The video on Ikkyo is very useful if you want to demonstrate the basic technique or movement. However as a beginner (Kyu4) and based on my own shortcomings, there are three key points that need to be highlighted in the video:
1. During the initial attack, once the tori’s hand is outstretched, pivoting the hips to force the elbow up. Beginners tend to use less of the pivoting force in the hips or none at all and focus more on arm strength.
2. Once the elbow is stretched (see video 18seconds), force to the elbow needs to be applied in the correct plane so that structurally the body is unbalanced.
3. At the point the body is unbalanced, you step in without allowing the opponent to recover by ensuring that you don’t raise your centre. (Perhaps this point could be illustrated with two shots on “How not to do it – exaggerated!” vs correct approach).
Point 2 above can be more visually presented by a video shot taken from behind the Uke so that it is clear in which plane force is being applied.
Point 1, 3 I guess is self study :)
The objective of the video is a “study aid” so key points need to be highlighted in the video so during training these can be worked on. One of the objectives of these blogs should also be on how to improve the quality of the videos. Thoughts please … ??
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ReplyDeleteHowever, as the videos are just for demonstration/aid, it is good to keep this things to your mind and experiment with them during class.
ReplyDeleteRemember during class you are there to learn and experiment. On that note, many techniques that we train on, initially start with a light punch or hit on the attacker in order to confuse him/her, then actually the technique seems to make more sence.
Experiment with it during class.
I have now just seen the videos once but a first impression is very important. My first impression is that the videos are short, concise and relevant.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find particularly helpful are the use and explanation of terms frequently used during practice. These can be a bit confusing particularly for beginners.
I also wonder if the versions with voice over and with sign language can be combined into one version.
As far as I can judge it the videos are shot, produced and edited to a high standard. Good.
The question TM raises - in how much detail do you describe the details - is one not easily to be answered. As with all the techniques there is plenty of details to be worked on - like we do in classes. So you have to make a choice somewhere between very detailed or just: name and demonstration of the technique.
Would it make sense to have another video about some of the basics of our methodology, like keeping the centre low, upper body relaxed and flexible.....
One of TMs other comments, shooting from a different angle might be something to think about generally as it helps to understand and see the directions in which we apply pressure or force.
Good work all in all.
Yes, too much detail can be very overwhelming. Sometimes it is useful to just focus on particular aspect of the technique. Isn't Ikkyo a 20 year technique? Lots of layers of learning such as timing/blending (Awase) and correct distance (Maai). I believe a good way to judge distance is that you should always be able to apply attemi during technique. Is you can't reach attacker. Then they are too far away.
ReplyDeleteI am curious why this style does not use tenkan moves. There appears to be very large emphasis on one attacker when in reality it is highly likely that someone will try to attack from other directions as well. How does this relate to out development of Zanshin?
ReplyDeleteTo be honest with you Daniel, i cant answer all the questions you have with a veryfied reply simply because im not a master of this style, but in my opinion is just ow the style is formed. Maybe due to lack of people in a regular class we dont get to train randori with two or three attackers in order to develope our Zanshin. If this make any sense to you!
ReplyDeleteFrom a beginner to martial arts and to aikido... I think these videos are quite helpful. The basic techniques chosen for these videos are able to highlight different parts of the body that are involved during the practice of aikido. Plus, the information given and seen during each video is just enough: to me this is one of the greatest achievements of this video-work, it accurately informs without giving an overflow of information.
ReplyDeleteThe videos should combine both the gestual and the VO versions, it would make sense, and i believe it could be very easily achieved.
Finally, and from an aesthetic point of view, any martial art has its own beauty once practised: a flow of harmonic movements that is easily associated with dance. For the completion of these videos i would suggest for the 2 practitioners to demonstrate the application of the several techniques shown at a more realistic pace and rhythm, so that this beauty and harmony of movement could be perceived.
thanks for your effort in putting these videos together. Due to my limited knowledge I don't feel confortable to comment on the techniques shown, all i can say is that they looked pretty clear to me and that will help me during my own practise.
um abraço, miguel
Thank you Nick for your comments. I think you are probably right. It depends on the level of training and amount of people available. Reflecting on the issue of Zanshin I think our instructor has on many occasions given opportunity to develop Zanshin without the need for Randori. When throwing or taking throw we must continually be aware of who is around us. One technique I like from a different school is trying to keep tori in you view throughout an technique. I think Colin emphasises this aspect when he tells us to keep oou eye on the horizon. We must overcome the natural reflex of closing our eyes and becoming disoriented. In aikido we must challenge many natural reflexes and replace them with behaviours that give us advantage.
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