Applications are the Martial Aspect of the 50 Classical Techniques
While the hallmark of the Art of Nihon Goshin Aikido is the 50 Classical Techniques, the martial aspect of each Classical Technique is realized through the understanding of how a particular Classical Technique can be applied in a truly martial situation.
1st Wrist Technique, Jacket Grab, Arm Bar, Elbow Chop, Front Wrist Throw, Muggers Throw, Leg Sweep, Whip Throw, Come Along Throw, Unbendable Arm
3rd Set Wrist, Handshake, Over the Back Throw, Pull Down from the Rear, Reverse Palms Lift Up, Two Hand Lift Up, Two on One, Two Hand Wheel Throw, Two Hand Grip from the Rear Throw to the Front, Two Hand Grip form the Rear Throw to the Side
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A couple of thoughts on our Applications.
1. I believe that careful consideration should be made with your applications so that each Application of a Classical Technique has a clear initial movement irimi (entering) and tekan (pivoting) version (eg: Arm Bar from an Overhead Chop with an Irimi Motion, and Arm Bar from an Overhead Chop with a Tenkan Motion). See Principles of Movement for an explanation of what these terms mean to me, because they are significantly different than the definitions used in our books on the art.
2. Another concept that I believe would be beneficial would be to teach the first application from the opposite grip when possible [eg: you ‘can’ do an Arm Bar from a straight grab (see Arm Bar Applications in the White Belt Set for an example)], and demonstrate the technique going in different directions (eg: Applications of the Classical Technique of the Elbow Chop should not have to always go in the direction of uke’s strike.
3. Lastly, students should always endeavor to master our Applications to the same level of proficiency as our Classical Techniques ~ if not higher, as the Application is a more realistic scenario to what you might do in an actual fight.