YouTube: Janet Clift - Aikido Demonstration - 12th IAF Congress (2016)

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Here's a video of an aikido demonstration by Janet Clift (6th dan, Aikido of Athens) at the 12th International Aikido Federation Congress in Takasaki, Japan in September, 2016.

What are your thoughts on this video?

-- Jun

What are my thoughts about this video? It seems to me that a 4 kyu does the techniques. That Janet Clift is 6th Dan in Aikido does not matter. The video shows that Tori has learned the steps, but she lacks empathy and Ki in her movements. Although it's a show, Tori should be a little more serious in her movements.

I like this demonstration of very clear Aikido movements. It looks simple but it isn't. Taking the initiative is really great. And the pauses in between to let uke move her-/himself exactly into that position where the throw is effortless. Of course, it all depends of what the master wants to demonstrate and what the observer wants to see. This is not action loaded, no drama, just figuring out how to communicate. No demonstration of strength, no "I am stronger than you", nothing of that. On the other hand there are these simple small movements from which at least I infer that her techniques "work", meaning the uke has a good reason to take the break. Unspectacular. And therefore great.

You put yourself out on video and you will attract criticism. Don't really want to go there so no comment on whether it is right or wrong.

However, what I did notice is quite a dramatic lean of the upper body during many of the techniques, almost as if she is pushing uke forward with the movement.