For all its elegance, Aikido is not a Ryū -流, – a complete art. Its formal curriculum lacks a full set of techniques at every range – maai “interval.” This is a simple observation, a discussion of fact, not a normative evaluation of its merits. Like most traditional martial arts we are discussing contact range – closeContinue reading “RANGES OF COMBAT”
Author Archives: protectivearts
KATA DORI
A new month so moving to a new focus: a front shoulder grab – kata dori. First the context. A shoulder grab while wearing a dogi (or Edo-period clothing) can be an effective control. Starting with the little finger one quickly wraps his grip in the fabric of the shoulder or upper sleeve to effectively pin the opponent’s arm orContinue reading “KATA DORI”
KUBOTAN
Kubotan Techniques for your library: download the PDF. Who is Takayuki Kubota? >here< What is a kubotan? A small hand-held impact weapon that is used as a “force multiplier” in order to facilitate locks and nerve plexus strikes. There are numerous historical and cultural precedents – yawara, kongou (vajra), tessen, shobo, pasak, etc. The techniques illustratedContinue reading “KUBOTAN”
Protective Arts 