CIRCULAR DISSOLVES

Circular dissolves.  Master Keating explains the concept. What we explore here is a counter-clockwise dissolve but the concepts are applicable to clockwise dissolves. For the last several classes we have been exploring circular dissolves though the simplified cross-hand encounter – aihanmi katate dori (R/R, L/L grasps). Setting the encounter: Nage presents hand thumb up –Continue reading “CIRCULAR DISSOLVES”

PUNCH TO THE FACE

A punch to the face is what Mulligan sensei called a high affect encounter – jodan tsuki scares most people. Jodan and jodan tsuki are both covered in earlier posts. This morning presented the classic Karate punch, meaning the fist is twisted at the final contact and the elbow is turned point out, forearm parallelContinue reading “PUNCH TO THE FACE”

HUBUD AND REACTION DRILLS

“Why do you teach other drills, why don’t you stay with Aikido?” First I warned you at the onset that I am being selfish and I am experimenting. Furthermore, I am not convinced the traditional methods of monkey-see monkey-do teaching are the best.  Nor am I convinced that the exercises always get to the meat of theContinue reading “HUBUD AND REACTION DRILLS”