Відео

I take your point. Much, even most of the practice I see, on the mat, is people thinking about how to apply the technique and forcing it. Such techniques are unlikely to work in a real situation without putting in something extra. This video shows aspects of that extra with a view to showing the possibilities should they be required, but which, with sufficient skill , should not be necessary. I tried to make this clear in the description. You may have noticed that once the correct position has been reached the lightest touch makes a difference. Mushin is how it works best, but many struggle to get to this point and most of my videos are about this very issue. Most Aikidoka seem to become obsessed with the form and rarely go beyond it to natural movement and non Aikidoka simply don't understand what they are looking at.

That's very kind of you. Sadly Sensei Duggan retired this year. I have seen some of your videos from the past. Are you still training?

Tell me about the kind of guy that attacks you in the streets. All systems to some extent use "tricks" since if the attacker knows what one is going to do he will attempt to counter.

We cannot sensibly put 100% into the attacks and risk needless injury; equally we are not putting 100% force into the defences for the same reason. We cannot deliver the strikes we might employ in a real situation or vary the techniques in the way we might if we wanted to harm someone, the possibilities have to be taken as read. We are demonstrating Aikido principles which the skilled Aikidoka may employ and which may not be obvious to the observer. There are definitely Aikidoka out there who are not employing these principles and may as a consequence be of the opinion that Aikido doesn't work.

@mraffabilityGB I am not suggesting attempting to hurt each other. I am suggesting your punches are very much not real.

Did I say anything about knocking anyone out? The purpose of strikes in Aikido is to disrupt the posture and make the technique work. Did you listen to anything said? You might be surprised what Aikido does for your stance. I'm not trying to knock my training partner out because we would not have reached the end of the video, we were demonstrating possibilities and the strikes shown were by no means exhaustive.

@mraffabilityGB never said you should knock your partner out... Also i heared what you said it still doesn't make sense... Even if you dont hit your partner you can practice punches with correct form to deliever a knockout or give any real damage so your ''take downs'' would work....

idk watch Jesse Enkamp's video about aikido.. ''I Fought An Aikido Master (Real Sparring)'' the aikido master there seams to understand the weaknesses of aikido

@mraffabilityGB sorry if i came off as a jerk but i am just sharing my opinion the aikido master talks about how simple joint locks from aikido work only on children.... any real resistance will stop it

@@JuanIsHigh Yes, it is true that joint locks can be resisted, but most Aikidoka are only applying a fraction of the power available. I would be ashamed if I had to apply full force in the dojo to make something work; I endeavour to perfect my timing and the use of subtle means to apply technique. Such a scenario generally arises when Tori is fixated on applying that technique rather than following the energy of the attacker. When one has done Aikido for some time even slight pressure in a certain direction is recognised and used to make a technique work. Strikes of various kinds may be used to encourage this. Take nikkyo for example: most Aikidoka seem determined to break your wrist and make one scream or tap out, but all one really needs is to make uke dip/lose posture for a moment in order to transition them into the mat. Joint "locks" as such are restricted in Aikido, the only one often used is rokkyo or udekemi osae, all the others are principally a way of taking uke's posture and in reality this may sometimes require the use of strikes. When practising strikes may be assumed to facilitate "art" or flow, but they should always be taken into account, especially with reference to fighting distance or maai. Re your earlier comment on form: atemi are often designed to be seen rather than to be effective, that is why I mentioned "taking his mind". The point is that uke should see them coming and have time to flinch rather than being struck, in order to remain relatively relaxed there may be a compromise with regard to forms. Where and how one applies them is also relevant. There are a couple of hundred videos on this channel, some will not be that great, but many deal with these issues and the consistent theme is on making the kata techniques work using various tactics.

If you would specify your objection I will try to give you an answer.

In previous videos I have recommended escape as the best option, but I am no longer fleet of foot. All this series concern last resort which should be the case in real life even if there is no weapon involved. These techniques give one a chance which the untrained person may not have. I think that on balance, provided that it does not persuade one to fight when one should run, it is advantageous to have some defence. There is also one's duty to others should they be attacked or threatened. Behind the execution of these techniques there are many hours of practice, so what may seem improbable to the casual observer is not necessarily so. This particular video is about how the knife is released and has nothing to do with convincing execution. In #4 we do an exercise focussing on reaction and application; it was unedited and we were pleasantly surprised at the fact that every technique was accomplished without error. It showed that we both have techniques which we favour; this may be because they are the most practical or possibly that we need to train in other techniques to bring them up to speed. In reality a few basic techniques well learned is probably a better policy than many techniques that require one to think, reaction time is all important.

