This has been a busy week, and, although I found time for training, finding time for writing has been more difficult. Instead I thought I would share a short, inspiring film about aikido. The filming is beautiful and the use of slow motion, and directional arrows, really allows you to see the effects the sensei is having on his uke. There are many principles on display such as joint manipulation, balance, and redirection. But what I really like is the film’s portrayal of the intimacy and physical closeness that exists between combatants. As you practice alone this coming week, use these images to develop a stronger sense of the imaginary opponent you are fighting. Disregard specific techniques and focus on how close he is to you, how he might fall, or how your movements might off-balance him. Think of him as connected to your arms as they move. Think of the two of you trying to occupy the same space. Regardless of the style you train in, this type of practice will allow you to see things in your movements that you may have been missing. Imagine that.
Imagine that.
29 Wednesday Feb 2012
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I never thought about combat as intimate…but as they say in “The Matrix”, you never really know someone until you fight them. That’s paraphrased of course. But it still brings up a good point. We learn a great deal about ourselves and our opponents when we engage in combat. Personally, I think Ju-Jitsu is probably the most intimate of all the martial arts, given the unique way you are forced to really get in close for extended periods of time…which can often lead to interesting conversations. LOL