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Old 05-17-2011, 09:24 AM   #4
Keith Larman
Dojo: AIA, Los Angeles, CA
Location: California
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,604
United_States
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Re: Do We Need To Invent A New Training? Yes/No/Maybe/How?

Well, last Friday night a few of us were training with fast, repeated punching. I ended up having to sit out as I managed to deflect a second punch up into my face, splitting my face open. So yes, some of us train with an eye towards this stuff. It isn't easy, it is more intense and it is more dangerous. And it often ain't as pretty when it "works" too. Usually the upshot of training like this is that you are reminded as to why "irimi" is such a central part of Aikido. You will not do well to constantly try to step out of the way of a skilled puncher. The first may miss but the second or third won't. And a skilled puncher ain't leaving the hand out for you to grab either. So usually you have to invade the space, taking kuzushi somehow, and finish there. Working in tight or getting way the heck far away. The point here is that you can't be "reactive" to their attacks; you will lose because you are playing on their field rather than your own.

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