Well said Lenny, you take ukemi to avoid injury. Kotegaeshi applied properly is going to break the wrist, so to avoid that you take the breakfall. You do it to someone in the street, your breaking their wrist. Simple as. Easy to do if they are trying to grab you, not so easy when their trying to punch you in the face.
Dean Winter totally agree. I’ve been doing Aikido for about a decade now and I’ve had this same discussion with a lot of my friends. Aikido is more a set of martial principles then it is a bag of techniques albeit there is a lot of techniques within the art but it’s more about body position and how we move based off what uke does or does not do (hard entering movement) that makes the art actually work the way it does. Yes I have used the art in actual real life and it did work. The cool thing about Aikido is once enough knowledge of the art is gained you have the ability to make it as aggressive or soft as you feel the situation calls for. Additionally Aikido blends perfectly well with other martial arts with little to no confusion between the styles. Personally I train and teach Aikido and Pekiti Tirsia Kali and recently started formally learning BJJ. All 3 arts lend themselves to each other perfectly with some over lap but not so much as to cause confusion or inability to learn each one independently.
amen Brother! So glad you brought up Mr. Igmo Rogan, I don’t think he would have the Juevos to step foot in your School, Shihan Reynosa would make him a true believer for sure! This was a great video, I am going to share this among my fan base as well, it would affirm what I had been teaching from the beginning, Ukemi is part of the Whole Package! Without it, we wouldn’t have too many to train with since there would be too many Hospital visits associated with our practice. LolYou are right, I had no idea what BJJ was until Royce Gracie took UFC by storm, nobody saw that coming as nobody would know what to do with a solid Irimi Nage with pure intent, I always have to be careful as to how far I go as far as power with my students, but because I know their Ukemi skills, I will challenge their abilities as they progress on stage to the next, I have about two students I feel I can go up to 90% with, most I can only worth with at 50% more or less, but I don’t compromise the follow through, or snap, they are safer when I cause the fall then when I hold up half or 3/4 way, I am teaching them for short range and falls and full breakfall according to their ability. Once again Meastro, you knocked it out of the Park! God bless!
Have been practicing te shin kai Aikido for 2 years..achieved high grades in others..still take karate....I totally agree with where u are coming from...this explains the most difficult martial art very simply. Aikido is awesome... locks, breaks & throws to the joint. Once u get it ( it takes patience) it becomes v addictive...& freaking hurts! Awesome video...keep them coming.. Hope to train with u someday...J Uk. We train under Keith Hayward 7th dan
I'm an older guy who did Judo and Aikido many years ago. I wish I had haven an instructor or sensei like this. This guy makes Aikido real and rational. Something that escapes many of Aikido's critics. What a great teacher.
100% fantastic - great to learn the theory as well as the pract. Aikido is sophisticated and people who have never studied Aikido will never understand the power of it
Sensei Sly, As a Master of SinMoo Hapkido, a 3rd Dan of Chon-Tu Kwan Hapkido, a continuing Russian Systema student a beginning Aikido practitioner, I can honestly say this is one of the best explanations I’ve ever encountered. With my background I too have heard the whole BS about the rolls and breakfalls. And as an older practitioner of the Arts, sometimes it’s rather difficult to move correctly so explaining to my peers some of these movements can be a little bit challenging. I rarely comment on RUclips videos, but I wanted to reach out to thank you for a great video. Well done Sir!
I'm a student of Arnis\Eskrima\Kali. However; I love the way you present Aikido. You are a natural teacher. You not only know the art but just as importantly; you also are gifted in knowing how to teach to make it digestible for the student. I've seen and met many very skilled martial artist. However; many of them, don't know how to teach. I wish you continued success.
Keep up the good work good demonstrations of Aikido techniques. On Joe Rogan yeah he's pretty much an MMA groupie. And just like any other martial arts MMA as a art Lacks real world self defense applications specifically with weapons. A lot of people also forget that Aikido is in the family of traditional jiu-jitsu, while there's some similarities and some Styles it is just another style of jiu-jitsu that emphasized an intellectual aspect of Harmony like you stated. In my school I have used by keto Concepts and it has greatly helped my Jiu-Jitsu standing and grappling. I also find Aikido techniques greatly effective with weaponry and against weaponry. Cool post and don't worry about the haters. Most people don't even understand how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is taught they teach grappling first and then they teach traditional stand up Jiu-Jitsu last. But at the end of the day it is another style of Jutsu that also encompasses Aikido and its root form.
Lenny I’ve done Aikido for 20 years. Like you, I idolised Steven seagals style and I even went to Tenshin in Osaka back in 2007. For me, It makes all the other Aikido styles look useless. However, the problem with Seagal, like most Aikidoka was he never had a real fight in his life and there is also absolutely no footage of Morihei Ueshiba under a stressful condition where the attack is not choreographed in anyway shape or form. The closest we have is the video called “rendez vouz with adventure” where two American skeptical journalists go and seek out Osensei and train in Aikido for a bit. The video was shot in the early or late 50s I think. You may have seen it. The one journalist becomes even more sceptical after training with Osensei and koichi tohei and asks them if he can have a proper rough and tumble with one of them. Osensei agrees but he summons Tohei to do it. What happens is truly astonishing, in my opinion. It was the first time I have seen proper attacks (NOT CHOREOGRAPHED) to the legendary 9th dan Aikidoka and quite frankly Tohei was in an absolute mess. I was disappointed. If it had not been for Toheis 6th dan in judo I think he would have got is ass smashed or it would have been a major embarrassment. It’s on RUclips to watch. You are right, this is a demo but going back to the video of Tohei and the journalist, he couldn’t get any technique on. So what are the attacks in Aikido a training tool for? Is it to develop economy of motion? I think the biggest problem that Aikido has is in the nature of the attack that's used for demonstrations. Don’t get me wrong you teach Seagals style very well and it looks beautiful. But for me, I come back to it again, there is no evidence to suggest Osensei could look after himself in a real fight. Exaggerated stories from fanatical disciples is not evidence. For me, it comes down to the level of fighter you are going up against. The video of the so called legendary koichi tohei did me a huge favour because I started Brazilian Jiu jitsu afterwards and was able to complete the same fighting course taught to the US Navy Seals. I learnt more in that course than in 20 years of been on the Aiki mat. It’s all about what you know and I like to train knowing I could face an above average fighter.
