Tenkan Definition

Tenkan is a fundamental term used in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido to describe the way in which a nage (the leader of an aikido technique) moves in relation to the uke (the opponent who initiates an attack and receiver of an aikido technique).

Rather than blocking or stopping the energy of the uke’s attack, the nage moves offline while maintaining balance, safety, and connection to the Earth, allowing the nage to fully become one with and leading that energy into a roll or a takedown.