In Aikido, Uchi Kaiten Nage means “inside rotary throw.” It is a circular throw where you move under the opponent’s arm to spin them forward and down.
The name comes from three Japanese words: Uchi (inside), Kaiten (rotation), and Nage (throw).
How to Do the Move
To perform Uchi Kaiten Nage, you follow these steps:
- Enter the Space: You step inside the attacker’s reach as they strike or grab.
- Go Under: You duck your head and upper body under the attacker’s arm. This is the “inside” part of the move.
- The Big Circle: You swing your arm in a large, vertical circle. This forces the opponent’s arm to follow a wide arc.
- The Finish: As you rotate your body and swing your arm, you drive the attacker’s energy toward the ground. This flip of momentum sends them into a forward roll or a fall.
Why It Works
- Momentum: You don’t stop the attacker’s force. Instead, you use their forward energy and add a circular spin to it.
- Balance: By moving “inside” and under their arm, you take away their stability while keeping your own center strong.
- Surprise: The attacker expects you to move away or block, but instead, you disappear underneath their arm and reappear behind them as they fall.
Comparison: Uchi vs. Soto
You might also hear about Soto Kaiten Nage (Outside Rotary Throw). The difference is simple:
- Uchi (Inside): You move under the attacker’s arm, between their two arms.
- Soto (Outside): You move around the outside of the attacker’s arm, staying away from their chest.
Training Tip: Keep your arm “heavy” and extended. If you bend your elbow too much during the rotation, you lose the leverage needed to finish the throw.