My first two videos dealt to some extent with your concern. I should suggest that it very much depends who is applying the techniques to whom. There is quite a high probability that the attacker is not an expert and your chances will be improved. I have also done some videos on the subject of overcoming resistance. I know that this does not solve the problems of Aikido, or the perception thereof, but hopefully it will encourage people to think in a more nuanced way about the subject. This video was intended to explain how the knife is removed since on the earlier videos I was aware that it looked as if the attacker was handing over the knife too easily.

So we may as well not bother training any technique because all knife wielders are experts with their tool?

According to evolutionary anthropology Homo Sapiens has been around for 250 000 years and I should surmise that our ancient ancestors may well have been smarter and fitter than us on average since there is no evidence of ancient fast food or video games. The basic body is the body and all martial arts are based on that structure so when it comes down to a flint knife, a bronze dagger or a modern blade nothing has changed. I imagine that our ancestors were experts in a world where only the fittest survived. Some arts represent efforts by the proles to deal with their better armed oppressors. Aikido is if anything a modern form for an allegedly more civilized world, but putting the "Harm" back into "Harmony" is a short journey.

Point taken, but once one has a lock on the free arm can soon be persuaded to let go of the knife.

​@@mraffabilityGB this is true, but I would still show the following to make it clear how to continue the technique

Yes, sometimes I'm further away from the mic than I think. I have done several really basic videos entitled "Starting Aikido #1-7".

@@mraffabilityGB I'll have to check 'em out!

You really don't think I have n't worked that out? I see this sort of comment all the time, but if you practise nothing you aren't likely to make up something effective on the spur of the moment. There are also implied strikes which become actual if required and many other possibilities.

@@mraffabilityGB there s differant ranges of fighting thats a close range but theres middle range too and far range so all differant distances require differant fighting skills if you fall down what happens then if theres more than one attacker if theres bats and knives involved you wont be twirling around like a bali dancer and showing your whole back to the assailant this is bullshido i have many styles and learnt from the best so dont teach fantasy to students when the real life kicks off they loose there life

@@researchthefacts-xm2sv If you have seen a decent selection of these videos you may notice that I make many similar observations. It always depends on the circumstances; the only time one is likely to be in bare feet on a flat unobstructed surface is in a dojo. While ending up on the ground is a likely scenario one of the ideas behind Aikido is that one is fending off multiple attackers which is what the footwork combined with other factors can achieve. If you watch other videos you may see us deal with the punch more directly. The aim of these videos is to promote Aikido as a martial art with practical application so we often go from kata to something more martial. Maybe it is no good for MMA competition but it is better than some arts for fending off an attack without ending up before a judge.

@@mraffabilityGB thank you for yout reply it makes sense

@@researchthefacts-xm2sv 👍

Some advice for the blocking, i just realised for blocking, step away from the strike, if its coming from the right, move to the left if its coming from the left, move to the right

You may have noticed that this play list is called Practical Aikido and that we are in a park. Uke is wearing jogging bottoms to avoid getting his gear dirty, but the top is due for a wash so it doesn't matter. At the time we generally avoided wearing black belts in case it resulted in unwanted attention from idiots. My belt is quite filthy because another tradition is to let the belt go black with practice, unfortunately my waistline has expanded a bit so I have a longer black one for Dojo practice. I was sweaty at the end because it was a warm evening and we had probably been training without interruption for 60-90 minutes. The lock Uke was doing was effective. Hakama are not worn to keep them clean and also to make it easier to see footwork. These videos are partly to promote Aikido as an effective martial art and many of them deal with concepts which seem to be missing from Aikido as it is often practised. There is also an element of experiment and a freedom in training which might not be possible in a Dojo setting. We don't have dramatic music and flash graphics because I can't be bothered and also the videos are generally uncut or edited because I want people to get a realistic picture of practice rather than a picture perfect rehearsed ideal with an obedient Uke trotting around meekly and holding hands and then flinging themselves across the mat.. It looks like something anyone could do.

I understand the sweat because I usually practice for 120 minutes with a 5 minute break and sweating from head to toe even though I am in air conditionining. And I like the cause you are promoting here because I usually use the Iriminage throw and kotegaishi often in self defence situations. Bring a towel and I appreciate your work🙏

The odd dog occasionally tells us off. Thank you.

