Connecting with Uke
(Extracted from Aikido-L)
Date: Fri, 17 May 2002
11:18:58 -0700
From: Tara Cazaubon
Subject: connecting to uke
In all these discussions about ki, and my practice on the mat, I would like
to ask the listka how they connect to uke. Do you look them in the eye as
you start the technique? I am not sure where to look, although I am trying
to hold my arms in kokyu and maintain a relaxed but energized stance. Part
of my problem is that I am such a beginner I have to concentrate hard on
what I'm doing because I am not totally familiar with all the techniques,
but I'd welcome any comments about how to feel connected to your partner.
Tara
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Date: Thu, 16 May 2002 23:21:10 -0700
From: michael hacker
Subject: Re: connecting to uke
Tara,
Something that is often discussed and taught in our dojo, and was echoed by
Ushiro sensei at the Las Vegas shindig is enzan no metsuke, or "gazing at
the distant mountains." You're looking, but not focussing. You're taking
it in, but aren't taken in by any of it. While looking into your opponent's
eyes can give you a sort of mental connection to him, the reverse is also
true.
If you're "so much of a beginner" as you say, don't try to do everything at
once. All things in time.
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Date: Fri, 17 May 2002 14:43:51 EDT
Subject: Re: connecting to uke
To over simplify the answer to your question. First everyone has their own
aikido, so its different for everyone. As for where to look at, I look toward
the center of the body so I can see ukes whole body through peripheral
vision. Connection for me is kinda three parts. Example: as for a katate
dori, (1) I move 100% of my body, extending from the hips, I move my wrist
toward the web of the hand (between the thumb and index finger) at the same
time getting a feel for "sticky hands", then moving, rotating or whatever,
(2) I watch/feel for feedback from my body, i.e.; do I feel all of it in my
shoulder, is my whole body moving or just my arm or is my arm stuck and only
my body is moving and the 3rd part is like #2 but from the uke's view. Now
this is just me but remember, blend 100% of you with 100% of uke and direct
things were you want them.
Hope this helps, just give it time. Nothing beats experience and years of
study.
Denny
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Date: Sun, 19 May 2002 14:49:21 -0700
From: susan dalton
Subject: Re: connecting to uke
--- Tara Cazaubon wrote:
> In all these discussions about ki, and my practice
> on the mat, I would like
> to ask the listka how they connect to uke. Do you
> look them in the eye as
> you start the technique?
We're taught to look with "soft eyes" at the throat.
Susan
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Date: Sat, 1 Sep 1956 23:00:33 -0400
From: Charles Yeomans
Subject: Re: connecting to uke
At 11:18 AM -0700 5/17/2002, Tara Cazaubon wrote:
>In all these discussions about ki, and my practice on the mat, I would like
>to ask the listka how they connect to uke. Do you look them in the eye as
>you start the technique? I am not sure where to look, although I am trying
>to hold my arms in kokyu and maintain a relaxed but energized stance. Part
>of my problem is that I am such a beginner I have to concentrate hard on
>what I'm doing because I am not totally familiar with all the techniques,
>but I'd welcome any comments about how to feel connected to your partner.
I'd suggest not worrying about it and concentrate on getting the hang
of some techniques. Once you've done that, then think about
connection, which depends much more on the nature of each interaction
with uke.
Charles Yeomans
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Last updated on 13 Sep 2002