“First up I found a video that demonstrates an Aikido defense to a hook punch. The part of this demonstration that seems plausible to me is the blending deflection — this I can see work in a fluid situation. However, trying for that wrist grab at full speed (especially when the attacker’s right hand is probably on its way to your head!) could prove challenging in my opinion.”
Mar
14
First of all, thank you, Bob, for offering your writing and videos. I learned from your writing and had fun watching these flicks.
I noticed the defender going all the way to the outside of the hook punch, in one instance bear hugging the boxer, and through much exertion of force, almost – but not – throwing him. The main two keys are to be totally alert and virtually fearless. It seems more natural to me to blend on the inside of a hook, from which point the defender may employ many different techniques. Also, big gloves being part of these scenarios is not realistic for almost any martial situation, and they impede Aikidoka who have trained with free-hands.
These are merely some observations not meant to knock anything you posted here. Thank you for sharing.
Drew
Boxing is dangerous to an aikidoka in the distance between the boxers hands in guard position and extended. A good boxer can deliver a variety of simple, effective, strikes in that distance very rapidly. A karateka, or kick boxer would take advantage of the impaired visibility resulting from the guard to kick. A conservative aikido response would be maintaining a greater distance and changing the line of attack, while attempting to land a quick atemi on a new line and/or effect a grab. This is where aikido uke-waza would be important. Also important, if difficult, is ki-musubi.
In his book, Nishio uses katadori-menuchi, practiced as a sleeve grab (rather than shoulder) followed immediately by shomen, to explain how to direct your initial atemi and shift your position to deal with the one-two of a straight punch and immediate follow-up from the other side. Nage’s double atemi is similar to the way Nishio starts off many shomen and yokomen techniques, which he sometimes compares to tsuki and a hook punch.
His approach is really enlightening. I find myself wishing I was a little taller with longer arms, but it still leaves a reach-challenged nage in a better position with a chance of drawing out uke’s first arm and with awareness of the potential for kicks. The explanation in the book complements the video.
That’s an interesting video clip above, but I think you could do better looking to see how Todd Jones deals with those combinations.