Merry Christmas Pastor Sly!! I can't thank you enough for preaching the gospel. You totally have changed my aikido for the better. And soon, I'll send you a personal thx video. Keep up the great work. There is none better out there putting out the video knowledge.
I feeld bad for your students ;D not in a bad way! I love how the aikido is revolving around pain. It gives a spiritual aspect to it. This is so important a video that it makes me sad that so few ppl have seen it
Thanks for making a video explaining our ukemi. Very well put that if you’ve never taken a hard technique you wouldn’t understand. I still remember taking Irimi nage in my first training class without knowing how to take that back fall. It freezes the mind and tenses up the body. Going down in an uncontrolled manner is GOING TO HURT! Looking forward to part two.
Great Video and once again you are bold, blunt and brutally honest. You are the "Dr House" of Aikido and I personally love it. Real World self defense isn't a cake walk. Anyone who thinks these techniques don't work or hurt, all I can say is for them to try it out and I bet they won't talk smack anymore. Thank you for the Introduction to Anthony Sensei in Virginia Beach. I'll be training with him in his Dojo starting in January. I wish you, your family and your Dojo Family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May the Lord Bless You and Keep You in His Favor. OSSU!
You have just encapsulated my thoughts on ukemi, I had some issues with breakfalls and thru constant practice I've gotten better. Thanks for your perspective Sensei. You give me motivation.
+Joe Gutierrez Oh ok. Maybe one day I'll be invited to Texas to teach a seminar. Unless I strike it RICH then I'll come out and produce my own seminar.
I didn't see it posted in the comments but if you guys are wondering about the MMA fight where hiji shime was used to break the arm without ukemi; it was Shinya Aoki who hit it. Don't remember his opponent but if you just search "Shinya Aoki Arm Break" you'll get several different videos. It's the fight where he breaks the arm standing and his opponent is American. You guys can also check out Tim Boetsch in his fight with David Heath in the UFC. Boetsch nails a phenomenal version of modified kokyu nage and you see what happens when you don't know how to roll or breakfall. His highlight video here on RUclips has it at the 30 second mark.
Hello all! Would like to thank for the answers! Really enjoying the discussion! Thank you! Would also like to throw some more questions that came to me through our discussion and try to shed some more light to this topic (keep in mind all the discussion here when anwsering): 1. What are the methods of practice you guys know or train daily that put to the test the principles of Aikido technique application? 2. How do you guys practice "situational awerness"? 3. Do you guys work on dealing with resistence? If so, could you describe the training methods you all undergo for that? I would like to share my experience in Aikido, so you guys know where I'm coming from: I'm 34, practicing Aikido for almost 17 years (may 2018). In june of 2017 I was promoted to 3rd degree black belt in the Aikikai system. I also enjoy and try to study various other schools of Aikido, like Yoshinkan, Nishio and Iwama, trying to incorporate their concepts and methods of practice to my Aikido as I see fit. I just recently started practicing BJJ, which I'm liking very much, and had a very small experience in Shotokan Karate in my youth. Thank you all for participating and Happy New Year!
one time I didn't fall proper, the guy even didn't nail me hard but I fucked my right shoulder so bad, the tendon almost snapped. I couldn't move my arm for 4 months, not even sleep on that side of my body. Luckily it eventually passed away. It was 17 years ago, sometimes I feel slight pain in the gym in weight training.
We were never formally introduced but I believe I may have seen you at the later evening advanced classes or on a Saturday. I was only a beginner but studied almost everyday for 13 months. I was saddened to hear about sensei’s passing.
THE ROGUE WARRIORS - Where Warriors are FORGED Bob would occasionally lead class when I was there There were so many good people I had the honor of training with. Hard to remember all the names. I really miss studying. I live in Crystal Lake now and studied briefly in a dojo here
KEN TUCKER Where in NC do you live Sir? One of Lenny Sly Sensei friends has an Aikido school in Virginia Beach. I live in Windsor NC (40 miles south of Elizabeth City) and I just recently joined the VA Beach Dojo.
When is Joe Rogan going have a proper Aikido guy on his podcast to explain our martial art. That mope that was on there had no business talking about Aikido in any capacity. The guy didn't even know O'sensei's name. That guy was train wreck.
Hey Lenny, this was a nice video! I agree with all its content. You're on the right track here. I believe that a lot of ukemi is about, as you say, evasion / absorption... but I'm also working on a theory that there's even more to it... I'd love for you to review my book when it comes out. ;)
I believe this is the fight Lenny was talking about with the Aikido-style arm lock in an MMA fight, Shinya Aoki broke/dislocated his opponent's arm. Shinya Aoki even does a tutorial on how to achieve that arm lock from an MMA close fighting position: ruclips.net/video/Y2lLQlM5tFA/видео.html
Sensei Sly, I loved the video and I know what your message is about ukemi, the only point I would like to clarify is that “escape” is maybe not the most accurate description of what we are trying to do as uke's role in practice. Ukemi means to “absorb” and I think that is a little more accurate. Of course there is the element of injury prevention, but to escape does not imply active engagement or staying connected throughout the technique on uke's behalf. It is very easy to turn away during an ikkyo or nikkyo before the technique has even been applied and that is escaping. But to absorb the technique as it is being done, means to stay engaged in a way that you can learn to potentially counter attack the technique if it is executed improperly, and more importantly, learn to fall from a compromised position (after the balance is broken). Same thing goes for nage, you can’t think about escaping and doing a technique like iriminage at the same time. Anyway, I know what you mean by escaping, because as uke you are trying to protect yourself and prevent injury, I just think that “absorbing” to do that is a more accurate reflection of what we are trying to do in practice. I only bring this up because I see many beginner students attempting to turn away or walk out of techniques before they are applied, because they think they are protecting themselves by doing that, when in reality they are putting themselves in a more compromised position (turning away) and not learning anything from it (potential counters, connection, proper falling).
Agreed, there are basically three levels of reacting to a technique: Ukemi (can be divided into several levels again if yo want) which means. give the Nage the feeling how the technique would feel if done for real (but letting Uke be unharmed). Escape techniques are the next higher level: you get out of the technique the Nage tries to apply and save yourself. The "feeling how a proper technique feels" vanishes for the Nage. And finally, Kaeshi Waza, counter techniques. Protecting your self (Ukemi), escaping the application, and turning into a counter technique.
