Tenkan / Turning
転換
A fundamental Aikido movement principle of turning the body 180 degrees, redirecting the force of an attack.
Quick Facts
Definition
Tenkan is an Aikido movement principle involving a 180-degree turn of the body around the front or rear foot, allowing the defender to smoothly redirect the force and direction of the attacker's movement rather than standing directly in its path. This circular motion makes use of the attacker's momentum, bringing them into a position where they lose balance and become vulnerable to a follow-up technique. Tenkan is often trained in a basic exercise called tai-no-henko, which practices blending with the partner's movement without using brute strength. Together with the principle of irimi (entering), tenkan forms the pair of main movement strategies underlying the vast majority of Aikido techniques. Philosophically, tenkan reflects Aikido's core idea of harmonizing with an attacker's force rather than directly opposing it.
Related Terms
Art of fluid whole-body movement to step off the attacker's line of force.
Ukemi受身Art of breakfalling safely to absorb impact energy without injury during throws.
Irimi / Entering入身A fundamental Aikido movement principle of stepping directly into the attacker's space rather than evading.