Repost
Here's a repost of a question I placed to another board. I think the answer might be of some interest -
I wrote -
> Recently I started training in aikido and >am having trouble integrating the standard >boxing mechanics.
To which Kirk Lawson (an aikidoka) responded
Think of the BKB as Atemi (vital point striking for you non-Aikidoka out
there :-) ). Use it as a setup or an entry prior to an Aikido style
technique. The footwork and body positioning is a bit different but not
so dissimilar that it won't work together. Think of the basic BKB stance
(depending on the individual style you're using, I'll work from a Mendoza
style and a right-handed left lead for the sake of discussion) as sort of
a modified left hamni. The feet are in almost exactly the same position,
about shoulder width apart and the left preceeding the right. It may be
a bit deeper then your Aikido hamni but that's more personal then
specific. The hand positions are what's going to seem weirdest to you as
an Aikidoka. You're gonna feel like you're sticking them out there just
*begging* for someone to grab them. Rest assured that it'll be *real*
hard for them to do so once you've got a little bit of practice with the
style, anyway, an Aikidoka is gonna want to take you on the move instead
of static anyway. When you throw a lead punch and are trying to relate
how the new body position relates to your Aikido training, think of it as
being, again, in a left hamni only now you're extended, you've extended
your energy. Think about not *over* extending. Use your body weight,
moving from the legs and hips as you do in Aikido, not trying to "force"
the punch using your shoulder for all of the energy. Same for the right
hand, the rounding blow, etc. Though some extension is required, you
don't want to *over* extend. In either case, classic BKB or Aikido, an
over extension is an invitation to a throw.
On the topic of BKB throws. The classic BKB throws are not all that
dissimilar to some of your Aikido throws. The difference tends to be
that the BKB throws (at least as illustrated in the manuals) tend to rely
more on upper body strength, be far less concerned with achieving an
initial "off balance," and have less of an idea of "centering." You
should be able to apply your Aikido training to the classic BKB throws
with good results.
Peace favor your sword
---
"In these modern times, many men are wounded for not having weapons or
knowledge of their use."
-Achille Marozzo, 1536
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