Unbendable Arm and Applications

On Thursday night, we worked on classical unbendable arm and 2 applications. If you are wondering what is "classical", it simply means the original static learning position developed by the founders of Aikido. "Applications" are dynamic adaptations to that original original position. This means the applications we develop are moving, dynamic and practical for self-defense. However, the classical position is always the position of reference and is the foundation for all applications. Therefore, if you are having difficulty with an application you should review the key elements of the classical position to make an assessment of your deficiencies.

The 2 applications we reveiwed to the classical unbendable arm were: bear hug from the rear arms pinned and from a roundhouse strike. First, we covered the bear hug. The common mistake was not waiting for the attach to mature and not stepping wide enough to allow for the throw. Mr. Lee emphasized the step around is not shortened or lengthened, it is replacing. Your simply moving your foot from the front of the UKE's(attacker) leg to the back. Personally, I don't like this application because it takes too long. However, if it is done right, the attacker will be dropped on his head.

The second application we revied was the unbendable arm from a roundhouse attack. I love this one because it allows me to be very physically and it can be quickly executed. If attacked with a roundhouse punch or weapon in the hand, step to the neutral shoulder then block, parry, elbox strike to the chin then "extend" your arm through the UKE's face while puling his other arm with your other arm. It's kind of like stretching your arms up and out. Anyways after extending through the face, step back with your lead leg allowing the UKE to fall. While on the ground you could executed a few grappling techniques to place the UKE in a very unfavorable position, not to mention you have probably shattered his jaw with your elbow strike.

The last part of the class was dedicated to knife defenses, specifically slicing/cutting motion. To me this is the hardest part. A lunge stab I can handle better, the cutting and slicing motion is very dangerous. Mr. Lee even said that you should choose to defend yourself against such an attack open-handed only if it was your last resort. The timing has to be spot on to make your defense effective. So we worked on outside and inside movement from a backhand and roundhouse cutting motion. From the outside, I like the front wrist throw and the rollover arm bar from the inside.

The brown belt test is slowly creeping up, let's see how it goes.

Cross-Arm Throw

Today, I worked with Scott and Mr. Street. Mr. or Sensei is used as a sign of respect for a black belt. Today, we worked on applications to the cross-arm throw. We practiced an application from Two-Hand grip from the Rear. Both Scott and Mr. Street had a little trouble performing the application on me to the fullest extent. They were able to throw me but not put me in an arm bar. This application can be very deadly if the attacker does not know how to fall or roll. An attacker could be dropped on his head or flat on his back from a height of 2-3 feet. If applied right, this application could also snap your elbow joint in half.

We also worked on another application to the same technique. However, this application is from a should or lapel grab. As the attcker reached for your lapel or shoulder, turn your shoulders in the same direction while reaching with your opposite hand to grab the attacker's hand. As the attacker punches with the other hand, push block and slide into position. Take a step and throw the attacker into a barrier or the ground.

Lastly, in the last few moments of class, we worked a new technique for Scott, cross the body wrist throw. The static position starts off facing the attacker with a same side grip. Lead the attacker down and back, the lead will allow you to use your other hand to whip the attacker to the ground. This is another technique that could really hurt you if you had no akemi waza or falling techniques.

Reflections:
Today, I felf like I was being thrown all class long. The black belts were curious about Scott's and Mr Street's ability to throw me with the cross-arm throw. They threw me several times as well as did the other. I told them to call me Disneyland because I felt like I was on a ride all class long. It was a good class but I can feel the aches coming on for tomorrow.

Brown Belt Test: 28 Days and counting
Wil Beaver
"Beware the All Seeing Eye"

The Essence of Aikido

Many people see martial arts as a brutal sport/activity. I do agree the outcome can be brutal at times especially in the Nihon Goshin Aikido style but the goal in Aikido is not to DESTROY but be in HARMONY with your attacker.

Aikido was founded by Morihei Uyesiba in Japan in the mid-1900s. However the techniques that are taught are based on battlefield applications developed by the Samurai. Aikido is focused on self-defense because it was used by an unarmed Samurai on the battlefield to defend against an attacker/aggressor with a weapon. Since then the art focuses on weapon bearing attackers as well as the unarmed.

There are several schools/styles of Aikido but I really relate to Nihon Goshin more. The practicality of the style is immense. Aikido itself revolves around self-defense rather than being the aggressor. The art of self-defense is much more appealing to me that being that overbearing aggressor. Practical life-saving applications can be used to neutralize an attacker/aggressor. There are several thousand applications that can be applied to any situation you may encounter.

The class instructor Mr. Bryce Lee has been training in Aikido for more than 25 years and in martial arts overall for 32+ years. He started in Shotokan Karate. Karate is the art of "force meets force", the greater force normally wins. Self-defense and life-saving applications is not the primary mission of Karate. After he received his black belt in Shotokan he decided to train in Aikido. Although he was a black belt in Shotokan, Aikido was nothing he could have ever prepared himself for. His rank in Karate meant absolutely nothing, everything in Aikido requires balance and circular movement.

Aikido is not "force meets force" but rather "force meets defeat". That is, the harder someone attacks you, they will put themselves in a more "unfavorable position". I know unfavorable is vague but to me that is the best way to phrase it because Aikidoka or those who train in Aikido do NOT seek to destroy, we seek to neutralize. Thus, if the intent of the attacker is to "harm", then no "harm" will be done unto him but he may feel aches and pains for a while. If the intent is to kill, then "harm" not death will be returned instead. The level of escalation must be kept at a minimum when using our style of Aikido. It can be compare to the that a police officer must employ when dealing with the public. Although lethal force can be used, it should NOT be used unless your life or the life of someone else is in danger.

In Aikido an attacker's force is usually redirected and rechannelled rather than blocked. The continuance of the attcker's force will ultimately lead to an unfavorable position for him/her. Trust me, I know first had and have had the injuries to remind me. For example, if you are attacked by a "roundhouse" punch. Most people step back or just try to get out of the way and the energy from that attack is lost. However, in Aikido, the goal is to be at "one' with the attack, thus we step in toward the attackers neutral shoulder or side where punch is not coming from. This movement helps to continue the energy as well as taking away his/her balance this putting then in an "unfavorable position". Try it yourself, using a punching bag or "volunteer". If you throw a round punch with force and the target moves into your neutral shoulder you will not only miss your target but probably fall down beacuse of the circular force of the punch...that is Aikido. In Nihon Goshin Aikido we use blocks and atemi or defensive strikes to help facilitate the neutralization during an attack. These strikes may be an elbow, chop, kick, etc...

In Mr. Lee's classes, he promotes self-actualization and goal orientation. His classes are not paced by his agenda but rather by the individuals ability to grow and flourish. Some martial arts have a preset "timeline" on when you should be a black belt. However, in Mr. Lee's classes, the "timeline" is governed by one person...you.