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Old 12-23-2002, 09:56 AM   #18
bob_stra
Location: Australia
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 641
Australia
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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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