OSU Sensei love your videos I think you're a straight shooter NO bs guy that's applied that logic to the martial arts I know experience when I see it, Im in NYC but I'd like to train with you. Is there anyway that we can correspond directly to talk more in depth about training?
great video sensei. I'm a big fan. We in Switzerland train the Osaka Buikukai Aikido. It is the subsequent style of Hirokazu Kobayashi Sensei. Unfortunately there is no Tenshin school here. Actually, I think it's not bad Aikido does not always have a good reputation. the more unknown the art is, the better it will work in a serious case. I would like to come to the Dojo someday and learn from you. Merry Christmas and Greetings from Switzerland
Thank you Sensei for crystal clear explanation. I personally felt that bodhi but you gave that experience words to communicate. Also I find it pointless to compare MMA with Aikido. And I don't understand why MMA guys comment on Aikido. Because Aikido is not a sports martial arts so that it will involve sparring. It is like why don't you shoot real people while learning shooting 😂
in my opinion aikido can be fast, hard and devastating. i think ppl cant tell the difference between a wrist lock and a throwing wrist turn, or when to use them. Impact with intent for devastion
Happy Holidays. Do you think the Chinese Chin-Na techniques could be a useful tool for your Aikido? It always seemed like they would fit well together.
EDIT: Pls! Keep participating! I'm very gratefull for all the insights you could share! Tks and Happy New Year! I'm an aikido practioner studying the practical side of the Aikido technique, looking for it effectiveness. I would like to throw a question for everyone willing to answer it with good intent. I believe one of the problems with Aikido is not exactly the final techniques but their set up... I mean, how do you get to that in a dynamic situation with an uke that responds to our movements, that reacts?
Well I'm an Aikidoka of 3 years (about to be 4 years by the end of 2017). From what understand from my instructor is that you give a little atemi to initiate the move that will catch the uke off guard. All this has to be done with sen no sen. Hope that helps.
Thank you for your input! Does your practice/training involve some kind of "pressure" over Nage for him to learn how to correctly aply the atemi and capitalize on the kuzushi created by it? The attacks practiced in Aikido tend to be completly unrealistic and with no post reaction. So, what I mean by "pressure" is what I like to call a "concious attack": honest, strong and flexible, allowing the attacker some space for reaction to the answer of its own attack, which will come from the Aikidoka. Also, could you clarify the concept of Sen no Sen? Thank you!
Hi! Thanks for joinning the discussion. Do you have any experience with Aikido or what is your experience in general (so I can understand the mindset of your statement)? I get what you're saying about stress testing, It's the idea behind the pressure I mentioned answering MrMattias87. And that is the point: Aikido does not tend to put Nage in a situation unconfortable enough to develop the effectiveness of it's techniques. Under "heavy fire", how to set up the situation and position yourself/connect with the attacker in a way to effectively apply the technique, against a "live" Uke? What would be a nice methods of trainning that would allow the practioner to do what you say but keeping it safe enough so you can train the next day? Could you elaborate on that?
I don't really understand what you mean by conscious attack, if you mean an honest attack with intent then yes however not all uke's may do that due to laziness or lack of understanding. Atemi waza is pretty much embodied within the techniques for example irimi nage or tenchi nage they don't have to be throws they can be strikes. Shomenuchi is definitely a strike but you can make that into an uppcut punch to the chin while your other hand is either blocking or deflecting the opposing punch. Or it can be a hammer fist to the nose as Lenny sly showed in one of his other videos recently. I agree that some attacks whether wrist grabs or strike attacks aren't realistic but they are not meant to be. They're just exercises to develop the basic foundations in your practice. Principles is probably more important than technique. Also attacks in Aikido are more about the trajectory rather than the physical visual and of course kinetic energy or intent. In other words it's not about what they look like it's more about the path their attacks are travelling on and how much power they're putting into it to do something like a KO for eg, hence the reason why Aikido movements are circular and angular and not linear unlike Shotokan (my secondary martial art which I cross trained into). Sen no sen means simultaneous initiative in other words the instant your attacker moves to attack... you move at the same time to intercept. Which is what Lenny sly always emphasizes and my instructor too as well. Otherwise nothing will work. It definitely doesn't work if you wait for the attack and then respond. That's pretty much from my understanding of Aikido in application. But I would still listen & watch what Lenny sly says and other Aikido instructors on youtube would say. Everyone has different interpretations there's no right or wrong. PS don't forget Aikido is pretty much kata, just without the kumite (sparring).
All aikido techniques contains atemi but we don't focus on it. It's much harder to learn all the other parts than it is to learn to throw a punch. I just taught today that outsiders think that uke attacks only once then stands still and waits for the technique to be applied. This is totally incorrect but you need an instructor to enlighten you on what is truly going on. Most of our stuff is not put down on paper or video in the modern age. You must attend class to get the kuden. Osensei said there are levels to defense. 1st level is go no sen (reacting after the attack) 2nd level is sen no sen (reacting at the same time of the attack) 3rd level is sen sen no sen (initiating the defense the instant the attacker thought about attackin you).
Good points. Thanks for making this video. Seems fashionable right now to rip on aikido. Maybe it’s warranted, maybe it’s comparing apples and oranges. Is it just me or is the rise in talking down on aikido tied to the rise in MMAs popularity? Did aikido make too many claims that did not bare fruit? As one RUclipsr put it, “ aikido was trying to be a master of all; self defense, spiritually, fitness.. Thoughts?
The problem is how to catch the wrist when someone knows how to punch in combinations.the moment you try to grab then the other hand punch hit you in the jaw.goodbye sleep tight
I've criticized a lot of these RUclips guys that sit around with a laptop in front of them in their karate uniforms usually is about three of them I'm sure you know I'm talking about amongst others quarterback and what you do well the good thing about that like they say when you're receiving flak that means you're over the target congratulations Lenny I told them why don't you get out there and let's see what you can do some have and it's pathetic and of course I always tell them you need to watch Lenny Sly of rogue warriors of course I'm sure that's a slap in the face to them but of course other people that read that will know about you by me doing that free advertising so Lenny just keep doing what you're doing and don't let them get under your skin which I'm sure you're not although I like when you get very intense about the whole thing well these guys when you watch them it looks like they just want to sit around and hold hands I think they're burning incense in the background and singing come by yeah as always Lenny you're the best stay militant and brutal that's the way I like it I don't know about everybody else today's date April 30 2022 I am watching an older video of yours
I dont know if it is true but there was a story about a Aikidoka who did a shionage on an attacker. The attacker didn't flip at all. He just ended up with torn ligaments/ tendons in his back, chest, and shoulders.
