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”
Tag Archives: Knife
FAIRBAIRN AND SYKES
Originally this post was titled “Shooting to Live” to make sure that the classic text would be available. It has been expanded (and may continue to be updated) to better serve as a reference for the men who were pioneers and innovators – but more importantly – men who actually used the techniques they taught. WilliamContinue reading “FAIRBAIRN AND SYKES”
TACTICS – BEYOND THE ONE HIT KILL
“There are no primary attacks in a knife fight.” This is an important reminder for Aikidoka who are habituated to the one-hit one-kill training mentality. In a knife fight attacks can be gambits, ploys, set-ups to elicit responses. Boxers must contend with similar complex encounters. Stratagems of deception and non-linear methods of attack are not Aikido’s forte. Aikido’s premise narrows theContinue reading “TACTICS – BEYOND THE ONE HIT KILL”