Tegatana Dosa - Basic hand movements

The basic hand movements, Tegatana Dosa, comprise of 5 sets of 4 movements.  The exercise teaches base hand and arm position and motion used in all Aikido techniques. 

The sets are:

1. Straight strike - Shomenate
2. High side strike - Jodan
3. Middle circle block - Chudan
4. Low push - Gedan
5. Cross block and corner full strike

Key points:

• Flex your knees, as if skiing
• Always use sharp movements, no matter the speed of the count
• Move during the count, not after
• Be centered at the end of the movement, do not be off balance
• Both feet should be flat on the mat
• Keep a good upright posture at all times
• Look straight ahead, not at your feet
• Keep an "unbendable" arm
• Keep a strong hand blade, tegatana