Lenny: Is it my imagination, or has Rod never really spoken on your videos? Could you let him be Nage and host for a change? Not that I don't truly enjoy you hosting, but the poor guy is getting the crap kicked out of him, and I'd like him to share some insights.
I saw a Rogan show in which he had some deluded aikido ''master'' who was the complete opossite of Lenny,and on that count i agreed with him.The clasic bulshit aikido is ridicoulus when it comes to SD.But to be fair,Joe should invite Lenny in his show.On the other hand,the MMA competitional style is also ridicoulus for SD.You dont want to roll in the dust with some guy whyle his buddy will kick you in the head with a bottle.
radu ardeleanu blah blah..Lenny would be smart enough to decline the interview..Joe has his arena, Lenny has his..knowledge is power..you don't like it JOE---don't fucking watch!
Tell all the haters, as you have in the past in many video, to F off..I seen one video where you, Lenny, invited the haters to come to the training center...Joe Rogan reading this?????
THE ROGUE WARRIORS - Where Warriors are FORGED Granted...watch the videos see the technique..and if your don't roll with it, your wrist will break simple...watch the videos..all of them..Joe. 👊👊👊💲💲💲👊👊👊
If aikido is effective in self-defense it should be effective in a sport setting. You should enter a grappling tournament and compete as a white belt. You don’t have to worry about winning the ground game. The matches start standing. You can show your aikido throws are effective. At higher belt levels wrist locks are allowed, If you wanted to demonstrate them as well. You can talk and demonstrate techniques all day long but until you can apply it against an opponent who is resisting 100% it is useless. It is like trying to learn to swim without ever getting into a pool of water.
Matt Opal you think it’s not effective. You want to apply it in sports?hahahaha... are you joking? You want to apply it in realistic apply?hahahaha... you mean you them to become disabled? It bone breaking if you don’t cooperate. That why that martial art called aikido. Understand the word AIKIDO. Please do research 1st before you say anything or something about aikido.
I have been practicing BJJ for eight years now. I have been thrown , choked, arm barred, wrist lock, knee barred, kimura locked, Americana locked, ankle locked and foot locked. All of this while training at 100% resistance and I haven’t had any fractures yet.. I can train this way because when I feel pain I just tap to let my training partner know there technique is working. When you train with an opponent who is really resisting you they don’t just let you apply the technique. I hope one day you awake from your delusion.
Matt Opal yeah it almost the same to us. We have pinning techniques also. remember you practicing BJJ for 8years but you did not know the lineage of BJJ. It is also from Japanese jiujutsu. Aikido, judo, BJJ are same lineage from jiujutsu. But in aikido, it will not called aikido if you keep resisting the technique. The martial art called aikido is to being harmonized with your partner.
I am very familiar with lineage of BJJ. My comment was responding to your claim that aikido could not be practiced in a sport environment due to injury. My experience with BJJ says that is false. Prior to my time in BJJ I practiced small circle jiu jitsu, wing chun and kali for 10 years. Instructors use demonstrations and one step sparring to make their techniques appear effective. This does not often have hold up to actual application. If your techniques really work than test it in a sport environment such as wrestling, boxing, judo, Thai boxing or grappling tournament.
I'm 65 n my teacher taught me what ur teaching,n by far ur teaching is right. So if anyone thinks its crap go 2 his dojo n learn something
This needs to be explained to a lot of people. Thank you.
Well said Lenny, you take ukemi to avoid injury. Kotegaeshi applied properly is going to break the wrist, so to avoid that you take the breakfall. You do it to someone in the street, your breaking their wrist. Simple as.
Easy to do if they are trying to grab you, not so easy when their trying to punch you in the face.
I practiced Aikido for 6 years, got my Shodan and what I learned was folks will always criticise the art until you show them the pain.
Dean Winter totally agree. I’ve been doing Aikido for about a decade now and I’ve had this same discussion with a lot of my friends. Aikido is more a set of martial principles then it is a bag of techniques albeit there is a lot of techniques within the art but it’s more about body position and how we move based off what uke does or does not do (hard entering movement) that makes the art actually work the way it does. Yes I have used the art in actual real life and it did work. The cool thing about Aikido is once enough knowledge of the art is gained you have the ability to make it as aggressive or soft as you feel the situation calls for. Additionally Aikido blends perfectly well with other martial arts with little to no confusion between the styles. Personally I train and teach Aikido and Pekiti Tirsia Kali and recently started formally learning BJJ. All 3 arts lend themselves to each other perfectly with some over lap but not so much as to cause confusion or inability to learn each one independently.
"Im gonna break the elbow. I'm gonna go right to lunch after." classic
amen Brother! So glad you brought up Mr. Igmo Rogan, I don’t think he would have the Juevos to step foot in your School, Shihan Reynosa would make him a true believer for sure! This was a great video, I am going to share this among my fan base as well, it would affirm what I had been teaching from the beginning, Ukemi is part of the Whole Package! Without it, we wouldn’t have too many to train with since there would be too many Hospital visits associated with our practice. LolYou are right, I had no idea what BJJ was until Royce Gracie took UFC by storm, nobody saw that coming as nobody would know what to do with a solid Irimi Nage with pure intent, I always have to be careful as to how far I go as far as power with my students, but because I know their Ukemi skills, I will challenge their abilities as they progress on stage to the next, I have about two students I feel I can go up to 90% with, most I can only worth with at 50% more or less, but I don’t compromise the follow through, or snap, they are safer when I cause the fall then when I hold up half or 3/4 way, I am teaching them for short range and falls and full breakfall according to their ability. Once again Meastro, you knocked it out of the Park! God bless!
Have been practicing te shin kai Aikido for 2 years..achieved high grades in others..still take karate....I totally agree with where u are coming from...this explains the most difficult martial art very simply. Aikido is awesome... locks, breaks & throws to the joint. Once u get it ( it takes patience) it becomes v addictive...& freaking hurts! Awesome video...keep them coming.. Hope to train with u someday...J Uk. We train under Keith Hayward 7th dan
In our tradition it’s always been explained as escaping and reversal thank you for making this video
+Three Rivers Bujutsu
There's a part#2 that will be uploaded in a fed days.