I'm sure that a lot of what you say is true, but the point of this video is to show how basic techniques are acquired. We know perfectly well that it is not likely to be like a duel with two people politely facing each other, but if we don't know what to do if an opportunity arises we are bound to fail. While a little knowledge can be dangerous, under certain circumstances it may save one's life under others. It is like any other survival situation. Even doing as you suggest, we cannot sensibly be striking and eye gouging each other for the purpose of training and without that we are back to "sport". We are aware of strikes and so forth and always bear these in mind in our practice. I am not "selling a lie", the best advice is to avoid the situation if possible or to run or failing that find a weapon, but sometimes this may not be possible. If you read the description you will see that I have mentioned this. Another aspect to this is that unless it is an occupational hazard one could waste a life time of energy and cause ourselves injury learning something that in all probability we are never going to use. Martial art practice is a part of life, it has many positive benefits including being fun. We are not a warrior cult but like many others feel that we would like to improve our chances in this aspect of human existence, in just the same way as we might wear a seatbelt, invest wisely, eat healthy food.

If you have read the description you will notice that I am suggesting a means of turning Aikido kata into something practical. From "bad stage performance" I presume that you mean that you don't believe that we are taking each others' balance. The point is to start the technique in a way which automatically takes the balance and to exploit it by continuous movement. There are obviously limitations to the ferocity of our training, but the basic principles of taking the balance, leading and guiding the "opponent's" energy into circular and spiral movements, maintaining distance /maai along with the basic locks are being observed. If you made it around 6 minutes in you might have noticed my explanation of where I was deriving the practise from. In many of our videos we do this, we show kata and application. We are also practising on 5x3m of mat. Why did you give up?

@@mraffabilityGB I did not give up 🙂 I spend around 30 to 40 minutes doing core Aikido practice daily, I also go to Open Mat Sessions every other month, where I practice with people from other Martial Arts. I don't think that you are Not taking the balance... I KNOW! this 😏 I can see this from your footwork, posture and position. The issue you have is an "Assisting Opponent", essentially you fall for each other before the technique even takes place. This happens in 99.999% of Aikido schools, so you are not special 🤷‍♂ Just have your training partner Push you hard and fast, as you would get pushed in an altercation, and see how you can deal with that push 👍

@@yuriysemenikhin302 And how would you suggest we work up to that possibility? We do know what to do if someone "sets", that is atemi, but on this occasion we are not practising atemi, but timing. We also practise henka waza. Aikido is not about fighting, it is about finding ways of not opposing force with force. You will find that these videos, though not always wonderful, deal with a number of these topics. I believe that we use a broader spectrum of training methods than most dojos where it is all about practising robotic techniques after one has been grabbed or from shomen and sometimes being as awkward as possible in resistance rather than committing to the attack.

I am delighted that you have found it so useful.

I can't say that the thought has even occurred to me but I don't see why not since the main point is to redirect the energy. If someone is expecting it then it probably won't work. Uke's job is to commit to the attack as though they do not expect the technique. This is just one of many possibilities as far as the Tori/defender is concerned.

The aim is to practise a particular technique and you may notice that strikes are being signalled, but not applied. We can adapt because we learn numerous variations and can change technique without really thinking about it.

A fair comment, but my aim with this video was to give a certain practical reality to the techniques and in this and subsequent videos I make reference to the possible obstructions and situations that may arise outside the dojo. I wanted to recognise that practising on a nice smooth, level mat was an ideal situation, but since everyone was in the same situation, this was something they could do in their back garden. This was made during covid when I did not have access to the dojo or a matted area where it would be lawful for me to brandish a weapon and you may have noticed the hat. My feet were in big boots on an uneven surface. I was hoping by this means to give people something to get started with which would have relevance later, the footwork, the posture and other small details which would make the movement in the dojo seem more familiar should they decide to take up Aikido.

It wasn't' a criticism, just the usual Brit tongue in cheek comment. I tried your drills this morning, it was a nice start to my day and I enjoyed them so much I will make them part of my routine and look forward to more of your content.

@@insidethevelvetglove3919 Thank you, glad to read that you are inspired to action!

I can't really break it down here, but perhaps if you watch the video on a large screen at low speed it will become clearer. In particular watch the hips and note small movements to absorb or enter. As for whether these specific techniques are applicable to other attacks the answer is that once one has internalised the basic kata, one has developed a body and a way of moving. I suspect that it is then necessary to deliberately practise these ideas to get the timing right. We need to be able to act without thought, and this sometimes happens when uke attacks in an unexpected way or we have to switch technique. In earlier videos we have attempted to pressure test techniques by making the attack variable, but there are limitations on that. In most of these videos I attempt to show a progression from basic technique to application. Thank you for your kind comment and useful question.

