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.