I think ukemi is kimura in jiujitsu. Lenny- you are the real deal man.
I'm an older guy who did Judo and Aikido many years ago. I wish I had haven an instructor or sensei like this. This guy makes Aikido real and rational. Something that escapes many of Aikido's critics. What a great teacher.
100% fantastic - great to learn the theory as well as the pract. Aikido is sophisticated and people who have never studied Aikido will never understand the power of it
Sensei Sly,
As a Master of SinMoo Hapkido, a 3rd Dan of Chon-Tu Kwan Hapkido, a continuing Russian Systema student a beginning Aikido practitioner, I can honestly say this is one of the best explanations I’ve ever encountered.
With my background I too have heard the whole BS about the rolls and breakfalls. And as an older practitioner of the Arts, sometimes it’s rather difficult to move correctly so explaining to my peers some of these movements can be a little bit challenging.
I rarely comment on RUclips videos, but I wanted to reach out to thank you for a great video.
Well done Sir!
+Patsy Zarilla
Thank you very much for taking the time to reach out to me. I really appreciate it.
Lenny~
Thank you Lenny for speaking against Joe Rogan and you’re right 100% he doesn’t know and it frustrates me when he down plays aikidos effectiveness.
I'm a student of Arnis\Eskrima\Kali. However; I love the way you present Aikido. You are a natural teacher. You not only know the art but just as importantly; you also are gifted in knowing how to teach to make it digestible for the student. I've seen and met many very skilled martial artist. However; many of them, don't know how to teach. I wish you continued success.
Great video thanks for producing them.
Brilliant logic of why we take ukemi - "it's for us"......loved it
Keep up the good work good demonstrations of Aikido techniques. On Joe Rogan yeah he's pretty much an MMA groupie. And just like any other martial arts MMA as a art Lacks real world self defense applications specifically with weapons. A lot of people also forget that Aikido is in the family of traditional jiu-jitsu, while there's some similarities and some Styles it is just another style of jiu-jitsu that emphasized an intellectual aspect of Harmony like you stated. In my school I have used by keto Concepts and it has greatly helped my Jiu-Jitsu standing and grappling. I also find Aikido techniques greatly effective with weaponry and against weaponry. Cool post and don't worry about the haters. Most people don't even understand how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is taught they teach grappling first and then they teach traditional stand up Jiu-Jitsu last. But at the end of the day it is another style of Jutsu that also encompasses Aikido and its root form.
Lenny I’ve done Aikido for 20 years. Like you, I idolised Steven seagals style and I even went to Tenshin in Osaka back in 2007. For me, It makes all the other Aikido styles look useless. However, the problem with Seagal, like most Aikidoka was he never had a real fight in his life and there is also absolutely no footage of Morihei Ueshiba under a stressful condition where the attack is not choreographed in anyway shape or form. The closest we have is the video called “rendez vouz with adventure” where two American skeptical journalists go and seek out Osensei and train in Aikido for a bit. The video was shot in the early or late 50s I think. You may have seen it. The one journalist becomes even more sceptical after training with Osensei and koichi tohei and asks them if he can have a proper rough and tumble with one of them. Osensei agrees but he summons Tohei to do it. What happens is truly astonishing, in my opinion. It was the first time I have seen proper attacks (NOT CHOREOGRAPHED) to the legendary 9th dan Aikidoka and quite frankly Tohei was in an absolute mess. I was disappointed. If it had not been for Toheis 6th dan in judo I think he would have got is ass smashed or it would have been a major embarrassment. It’s on RUclips to watch. You are right, this is a demo but going back to the video of Tohei and the journalist, he couldn’t get any technique on. So what are the attacks in Aikido a training tool for? Is it to develop economy of motion? I think the biggest problem that Aikido has is in the nature of the attack that's used for demonstrations. Don’t get me wrong you teach Seagals style very well and it looks beautiful. But for me, I come back to it again, there is no evidence to suggest Osensei could look after himself in a real fight. Exaggerated stories from fanatical disciples is not evidence. For me, it comes down to the level of fighter you are going up against. The video of the so called legendary koichi tohei did me a huge favour because I started Brazilian Jiu jitsu afterwards and was able to complete the same fighting course taught to the US Navy Seals. I learnt more in that course than in 20 years of been on the Aiki mat. It’s all about what you know and I like to train knowing I could face an above average fighter.
+acquiesce100
Thank you for your comment. Could you possibly send me the link to that video you we're talking about.
I did add the link but it's been removed. Just type into RUclips "Rendes Vous with adventure Aikido" . It's the top video which lasts about 25 mins.
A great explanation of Ukemi . And end to a year of instruction. Looking forward to more of the real deal in 2018.
Thank you so very much for sharing your hard work and Merry Christmas 😄🎄🎁❄🎅
+Alphonso Frett
Thank you sir
Merry Christmas to you and your family too
Love that arm bar. It has worked for me in the past. Love your videos.
Azu's Point Of View
Thanks brotha
Merry Christmas Pastor Sly!!
I can't thank you enough for preaching the gospel. You totally have changed my aikido for the better. And soon, I'll send you a personal thx video. Keep up the great work. There is none better out there putting out the video knowledge.
+James Carter
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you.
Respect Lenny. Merry Christmas
I feeld bad for your students ;D not in a bad way! I love how the aikido is revolving around pain. It gives a spiritual aspect to it.
This is so important a video that it makes me sad that so few ppl have seen it
Hope this explains everything...to all bashers out there. Try it first so you will know. Great job sensei...my utmost respect!
Thanks for making a video explaining our ukemi. Very well put that if you’ve never taken a hard technique you wouldn’t understand. I still remember taking Irimi nage in my first training class without knowing how to take that back fall. It freezes the mind and tenses up the body. Going down in an uncontrolled manner is GOING TO HURT! Looking forward to part two.
+Joel Quevedo
Part 2 is live now
Great Video and once again you are bold, blunt and brutally honest. You are the "Dr House" of Aikido and I personally love it. Real World self defense isn't a cake walk. Anyone who thinks these techniques don't work or hurt, all I can say is for them to try it out and I bet they won't talk smack anymore. Thank you for the Introduction to Anthony Sensei in Virginia Beach. I'll be training with him in his Dojo starting in January. I wish you, your family and your Dojo Family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May the Lord Bless You and Keep You in His Favor.
