25 November 2011 - I discovered that I'm doing Tsuki Jodan Gaeshi Uchi incorrectly. In this video, Saito Sensei completes the Tsuki, then steps back and does the nagashi parry, then steps forward. I had been doing it as a single movement, performing the nagashi parry above my head with my feet together. I've always been uncomfortable with the notion of my balance during the parry - my feet are close together, and I don't have a firm base to accept a parry.
11-November 2011 - Someone asked recently about the placement of the left foot in Ushiro Tsuki; I'd been doing it with my left foot pointing perpendicular to the thrust. I've checked a couple of video's, and that seems to be the norm. Aside: If you're shooting video, please don't obscure the footwork with a stripe/banner; the banner is useful, but the feet are essential.
Stuff I want to tryKumi-Jo #1I saw a very lovely demonstration of Kumi-Jo #1 at Northern Virginia Aikikai. The instructor emphasize that one of the goals is to keep the jo in contact with one another - almost like an antenna. I think this may have some implications for things we've discussed about the awase. The Northern Virginia Aikido sensei also stressed that tori's first movement pre-empts uke's attack. He acknowledged that some schools teach this as a retreat and advance, but that he prefers the pre-empt. I wonder if the pre-empt makes the exercise more difficult.
Stenudd Jo Exercises20 Jo SuburiBreeland Sensei - 20 Jo Suburi 5-10 - Breeland Sensei shows the movements and offers commentary. I remember having heard praise of Breeland Sensei elsewhere (can't remember where, but her name is familiar with respectful connotations), and this video helps me to understand why. Clear discussions and clean movements, but not "cinematic" Aside; I watched a lovely montage of aikido techniques recently, but it was completely ruined for me when I realized just how "posed" the techniques were. Not a single student adjusted their mai-ai throughout; this was lovely because it was cinema, not because it was skillful. They were probably still better technicians than I am, but they were working for the camera, not for their partners. I think the video bears re-watching, but I want to record a couple of notes:
A youtube playlist of short videos of the 20 Jo Suburi Aikido Development Society 20 Jo Suburi 13-no-Jo KataSome videos I've found instructive
I like his very slow, very clear articulation of the motions, and the fact that the footwork is visible. The footwork against the tapemarks on the floor also makes it clear when and how he crosses the line.
I very much appreciate that he has hiked up his hakama to permit us to see the footwork.
Random other linksI'm in the process of organizing these links. Not quite sure exactly how I want to organize this information.
Aikistudent has some very nice, very focused videos. I like the explanation of Hasso Gaeshi |
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