THREE-DIMENSIONAL MOTION ANALYSIS OF THE "TENKAN9'-TECHNIQUE IN AIKIDO

Abstract

Aikido is a Japanese martial art established by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). A major characteristic is that there are neither competitions nor is there practice in form of competition. Generally, practice involves an instructor demonstrating a technique, after which it is practiced in pairs. The present study therefore sought to perform a three-dimensional analysis of the "Tenkan" a typical aikido technique, and to clarify the differences and factors related to the techniques for experts, intermediates, and beginners. We discussed the difference of deviation of the center of mass and evaluation of the ground reaction forces.