of techniques that is nearly limitless. Please feel free to add your own at any time.

Born to be Wild Irimi Nage - Begins with uke trying to kick-start nage's motorcycle, with nage approaching from the front, slightly to one side. As uke comes down on the starter, nage steps in and applies atemi to uke's midsection. Uke will normally double over, then start to straighten back up, at which point nage applies a strong sokumen irimi nage, forcing uke off the back of the bike. Nage then pivots on his inside foot, while matching ki with the machine, and smoothly mounts it. He then gets his motor running and heads out for the highway, looking for adventure and whatever comes his way, as uke slowly and painfully sits up and watches nage ride away. Note: This technique is ineffective if the bike has a "sissy bar" - in such cases, the correct technique is the extremely challenging Born to be Wild Kaiten Nage. The details of this latter technique are left for the more advanced practitioner. Note also that because of the emphasis on the kick starter, this technique is normally only used with truly classic motorcycles, such as elderly Harleys, Indians, Triumphs, Nortons, and (among the cognoscenti) Vincents.

I Drink Alone Ki Exercise - An advance on the mundane American weight-lifting exercise known as the "Twelve-Ounce Curl", this exercise involves lifting a container of liquid to one's lips while maintaining focus, relaxing, and extending Ki in a way which is in harmony with the beverage in the container. The practitioner is encouraged to work both sides of the body alternately with this exercise, which requires a great many repetitions to get right. George Thorogood sensei has a number of suggestions for appropriate beverages to use in his exposition on this exercise.

Freebird Shiho Nage - This is nothing more than a standard shiho nage performed with one hand, while holding aloft a lit cigarette lighter in the other. Devotees of this technique frequently argue with devotees of the next technique over which is the true pinnacle of Rock and Roll Aikido.

Stairway to Heaven and Earth Throw - This is actually tenchi nage performed on padded stairs. Obviously the ukemi on this can be quite difficult, and it is usually considered an advanced technique.

Unfortunately, that is all we have time to discuss in this round. If you are interested in these techniques, be sure to discuss them with your own sensei so that you can be taught the correct way to do them. Do NOT try these techniques at home without proper instruction, unless of course you are as professional as we are.