Asayama Ichiden-ryū and Ikkyo: Parallels with Aikidō and Daitō-ryū

This video presents several techniques from Ōkura-den Asayama Ichiden-ryū Taijutsu, which bear some resemblance to the fundamental technique ikkyo/ikkajō/ippon dori. These demonstrated in separate pricate training clips with my instructor of Aikido and Daito Ryu Ishikawa-sensei, and his Asayama instructor Miyamoto Takamasa-sensei of the Asayama Ichiden-ryū Rihō Kenshūkai. The first 3 techniques are essentially a "low ikkyo," while the last - Marumi - is most similar to high ikkyo that Aikido and Daito Ryu practitioners are familiar with so stay till the end. The techniques shown include forms of kote gaeshi, origi, and marumi. Despite the shared name, the Asayama Ichiden-ryū kote gaeshi shown here is not the same technique as kote gaeshi in Aikidō or Daitō-ryū. Also note that in general it is hard to decipher a technique in Asayama from the name. The names represent forms with similar set up but can be otherwise very different. I am not suggesting that these particular techniques are the direct origin of ikkyo or ikkajō. The historical relationship between Asayama Ichiden-ryū and Daitō-ryū is not established, although possible influence has been proposed, and the shared connection with Aizu makes the question particularly interesting. More important to me is what comparative practice can reveal. The softness of the movement, control of the elbow, subtle kuzushi, and the attempt to move without the opponent detecting the action all provide interesting points of comparison with aiki as practiced in Aikidō and Daitō-ryū. For modern practitioners interested in the older martial traditions surrounding Aikidō and Daitō-ryū, Asayama Ichiden-ryū offers another perspective from which familiar principles can be examined. Studying a different method does not necessarily tell us where a technique came from, but it can sometimes reveal aspects of our own practice that are otherwise difficult to see