I’m not a fan of Koichi Tohei, but this video (in my opinion) shows how an aikidoist might deal with someone who is going to take them to the ground.
Or at least…attempt to take them to the ground. I do not own this video nor did I partake in creating this video. Enjoy!
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It’s a good demonstration, but a takedown attempt? From my perspective, the attacker isn’t quite sure what he wants to do, and that is clearly part of the reason he fails to do it.
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I love the vintage videos.
I really like your blog and will be sure to visit frequently.
I’m a former aikidoka myself, having studied Yoshinkai under Kushida Sensei in Detroit.
ST – Thanks for the link! I greatly appreciate it.
Chris – Good point, it was pointed out earlier to me that the American here doesn’t seem to know any martial arts to begin with. Although I will argue that he is an excellent example of the “normal” attacker that you will encounter on the street (since most people don’t know any martial arts).
Rick – Thank you! If you don’t mind me asking what are you practicing now?
Interesting to watch. At our club, when people have exams for kyu or dan, the sensei makes them (amongst others) handle an attack from 4-5 people simultaneously. The techniques are hardly used correctly, but I think the purposes are to get used to the attacks, to control your fear and to not remain in some kind of mental blockage. He currently does not apply it for girls, but I think I’ll ask for this in particular as I think the exercise will do me good.
Thank you for sharing this video with us. 🙂
Felicia
You’re probably talking about “Randori” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randori).
Really, he doesn’t apply it to girls? that seems a little…bias? Perhaps even sexist (I’m not saying your Sensei is one) but I would imagine that of the two sexes girls would need Randori the most since women are the most at risk for attacks by multiple opponents – especially in a street situation with the possibility of rape.
…and you’re very welcome. I look forward to reading your future happy posts!
Yes. I guess it’s Randori I was talking about. I don’t know why he doesn’t apply it for girls. I will definitely have to ask and, like I said, request it be done for us too.
Have a nice day 🙂
Felicia