OSSU!
I would love to see Lenny and Joe rogan have a conversation. and even show Joe some effective stuff. We should tell Joe rogan about this.
You have just encapsulated my thoughts on ukemi, I had some issues with breakfalls and thru constant practice I've gotten better. Thanks for your perspective Sensei. You give me motivation.
Great to have the explanation behind what is done as in an hour long class not much is said.
Thanks for everything
And Merry Christmas teacher
+Tino H
Merry Christmas to you and your family too
Lenny where are you at man ?
We miss you….
I think your Aikido is awesome.
I never left I just stopped posting. Although I’m teaching a seminar in Hawaii in November. So I’ll be posting video from that.
Hello Lenny. I see your videos all day. Thank you very much for the videos. respects
GREETINGS Sly Sensei , brilliant video as always . Seasons greeting to you and the team at Rouge warriors .
Couldn't agree more.... Been saying this for years , since 1976!!! But as always, those who don't know, just don't know....
As an aikido practitioner, I fully agree with your thoughts. It is very pratical, and it is even more awesome
Thank you so much iv just joined aikido as in one small video you have answered what I needed to no so thank you ser
Thanks Lenny I learn something from every video you put out, keep up the good work. I just wish I had you close by in my town
+Joe Gutierrez
Where about do you live
San Antonio, Texas
+Joe Gutierrez
Oh ok. Maybe one day I'll be invited to Texas to teach a seminar. Unless I strike it RICH then I'll come out and produce my own seminar.
If they don't move or "flip" your shit gets broke and the learning ends.
I love ur videos man keep them coming man I'll miss it if u stopped
Merry Fucking Christmas from Lenny Sly :)
I didn't see it posted in the comments but if you guys are wondering about the MMA fight where hiji shime was used to break the arm without ukemi; it was Shinya Aoki who hit it. Don't remember his opponent but if you just search "Shinya Aoki Arm Break" you'll get several different videos. It's the fight where he breaks the arm standing and his opponent is American.
You guys can also check out Tim Boetsch in his fight with David Heath in the UFC. Boetsch nails a phenomenal version of modified kokyu nage and you see what happens when you don't know how to roll or breakfall. His highlight video here on RUclips has it at the 30 second mark.
Hello all! Would like to thank for the answers! Really enjoying the discussion! Thank you! Would also like to throw some more questions that came to me through our discussion and try to shed some more light to this topic (keep in mind all the discussion here when anwsering):
1. What are the methods of practice you guys know or train daily that put to the test the principles of Aikido technique application?
2. How do you guys practice "situational awerness"?
3. Do you guys work on dealing with resistence? If so, could you describe the training methods you all undergo for that?
I would like to share my experience in Aikido, so you guys know where I'm coming from: I'm 34, practicing Aikido for almost 17 years (may 2018). In june of 2017 I was promoted to 3rd degree black belt in the Aikikai system. I also enjoy and try to study various other schools of Aikido, like Yoshinkan, Nishio and Iwama, trying to incorporate their concepts and methods of practice to my Aikido as I see fit. I just recently started practicing BJJ, which I'm liking very much, and had a very small experience in Shotokan Karate in my youth.
Thank you all for participating and Happy New Year!
one time in training i didn''t fall proper in a irimii hadtroubles with my shoulder for a year..imagine if i did not know nothing about ukemi.
one time I didn't fall proper, the guy even didn't nail me hard but I fucked my right shoulder so bad, the tendon almost snapped. I couldn't move my arm for 4 months, not even sleep on that side of my body. Luckily it eventually passed away. It was 17 years ago, sometimes I feel slight pain in the gym in weight training.
Lenny, I noticed your test from Chicago Aikido, I also studied under Choate sensei In early 2000s. Loved that Dojo. Great Video
+magnuman008
You did? Do I know you?
We were never formally introduced but I believe I may have seen you at the later evening advanced classes or on a Saturday. I was only a beginner but studied almost everyday for 13 months. I was saddened to hear about sensei’s passing.
+magnuman008
So do you know Bob kamka
THE ROGUE WARRIORS - Where Warriors are FORGED Bob would occasionally lead class when I was there There were so many good people I had the honor of training with. Hard to remember all the names. I really miss studying. I live in Crystal Lake now and studied briefly in a dojo here
+magnuman008
You live in crystal lake, well your 15 min away from my dojo in Gilbert's.
211 e higgins road unit i
Gilbert's 60136
Great video and Merry Christmas
Excellent demonstration sir Lenny. Extend my regards to your Uke sir Rod Demesa.
Will do. Thank you
When will you be in NC would love to meet you and have you teach a class . please give any dates and locations that apply.
KEN TUCKER
Where in NC do you live Sir? One of Lenny Sly Sensei friends has an Aikido school in Virginia Beach. I live in Windsor NC (40 miles south of Elizabeth City) and I just recently joined the VA Beach Dojo.
Danny Dortch I'm in Winston Salem
When is Joe Rogan going have a proper Aikido guy on his podcast to explain our martial art. That mope that was on there had no business talking about Aikido in any capacity. The guy didn't even know O'sensei's name. That guy was train wreck.
+Freeman Longhunter
I couldn't agree with you more
Hey Lenny, this was a nice video! I agree with all its content. You're on the right track here. I believe that a lot of ukemi is about, as you say, evasion / absorption... but I'm also working on a theory that there's even more to it... I'd love for you to review my book when it comes out. ;)
Great presentation
I believe this is the fight Lenny was talking about with the Aikido-style arm lock in an MMA fight, Shinya Aoki broke/dislocated his opponent's arm. Shinya Aoki even does a tutorial on how to achieve that arm lock from an MMA close fighting position:
ruclips.net/video/Y2lLQlM5tFA/видео.html
Sensei Sly, I loved the video and I know what your message is about ukemi, the only point I would like to clarify is that “escape” is maybe not the most accurate description of what we are trying to do as uke's role in practice. Ukemi means to “absorb” and I think that is a little more accurate. Of course there is the element of injury prevention, but to escape does not imply active engagement or staying connected throughout the technique on uke's behalf. It is very easy to turn away during an ikkyo or nikkyo before the technique has even been applied and that is escaping. But to absorb the technique as it is being done, means to stay engaged in a way that you can learn to potentially counter attack the technique if it is executed improperly, and more importantly, learn to fall from a compromised position (after the balance is broken). Same thing goes for nage, you can’t think about escaping and doing a technique like iriminage at the same time. Anyway, I know what you mean by escaping, because as uke you are trying to protect yourself and prevent injury, I just think that “absorbing” to do that is a more accurate reflection of what we are trying to do in practice. I only bring this up because I see many beginner students attempting to turn away or walk out of techniques before they are applied, because they think they are protecting themselves by doing that, when in reality they are putting themselves in a more compromised position (turning away) and not learning anything from it (potential counters, connection, proper falling).
