protectivearts

RYOTEDORI

Ryotedori – two hands vs two hands. There are any number of basic body-building reasons to train ryotedori – tanren development, resistance training – but for the advanced practitioner it is an indexing exercise. Indexing. The total number of combinations in a two hand v two hand wrist grab is three: double inside, double outside, one inContinue reading “RYOTEDORI”

TESTING

Testing in Aikido is a performance art. Without overt competition there is no immediate external validation of one’s skill and achievement. A presentation of one’s understanding of the art at that moment in time, along the path of one’s development is the goal. (Tarim Kim has sound advice on knowing what you know now.[1]) That implies an objectiveContinue reading “TESTING”

ASHI-SABAKI

Ashi-sabaki generically means foot work but for us it denotes a very specific relationship. The solo form of practice will be similar to ikkyo. Standing shizentai as a universal posture, lower the center and zone out with the fingers in the up position, elbow pointed toward your own hip. Drive the fingers forward with theContinue reading “ASHI-SABAKI”