Interesting article! I tend not to focus on shoulder and upper body so much, since students tend to put too much emphasis there, and not enough on their centers, hips, and lower bodies. In some drills we'll have students not use their arms at all (clasp hands behind back) to just focus on centerline movement, foot and leg position, and turning of the hips.
Yes, that's one way how to make a complex movement easier and more conscious - to reduce its complexity by doing only part of it - eg. not using arms or using one arm instead of two...
Do you somehow also teach simpler movements that lead to more complicated ones?
Given that a shift in stance or distance of 5-10 millimetres can be the difference between successful execution of a technique then this topic is as essential for those on the mat as it is in the real world (I.e. of the mat).
Similarly being aware that at least 85 per cent of a technique is reliant on where our centre is in relation to us and our training partner and movement from our waist downwards is an essential part of learning and practice.
thanks for your comment. I agree that a "successful" technique requires more precise and appropriate movement. I like the statement that even a small difference in "stance or distance of 5-10 millimetres" can be decisive. Can you elaborate more about it? I mean, do you have some story or even research that illustrates the need for such precision?
Interesting article! I tend not to focus on shoulder and upper body so much, since students tend to put too much emphasis there, and not enough on their centers, hips, and lower bodies. In some drills we'll have students not use their arms at all (clasp hands behind back) to just focus on centerline movement, foot and leg position, and turning of the hips.
Thank you, Elise!
Yes, that's one way how to make a complex movement easier and more conscious - to reduce its complexity by doing only part of it - eg. not using arms or using one arm instead of two...
Do you somehow also teach simpler movements that lead to more complicated ones?
Given that a shift in stance or distance of 5-10 millimetres can be the difference between successful execution of a technique then this topic is as essential for those on the mat as it is in the real world (I.e. of the mat).
Similarly being aware that at least 85 per cent of a technique is reliant on where our centre is in relation to us and our training partner and movement from our waist downwards is an essential part of learning and practice.
I can demonstrate it but have no research to evidence it
Sure. I was just curious if someone spent time measuring it. I wouldn't, I'm also fine with the experience :)
Hello Paul,
thanks for your comment. I agree that a "successful" technique requires more precise and appropriate movement. I like the statement that even a small difference in "stance or distance of 5-10 millimetres" can be decisive. Can you elaborate more about it? I mean, do you have some story or even research that illustrates the need for such precision?