Abertillery Aikido Club. Bushinkai.

Tantodori is the art of taking the knife from an armed opponent. There are many techniques in Aikido, where this is possible. It would not be correct to say that all techniques could be used outside for self defence purposes. Each one needs to be judged by it's own merits, and a great deal of common sense is needed.

For grading purposes, students will start to practice Tantodori techniques from 4th Kyu onwards. In many Dojo's & organisations, knife work is only permitted from either 1st Kyu or Shodan level. I do not believe this is credible for an all round Aikido education. Anyone who looks at our grading syllabus, will see, each grade has a variety of different forms to contend with. If our syllabus is matched to other organisation gradings, Abertillery students are asked to learn much more at an earlier stage. I believe this a healthy way to learn and progress in Aikido. I feel it is wrong to hold students back from gaining an overall view of Aikido, and can only do good.

With insurance coverage in mind, a live blade cannot be used for training purposes. If a student wanted to use a blunt training blade for their 1st Kyu examination, I would be happy for them to undertake this. Although I must stress, I would not encourage any student to be examined with a live blade, nor would I expect or make a student partake in a grading with one!