Agreed, there are basically three levels of reacting to a technique: Ukemi (can be divided into several levels again if yo want) which means. give the Nage the feeling how the technique would feel if done for real (but letting Uke be unharmed). Escape techniques are the next higher level: you get out of the technique the Nage tries to apply and save yourself. The "feeling how a proper technique feels" vanishes for the Nage. And finally, Kaeshi Waza, counter techniques. Protecting your self (Ukemi), escaping the application, and turning into a counter technique.
OSU Sensei love your videos I think you're a straight shooter NO bs guy that's applied that logic to the martial arts I know experience when I see it, Im in NYC but I'd like to train with you. Is there anyway that we can correspond directly to talk more in depth about training?
+WatWarrior22
Yes look me up on facebook
great video sensei. I'm a big fan. We in Switzerland train the Osaka Buikukai Aikido. It is the subsequent style of Hirokazu Kobayashi Sensei. Unfortunately there is no Tenshin school here.
Actually, I think it's not bad Aikido does not always have a good reputation. the more unknown the art is, the better it will work in a serious case.
I would like to come to the Dojo someday and learn from you.
Merry Christmas and Greetings from Switzerland
For future reference could you tell the guy behind the camera to stop with the sniffing or throat clearing.
Robert Brittain
Trust me I was notching at him the whole time when we reviewed the recording.
Thank you Sensei for crystal clear explanation. I personally felt that bodhi but you gave that experience words to communicate. Also I find it pointless to compare MMA with Aikido. And I don't understand why MMA guys comment on Aikido. Because Aikido is not a sports martial arts so that it will involve sparring. It is like why don't you shoot real people while learning shooting 😂
The Uke is gaining valuable training/experience with these videos. In a few years this guy will be deadly.
in my opinion aikido can be fast, hard and devastating. i think ppl cant tell the difference between a wrist lock and a throwing wrist turn, or when to use them.
Impact with intent for devastion
Happy Holidays. Do you think the Chinese Chin-Na techniques could be a useful tool for your Aikido? It always seemed like they would fit well together.
EDIT: Pls! Keep participating! I'm very gratefull for all the insights you could share! Tks and Happy New Year!
I'm an aikido practioner studying the practical side of the Aikido technique, looking for it effectiveness. I would like to throw a question for everyone willing to answer it with good intent. I believe one of the problems with Aikido is not exactly the final techniques but their set up... I mean, how do you get to that in a dynamic situation with an uke that responds to our movements, that reacts?
Well I'm an Aikidoka of 3 years (about to be 4 years by the end of 2017). From what understand from my instructor is that you give a little atemi to initiate the move that will catch the uke off guard. All this has to be done with sen no sen.
Hope that helps.
Thank you for your input! Does your practice/training involve some kind of "pressure" over Nage for him to learn how to correctly aply the atemi and capitalize on the kuzushi created by it? The attacks practiced in Aikido tend to be completly unrealistic and with no post reaction. So, what I mean by "pressure" is what I like to call a "concious attack": honest, strong and flexible, allowing the attacker some space for reaction to the answer of its own attack, which will come from the Aikidoka. Also, could you clarify the concept of Sen no Sen? Thank you!
Hi! Thanks for joinning the discussion. Do you have any experience with Aikido or what is your experience in general (so I can understand the mindset of your statement)? I get what you're saying about stress testing, It's the idea behind the pressure I mentioned answering MrMattias87. And that is the point: Aikido does not tend to put Nage in a situation unconfortable enough to develop the effectiveness of it's techniques. Under "heavy fire", how to set up the situation and position yourself/connect with the attacker in a way to effectively apply the technique, against a "live" Uke? What would be a nice methods of trainning that would allow the practioner to do what you say but keeping it safe enough so you can train the next day? Could you elaborate on that?
I don't really understand what you mean by conscious attack, if you mean an honest attack with intent then yes however not all uke's may do that due to laziness or lack of understanding. Atemi waza is pretty much embodied within the techniques for example irimi nage or tenchi nage they don't have to be throws they can be strikes. Shomenuchi is definitely a strike but you can make that into an uppcut punch to the chin while your other hand is either blocking or deflecting the opposing punch. Or it can be a hammer fist to the nose as Lenny sly showed in one of his other videos recently.
I agree that some attacks whether wrist grabs or strike attacks aren't realistic but they are not meant to be. They're just exercises to develop the basic foundations in your practice. Principles is probably more important than technique. Also attacks in Aikido are more about the trajectory rather than the physical visual and of course kinetic energy or intent. In other words it's not about what they look like it's more about the path their attacks are travelling on and how much power they're putting into it to do something like a KO for eg, hence the reason why Aikido movements are circular and angular and not linear unlike Shotokan (my secondary martial art which I cross trained into).
Sen no sen means simultaneous initiative in other words the instant your attacker moves to attack... you move at the same time to intercept. Which is what Lenny sly always emphasizes and my instructor too as well. Otherwise nothing will work. It definitely doesn't work if you wait for the attack and then respond.
That's pretty much from my understanding of Aikido in application. But I would still listen & watch what Lenny sly says and other Aikido instructors on youtube would say. Everyone has different interpretations there's no right or wrong.
PS don't forget Aikido is pretty much kata, just without the kumite (sparring).
All aikido techniques contains atemi but we don't focus on it. It's much harder to learn all the other parts than it is to learn to throw a punch. I just taught today that outsiders think that uke attacks only once then stands still and waits for the technique to be applied. This is totally incorrect but you need an instructor to enlighten you on what is truly going on. Most of our stuff is not put down on paper or video in the modern age. You must attend class to get the kuden. Osensei said there are levels to defense. 1st level is go no sen (reacting after the attack) 2nd level is sen no sen (reacting at the same time of the attack) 3rd level is sen sen no sen (initiating the defense the instant the attacker thought about attackin you).
thank u can I come and train with you
Yes of course you can
what about when there's no physical contact at all?
