Some of the other martial arts people I have practiced with that have informed from another perspective on the art of Aikido. | Other Budoka
|
What is Aikido? >
Other Budoka
Leon Jay (Dillman method of pressure-points)
 At the same seminar as Wally Jay he introduced his son Leon Jay who was teaching the Dillman method of pressure point fighting (Kyusho). There is plenty of smoke and mirrors and controversy about pressure-point fighting: Can you really hit 3 20cent size targets in a second in different parts of the body in combat? "If so maybe it will work" the protagonists argue. I did some research on the scientific basis for pressure points (unsatisfied with the meridian based or 5 elements based approachs) essentially researchers suggest it is a series of nerve attacks that trick the body into thinking it is undergoing major trauma and so send the body into shock. Hey presto, the person goes unconscious or limbs collapse a little. What was most interesting about the seminar for me was discovering that many of the pressure point sequences and attack points were built into Aikido kata and became an added bonus for the technique. Kaiten nage is not just a nice throw but you can buckle the knees and knock them out mid flight, nikyo becomes a sort of super nikyo when you press 2 points on uke's arm etc.... They make fun sneaky tricks on unsuspecting uke and a nice diversion from syllabus occasionally. His main site is here http://www.smallcirclejujitsu.co.uk/ |
Wally Jay
 I had the privilege of attending a Wally Jay seminar in the late 1990's in Brisbane. Wally Jay founded the small circle jujitsu art which had some success in international competition. What was most interesting for me was just how aiki-like it was - well, if you took out the nasty finishes and gratuitous atemi that is. His principles to me read a lot like some of Tohei Sensei's principles. I brought a copy of his first book with me... he signed it: "Pain makes best teacher" His page is http://www.smallcirclejujitsu.com/ You can read his impressive biography there. 10 principles of small circle jujitsu 1. Balance 2. Mobility and Stability 3. Avoid the Head On Collision of Forces 4. Mental Resistance and Distraction 5. Focus to the Smallest Point Possible 6. Energy Transfer 7. Create a Base 8. Sticking Control and Sensitivity 9. Rotational Momentum 10. Transitional Flow - Exert Continual Pain During Transitions - Create Maximum Pain Without Dislocating Joint - Mobility During Transition Rather than Stability |
1-2 of 2