Levels of Play in Judo
by Kyle Sloan I think it’s important to take a few minutes and discuss the five different levels of play in Judo. I begin at the lowest impact and work my way upward to full-out play. Uchi Komi – We practice … Read More
Sempai/Kohai and Organic Relationships
by Nick Lowry Senpai/Kohai describes a relationship of seniority and responsibility that is used in traditional dojos to help define the roles that we fulfill in training together. Senpai is basically “senior” who is entrusted to act as a mentor … Read More
Judo: Kouchi-gari Partner Throws
Kyle Sloan The concept of what I call partner throws is simple: you sincerely attempt the first, and the second is naturally available in the event of failure. I don’t like calling them combinations, because people want the second technique … Read More
Aikido: Ground Self Defense Part 7
by Kyle Sloan; Cameron Siemens, Uke; Photography & Video by Rob Goodwill This is the final installment of the series. This is a great self-defense technique from Dr. Clif Norgaard. Instead of moving to hit you, maybe uke is going … Read More
Aikido: Ground Self Defense Part 6
by Kyle Sloan; Cameron Siemens, Uke; Photography & Video by Rob Goodwill When returning to standing from the ground, there’s a safe way to do it if uke is nearby. From hands and knees, look behind you and kick. Again, … Read More
Aikido: Ground Self-Defense Part 5
by Kyle Sloan, Cameron Siemens, Uke; Photography & Video by Rob Goodwill In order to effectively strike, uke must raise up. You will feel uke’s rising actions. As uke raises up, pull your knees to your chest. Make sure you … Read More
Aikido: #1 Release to Sumi Otoshi
Derek Hall, Uke; Kyle Sloan, Tori; Photography & Video by Rob Goodwill This is one of my favorite “trick” techniques, which depends greatly on timing. We begin with uke making a cross body attack by grapping tori’s right wrist. Tori … Read More
Aikido: Ground Self Defense Part 3
by Kyle Sloan; Cameron Siemens, Uke; Photography & Video by Rob Goodwill Judo guys do this every class, and it is the foundation of our escapes. Begin laying on your back. Bring one foot as close to your buttocks as … Read More
Aikido: Kote Gaeshi to Kote Hineri Loop
On the surface, this seemingly simple drill has a lot to offer. For clarity, I will describe the drill for the right side only. You can perform the drill from a static or near static position as you learn the … Read More
Aikido: Kote Gaeshi Sit-n-Spin
Cameron Siemens, Uke; Photography & Video by Rob Goodwill This is a fun little drill. It relies heavily on timing and use of center Begin holding kote-gaeshi. Uke sits down. Just as his buttocks comes into contact with the mat… … Read More