TANTO DORI, knife defense, is extremely difficult, whatever martial art is used. This video, though, is more about warding off as sort of a conditioned reflex, when sensing uke’s impulse to attack. The knife is mainly included to make the exercise distinct.

An instinctive response can’t be too elaborate, but an initial defensive reaction like this warding off reflection is possible. If the move is simple enough it can be quite quick, even from an unprepared and relaxed state. But of course it is not a complete defense, though maybe the beginning of one. Training to react quickly is essential in every martial art. Speed is a very important factor.

This was filmed at an aikido seminar I held in Prague, Czech Republic, in February 2024.

Here are my tantodori videos on YouTube:
   • Aikido TANTO DORI, knife defense, chu...  


My aikido dojo is Enighet in Malmö, Sweden: https://www.aikidoenighet.se/

For more about aikido, visit my website:
https://www.stenudd.com/aikido/
My aikido books:
https://www.amazon.com/Aikido-Princip...
https://www.amazon.com/Attacks-Aikido...