Just because you are on your knees does not mean you cannot rise up towards the sky. Ten-chi is found in both suwari waza and tachi waza.
Suwari waza kokyu ho is an example of this, where uke is propelled towards the sky before returning to earth:
This is what is referred to as training in Aiki. However, it is important to note that, in order for uke to be lifted up towards the sky in this way, his arms must be extended for a moment at the start of the movement, with the three joints of his arms locked.
It is only with uke's arms stretched out in this way that tori's energy can be sent through the elbow to the shoulders. If uke's arms are bent, he can use his strength, making the conflict more difficult to avoid. Preventing uke from using his strength is the way to avoid having to fight against it.