Is that really the point? If we took on a boxer or wrestler at their own game and they are competent then quite probably, but Aikido is not for standing in a ring and abiding by rules or even out of a ring. I see Aikido as opportunistic, or something that suits a melee situation where for any attack that comes to you there is a response using the techniques learned as kata. The "techniques" shown here are an extension of kata in that they compress the technique. Whether "us guys" would get destroyed comes down to how good the other guy is as it does in any martial art or sport. I think that people are often surprised by Aikido when they get on the mat, though of course that depends on the Dojo. Aikido offers a balance of skills which could be an asset regardless of size, strength, gender or age.

@mraffabilityGB It's choreographed nonsense. It's Mcdojo. Every time an aikido "master" has tried to back up his skills in an actual fight they got totally destroyed. Aikido will not work unless your opponent is so drunk he can barely stand. Aikido is the most ineffective garbage ever to be categorized as a martial art.

@@mr.joedirt8583 Suit yourself. Thanks for watching.

​​@@mr.joedirt8583 stop thinking aikido is inferior. You talk like that because you've never faced an Aikido practicer on the mat

This is always a criticism of Aikido and not without some justification since many Aikidoka seem to struggle to get beyond kata. The point to remember is that the attacker has no idea what you are going to do and neither should the defender. Anything can be countered if the technique to be applied is known in advance. If you have to think about it you will be too late. In most of these videos I am showing basic technique and variations on them, strikes are suggested and assumed to some extent and neither of us is operating on full power as defender. It is not hard to put the harm back into harmony as required. I have no problem with people being critical or explaining why we train in a certain way so I have no problem with comments. It rather annoys me that some Aikido channels do switch them off because they could really benefit.

I understand what you are saying but my disagreement with Aikido has been too many Sensei teach without being tested and that is what transfers over to students. Too many randoris are done with so much go with the flow movement and not tested. As soon as someone locks you up or hits you Aikido went out the door. People try to act like Old Sensei and guess what it does not work the way you thought and I guess you might say well I can give an Atemi before I perform my technique. It might work but how many time have you practiced giving an atemi - probably not much. The only thing I am trying to say I hope you cross train outside your dojo and get to feel how other people grab and hit. Just don't say you know Aikido and see how it works out for you. You will see things are a lot different. Therefore, keep training and keep it real. @@mraffabilityGB

@@MrJvcconstruction I know what you mean about Aikido going out the door and only practice will solve this. I don't know whether you have seen some of my other videos where we do attempt some degree of pressure testing. I think that Aikido show its potential to work when Uke catches you by surprise with the "wrong" attack, or a technique goes wrong and you have to switch. In these videos I generally try to show the relationship between the basic kata technique and practical application. The reason we do the techniques on each other rather than me being the great "I am" is because if I cannot teach him to make the technique work against me that is a failure of technique and teaching. Teachers should be aiming to make their students excel them. I get quite exasperated when I watch tame, often light female ukes trotting around meekly grabbing wrists, not even testing their ability to put in a strike. We are always aware of this possibility and this may not be apparent in the demonstrations which are not rehearsed or scripted. This particular video is an attempt to show the possibilities once kata have been internalised. Aikido techniques are derived from joint, bone breaking and killing so ultimately testing them in a sporting way is not possible. Once there are rules all martial arts lose their true significance.

Why not? Thanks for watching.

I am sure that you realise that in Great Britain we are not allowed to carry a weapon for self-defence. This video is primarily intended to promote an understanding and interest in Aikido and any reference to using it as a means of self-defence is purely hypothetical and dependent upon the laws of the country you are in. Of course if you face an existential threat, then as I understand it, the law in England allows for a reasonable use of force.

@@mraffabilityGB of course. Here in the UK 🇬🇧 we are NOT allowed legally to carry ANYTHING that is obviously a self defense weapon or any item we name as such ( disclosure and legal information done. I have a walking/hiking staff that I use due to suffering from minieres disease ( probably spelt wrong) which leaves me at times without warning a lack of balance it's like being drunk but without the good bit🤣😂. So I am all good legally. I was just impressed with the very basic and concise way you have made the videos 👍💪🙏

@@mraffabilityGB I worked the doors for 8 years in my younger days so I'm aware of the right to use "a preemptive strike using the amount of force I deem necessary in my own mind to stops any threat I percive to myself or other" An excellent way to introduce people to you chosen form of martial arts 🇬🇧👍💪🙏

@@mattdurham4046 Thank you. Now we are back in the dojo you might be interested in a video called Jo Dori #1 and a couple coming out soon on preventing the Jo being taken from you. All the best, enjoy your hiking.

@@mraffabilityGB I will check them out definitely. If I subscribe to this channel will they be on here? Once again thank you for taking the time to make the videos and reply to my messages 🙏