I'm looking to compile a variety of exercises, particularly competitive exercises, to enhance my aikido training beyond the usual kihon waza and occasional randori.
I think that exercises and drills that set nage's goal against uke's create a more realistic practice and are of great benefit at least so long as the competitive aspects don't overtake the learning objectives.
On the Spot
Nage's job is to put uke down on a pre-designated spot. Uke's job is to not comply.
Double Up
Not really competitive, but nage's job is to put uke down, allow him enough space to start to rise, and then take him down again.
Up & Down
A variation. Nage puts uke down. Then nage must stand uke back up. Nage might also be required to escort uke to a particular location.
No Technique
Jiyu waza without doing technique. There is a tendancy to fixate on doing a technique. Uke does A, nage does B. This is futile and the wrong approach. Look at boxing. Multiple rounds, hundreds of punches. So with this exercise we try to break the idea of having to answer uke's every move with a full blown classical technique. Instead, the goal is just to keep moving, using very light touch to negotiate a way past uke to somewhere safer. Maybe the goal is to get behind uke and snatch out a little ribon from hsi belt. Maybe the goal is to reach a particular corner of the mat.
