Aikido Holds

Aikido holds are methods of pinning your opponent or attacker to the ground so he cannot attack you any more.

Uke (the person who attacks) is unable to move, and any attempt to escape is thwarted by excrutiating pain from a joint lock. Thus your attacker finds it better to relax and lie there quietly.

These Aikido holds are usually applied to the wrist or shoulder, but other parts of the body are used as well, including the legs.

Most Aikido holds end with the attacker face-down on the ground. He cannot kick if he's on his face. That's why the police use similar holds before handcuffing a prisoner.

But for the few Aikido holds where Uke (your attacker) lands on his back, such as Shihonage or Kotegaeshi, there are face-up locks as well - usually to the elbow. You might be able to move, but if you try to escape your arm will be broken first.

Aikido Instructions