Compared to others, I feel I used a much more "scientific" and systematic approach to my aikido game that gives me a unique advantage. After reading, it's up to you to agree or disagree.

Through the use of the move-memory script I have developed a system of attacks, counter-attacks, and defenses. This system all stems from an single opener which I use invariably.


Here's what I learned from using an unvarying opener in aikido,
Advantages:
1) Instinctive Response - As a master belt who has used this same opener for more than 4 years, I have seen a limited number of "situations" which I have had to face. This has led me to develop my system around how my opponent opens against my opener, mostly based on how their hands and feet line up against mine. For example, if his torso is open = snapkick, if he is going to snap kick = kick check, if he grips both my hands = set judo throw/trip, if my rear hand is free = shoot for leg grab.

2) Misdirection - Initially my tori's open looks like a snapkick. Looking at the ghost he his doing some rolling backflip thing. Against an opponent who has never fought me before, it's hard to predict what I will do next.

3) Options - To this date I have developed 7 options off my initial opener (A through G) and several sub-options off of those. With each option and sub-option I have collectively defeated thousands of opponents with-in the first 3 to 5 turns. For those who survive the first 3-5 turns, that is when I stop using movememory and fight freestyle.

4) More Reaction Time - By using my preset responses in movememory, i have more time to adjust and sharpen the attack I am using to its maximum effect.

Disadvantages:
5) Predictability - Obviously if an opponent is aware of my opener he has the chance to take advantage. However if I have already developed a counter to his response does it really matter? That's for him to decide.

To explain the system itself, my moves are listed in a tactical order with integrated sequences displayed as nested moves. Too many big words for you? Lemme show ya.

_AQUITA_ If you didn't know this is my opener, that's why it's at the top of the list. dummy...

A-SAFE CLINCH This and any other move listed in all CAPS is a option that directly follows my opener in the second turn. Specifically in the safe clinch my upper body joints are all relaxed in response to anybody trying to kick or decap my ass.

D---FootSweep This is a suboption to follow the option D-JUDO. As you can see I use letters to categorize the options and sub options together, into what I call an attack sequence. The suboptions are indented in appropriate time order of use.

Now you might think that I just pick which sequence is best and follow down through the suboptions but fights can be very unpredictable and I will often mix options and suboptions from different sequences.
For example after landing a snapkick, instead of throwing a follow up hook I may try to pull guard with option G. And sometimes while I'm pulling guard there is a nice opening for a leg takedown so I'll switch to option F.

The last two moves labeled Set Hip and Hip Toss are the only two options that do not follow the _AQUITA_ opener. These two moves are actually the set up and execution sequence of my hip throws which have proven to be powerful and dynamic techniques which can be used at nearly any time I wish.

So there you have it, a detailed walk-through of my system. If you are interested in knowing the specifics of each sequence I will most likely be showcasing these in the future. For now let me know what you think of my system.

"Tactics of misdirection can be your greatest weapon in a fight both in toribash and in the real world."
- Aquita