When Itagaki was attacked by Naobumi AIHARA in Gifu City in 1882 (the Gifu Incident), Itagaki used atemi waza (striking techniques) with his elbow against Aihara's abdomen, getting injured himself, though.
明治15年（1882年）に岐阜で相原尚褧に襲われた際（岐阜事件）には負傷しながらも、相原の腹部に肘で当身技を行った。