Through Uke's expression of authentic attack energy, nage learns where he is no longer connected center-to-center in the aikido movement set known to most aikidoists as "shihonage" or "four direction throw." In Aiki-lab, participants in the role of uke agree to not "go along" with nage but to provide a flow of authentic, center-piercing energy with an intention that is maintained through the entire event. In this way instead of bad habits being formed by collusive ukemi, rough spots caused by nage's lack of connection in the interaction are illuminated and more effective connected responses are cultivated through a shift in intention from defense to support.

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