Then you have nothing to worry about
@@windy2474 pure psychic energy eh?
Can we send this to Joe Rogan so that he can feel like an idiot. I like joe, but he is pretty arrogant sometimes.
Jeff Lawless UMAS
Sure feel free to send it to him
Beautiful truth.
As the saying goes it's not the fall that gets you it's the landing.
PS I'd like to see a collab with William Gleason
+Conor OConnor
Really with Bill Gleason, Saotome sensei student?
True...escape the pain.
Joe Rogan should grow some balls and pay a visit to Lenny Sly. Chuck Norris was man enough to try with the Gracie's and the Machado's back in the day.
where is your school?
+MrSaber152
We're located in Illinois
could someone tag joe rogan here.... i think lenny should be invited to his show
Now it's time to Rokas come and say .. 'Ok .. but what if you have a resisting oponent ?' .. LOL LOL LOL
Then the oponent breaks his wrist.
You have been listening to Rokas (MA Journey) too!
That kid had a lot interesting points, but generally he’s all over the place.
Good points. Thanks for making this video. Seems fashionable right now to rip on aikido. Maybe it’s warranted, maybe it’s comparing apples and oranges.
Is it just me or is the rise in talking down on aikido tied to the rise in MMAs popularity?
Did aikido make too many claims that did not bare fruit?
As one RUclipsr put it, “ aikido was trying to be a master of all; self defense, spiritually, fitness..
Thoughts?
The problem is how to catch the wrist when someone knows how to punch in combinations.the moment you try to grab then the other hand punch hit you in the jaw.goodbye sleep tight
Oooook lol whatever.
You dont grab the wrist...the technique will be there it self( mushin)
I've criticized a lot of these RUclips guys that sit around with a laptop in front of them in their karate uniforms usually is about three of them I'm sure you know I'm talking about amongst others quarterback and what you do well the good thing about that like they say when you're receiving flak that means you're over the target congratulations Lenny I told them why don't you get out there and let's see what you can do some have and it's pathetic and of course I always tell them you need to watch Lenny Sly of rogue warriors of course I'm sure that's a slap in the face to them but of course other people that read that will know about you by me doing that free advertising so Lenny just keep doing what you're doing and don't let them get under your skin which I'm sure you're not although I like when you get very intense about the whole thing well these guys when you watch them it looks like they just want to sit around and hold hands I think they're burning incense in the background and singing come by yeah as always Lenny you're the best stay militant and brutal that's the way I like it I don't know about everybody else today's date April 30 2022 I am watching an older video of yours
I dont know if it is true but there was a story about a Aikidoka who did a shionage on an attacker. The attacker didn't flip at all. He just ended up with torn ligaments/ tendons in his back, chest, and shoulders.
Lenny:
Is it my imagination, or has Rod never really spoken on your videos?
Could you let him be Nage and host for a change?
Not that I don't truly enjoy you hosting,
but the poor guy is getting the crap kicked out of him,
and I'd like him to share some insights.
I saw a Rogan show in which he had some deluded aikido ''master'' who was the complete opossite of Lenny,and on that count i agreed with him.The clasic bulshit aikido is ridicoulus when it comes to SD.But to be fair,Joe should invite Lenny in his show.On the other hand,the MMA competitional style is also ridicoulus for SD.You dont want to roll in the dust with some guy whyle his buddy will kick you in the head with a bottle.
radu ardeleanu blah blah..Lenny would be smart enough to decline the interview..Joe has his arena, Lenny has his..knowledge is power..you don't like it JOE---don't fucking watch!
Tell all the haters, as you have in the past in many video, to F off..I seen one video where you, Lenny, invited the haters to come to the training center...Joe Rogan reading this?????
Why should he decline?They are both inteligent men,who can have a conversation from different standpoints.
+radu ardeleanu
I agree, only if #joerogan would see these video's and be open for a discussion.
THE ROGUE WARRIORS - Where Warriors are FORGED
Granted...watch the videos see the technique..and if your don't roll with it, your wrist will break simple...watch the videos..all of them..Joe.
👊👊👊💲💲💲👊👊👊
tai kovu meno meistras aikido sanki
Do we have to listen to the camera man sniffing constantly??
That armbar though.........mmmmmm
If aikido is effective in self-defense it should be effective in a sport setting. You should enter a grappling tournament and compete as a white belt. You don’t have to worry about winning the ground game. The matches start standing. You can show your aikido throws are effective. At higher belt levels wrist locks are allowed, If you wanted to demonstrate them as well. You can talk and demonstrate techniques all day long but until you can apply it against an opponent who is resisting 100% it is useless. It is like trying to learn to swim without ever getting into a pool of water.
Lol ok whatever you say. When you start paying me then I'll start doing what you tell me to do.
Matt Opal you think it’s not effective. You want to apply it in sports?hahahaha... are you joking? You want to apply it in realistic apply?hahahaha... you mean you them to become disabled? It bone breaking if you don’t cooperate. That why that martial art called aikido. Understand the word AIKIDO. Please do research 1st before you say anything or something about aikido.
I have been practicing BJJ for eight years now. I have been thrown , choked, arm barred, wrist lock, knee barred, kimura locked, Americana locked, ankle locked and foot locked. All of this while training at 100% resistance and I haven’t had any fractures yet.. I can train this way because when I feel pain I just tap to let my training partner know there technique is working. When you train with an opponent who is really resisting you they don’t just let you apply the technique. I hope one day you awake from your delusion.
Matt Opal yeah it almost the same to us. We have pinning techniques also. remember you practicing BJJ for 8years but you did not know the lineage of BJJ. It is also from Japanese jiujutsu. Aikido, judo, BJJ are same lineage from jiujutsu. But in aikido, it will not called aikido if you keep resisting the technique. The martial art called aikido is to being harmonized with your partner.
I am very familiar with lineage of BJJ. My comment was responding to your claim that aikido could not be practiced in a sport environment due to injury. My experience with BJJ says that is false. Prior to my time in BJJ I practiced small circle jiu jitsu, wing chun and kali for 10 years. Instructors use demonstrations and one step sparring to make their techniques appear effective. This does not often have hold up to actual application. If your techniques really work than test it in a sport environment such as wrestling, boxing, judo, Thai boxing or grappling tournament.