Dai Ikkyo literally translates into the "First Lesson" or "First Teaching".

Often students would remember "ikkyo" as the first lock technique, and nothing more.

Reflecting on the nature, and reason it is called the "First Lesson", practising "Dai Ikkyo" with full consciousness provides a wealth of benefits.  It should not be taken for granted.  Practice it diligently and you will provide yourself with a firm foundation in Waza.

Whenever you practice "ikkyo", ask yourself if you are doing the following.
Be aware of learning to:

• Keep a safe distance from your partner at all times, no matter what he/she does.
• Standing in a stable left or right "hanmi" (half-body stance).
• Be alert in reading your partner.
• Time your response and enter, or step aside, at precisely the right moment.
• Know that your response is more important than how you are attacked.
• Glide smoothly to meet (not block, but meet) the attack.
• Remain calm and alert.
• Extend your Ki (mind, spirit and body - aligned).
• Extend your hand and fingers, instead of grabbing too soon.
• Execute a Kokyu-ho response to Shomenuchi, as you would execute a sword cut. 

"Ikkyo" is an essential learning/practice launchpad through which all other techniques flow.  Execute "ikkyo" (omote & ura) well, to lead you through to "nikkyo", "sankyo" etc... even through to executing "kotegaeshi" or "shihonage"... etc...

Reflect and focus on different aspects of "ikkyo" as you practice in the Dojo.  Immerse and engage yourself in the process of executing a "perfect" ikkyo everytime, all the time.  This will make your practice a fuller and more meaningful experience.

"Ikkyo" is not just the first lock.

See you in the Dojo.

In peace and harmony,
Rafael Oei Sensei.
(© Copyright July 2008: Rafael Oei)

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