Editors Note: This is the second in an eight part series discussing past seminars at our school. The entire series can be found under the video category.
In this next video, Bernath Sensei is executing various techniques from suwari-waza. Grady Lane Sensei is uke. I really want our students to see this video, especially those who haven’t yet tested for fourth kyu. (Our fourth kyu examination is the first rank which formally tests kneeling techniques, aside from kokyu-dosa.)
For many students, suwari-waza is an entirely foreign concept. This video, I think, demonstrates exactly what Dee Sensei is looking for: clear attack, clear technique, pacing and control. That the test techniques are different is unimportant; what matters here are the principles that apply to all technique.
I’m watching this next video the day after an incredible seminar at Brevard Aikikai. Bernath Sensei taught, as well as several other talented shidoin and fukushidoin. As you can probably guess, I’m a bit sore today. I mention this because after seeing the ukemi Neil took, I can almost feel it myself. This is dynamic technique.
Some more background. Those mats you see, the ones that look awfully thin? Well they are. Thankfully, we don’t have those anymore, but I’ve taken ukemi on them, and…well, let’s just say that Neil has much better ukemi than me.
Honestly, this is amazing stuff.