"Try That On A Non-Compliant Opponent!"

Author: Bret Gordon

A common criticism of any martial arts video, especially those demonstrating internal skills, is that they are shown primarily with partners that are not actively resisting, such as in a live match or fight. This is a rather old clip (January 2022), but one morning while filming some promotional videos, one of my students brought his brother to watch. Of course, his brother was naturally skeptical of what he saw and so I invited him on the mat to experience what was being demonstrated, and describe what he felt. This is that unedited first interaction.

"As soon as his arm touched me, my body and mind immediately became distraught and I fell down."​ -- Sumo wrestler Tenryu Saburo, describing a match with Ueshiba Morihei

​It's important to note that he is not an untrained bystander, but instead accomplished high school and college wrestler, Joe Wilson. No this isn't a live match, but it does show how we can use the aiki body to neutralize an opponent's take downs. While I'm certainly not claiming to be anywhere near Ueshiba's level of proficiency or refinement, I'd say that quote above accurately summarizes some of Joe's reactions...