Posted in Aikido (Friday, September 3, 2010)
By Aiki Productions.
Sells new for $34.95.
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5 comments about Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials Volume 2: Arm Bars & Elbow Locks.
- One of the first things that jumped out at me from the onset when I started watching Alain's "Lock On" series of DVD's was the simple yet effective approach that he took in the production and presentation of this series of DVD's. My initial impression was one of being in an actual seminar environment while Alain was teaching instead of merely watching an instructional DVD. You won't find any pointless or ineffective "bells and whistles" with this series; instead what you will find is good quality instruction covering a wide array of joint locking techniques. This particular DVD focuses on arm bars and elbow locking techniques.
Alain's ability to instruct you on these simple, yet effective arm bars and elbow locking techniques is the hallmark of a good instructor and it certainly shows in this series. Alain's approach is straightforward and easy to follow as he takes you through each arm bar and elbow lock numerous times in order to teach you how to execute each technique correctly. Alain takes great care in his teachings to explain to you how some of these techniques, although they may appear to be ineffective, can actually be quite effective if applied under the right set of circumstances.
I'm going to take a brief moment here to jump ahead to the end of this DVD where Alain explains the three (3) key elements that need to be present in order for these techniques to be effective. Although each one of these key elements is vitally important in their own right, none of them is exclusive in importance to the others when it comes to applying these arm bars and elbow locks effectively in a combat or self-defense situation. What you have to remember is that these three (3) key elements have to be combined in order to form a symbiotic entity that is only effective when utilized together in an efficient manner.
These three (3) key elements are as follows:
1. Surprise: If your opponent doesn't know what to expect, he is going to have a more difficult time defending against it. However, if your opponent knows what is coming, he is going to be more readily able to counter it, or avoid it all together.
2. Speed: Executing the techniques shown on this DVD has to be done as fast as possible while still retaining the third key element, which is proper technique. If the technique is executed too slowly, then your opponent will have the opportunity to figure out what you are doing and, as in the case of surprise, be able to counter it or avoid the technique all together.
3. Proper Technique: This should literally be a "no-brainer," but unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case. I don't know how many times I have personally seen or heard of someone trying to apply a particular technique in a given self-defense type situation when they weren't even executing the technique correctly to begin with. Alain goes to extreme lengths in this series to implore you to practice, practice, and practice, until the techniques he demonstrates become second nature to you where you can execute them correctly without thought or hesitation.
Alain follows the same instructional format for each one of the various arm bars and elbow locks shown in this DVD. He starts out by explaining some of the finer points of executing each technique followed by various follow up techniques that can be used on your opponent, if it is needed, after the arm bar or elbow lock has been applied. He then shows several variations of each arm bar or elbow lock that all are based on the primary techniques that were first shown.
Alain takes a very realistic approach to the use of arm bars and elbow locks and attempts to cover several influencing factors that may or may not come into play while attempting to apply them in a real life situation. I myself watched this DVD on three separate occasions and found something that I had previously missed each time. I have no doubt that were I to watch this DVD again after writing this review that I would find something else that I had previously missed.
One of the many great things that I really enjoy about Alain's teaching style is his, what I like to refer to as, "nuggets of wisdom" that he injects throughout his instruction process. I too use this in my own personal style of teaching and have found that it is very effective teaching technique.
I have a rather large collection of instructional videos that I have accumulate over the years and I can say without reservation that Alain's "Lock On" series is one of the best I have seen so far on the subject of joint techniques. If I were to have only one comment to make on this series, it would be this, "Hurry up and make the rest of them!"
- This DVD is very nicely done. It is excellently produced, has decent music, good sound, a nice contrast between the white gis and the blue background, and outstanding camera angles so that viewers can easily tell what is going on. Burrese's instructions are clear, straightforward, and precise, making it easy to understand all the important points. The pacing is good too; just the right amount of explanation before each demonstration so that you will know what is going on but not be bored. These demonstrations take place at a variety of speeds from slow to fast so that viewers can get a good flavor of what it might be like to actually perform each technique.
The material is logically organized from simple to complex. It begins by describing the elbow and how to best attack it and then moves on to cover basic arm bars, variations to these basics, arm bars from escort positions (common to law enforcement and security applications), step under arm bars, arm breaks, crossed arms, armpit clamp, and ground fighting. Most importantly, all the important principles that make these techniques succeed are clearly explained so that you can apply them to any lock in any martial art, not only those demonstrated here. These include such things as getting off line, blocking, trapping, spinning, striking, using your whole body weight, taking an opponent's energy, and other factors that can help stop an opponent's follow-on technique(s) while simultaneously facilitating your ability to execute the techniques successfully. Viewers will understand the angle, direction, distance, and proper finish of each application well enough to be able to troubleshoot the techniques when you practice them with a partner.
While most practitioners think of arm bars as defensive techniques, I really like how these applications are demonstrated both defensively and offensively. They are shown from a variety of starting positions including from grabs and punches. The add-ons such as kicks, punches, using "found" objects like parked cars or walls, and finishing techniques add a nice progression to apply appropriate levels of force for controlling an opponent, causing pain, or damaging an adversary.
Burrese moves well, explains clearly, demonstrates effectively, and ensures that viewers truly understand the materials. While no DVD is a substitute for hands-on instruction, this one is so good that it's the next best thing to being there. This is solid, practical instruction. I am confident that the rest of the series is equally outstanding as well. Highly recommended!
Lawrence Kane
Author of Martial Arts Instruction and Surviving Armed Assaults; co-author of The Way of Kata and The Way to Black Belt
- This is the 2nd of Alain Burrese's "Lock On" series and certainly delivers what it promises. Like volume one, this DVD gives a clear and professional style of presentation in sequential form. The techniques are illustrated well, presented slowly and then quickly, at a distance and in closer detail. Burrese offers the viewer a unique sense of involvement, largely due to his presentation skills, as well as his fine knowledge of techniques. His DVDs are more like workshops than remote illustrations found in most martial arts DVDs. Volume II, as well as volume I, are fine additions to any martial artist's library. I look forward to the remainder of his series, and I understand that volume III is soon to be released. Great buy!
- This video is by far the best Martial Arts DVD i have ever seen. It is very clean and well thought out. If you are lookin for a DVD that will help you take someone down or just to learn new move. This is the one to get.
I love this DVD
- Lock On
I recently received the Alain Burrese DVD " Lock On, Joint Locking Essentials, Arm Bars and Elbow Locks (produced by Aiki Productions). I have purchased many Martial Arts and Self Defense videos over the years and more times than not I have felt that I was watching Kung Fu cinema on a Saturday morning as a kid. I was more than pleasantly surprised though when I began to watch at the extremely high production quality of the video. Sound was excellent and the video was shot in high resolution so no complaints there.
I began to watch in earnest an found Mr. Burrese's teaching style to be spot on and enjoyable. He is a long time Hapkido student and teacher and it comes through in his explanations of how and why a certain technique works, but also when and where to use it. This is one of my biggest complaints about these types of instructional videos, the teacher simply states this is what to do and never gives any reason or explanation of why. Not once did I see this in Mr. Burrese's teaching. His explanations and easy teaching style came through like a bright ray of sunshine on a murky day.
I am not a martial artist but have spent the past 22 years working as a bouncer in some of the roughest bars in Texas. I have used similar techniques in dealing with drunk's, drug addicts and bad guys for a long time. Mr. Burrese opened my eyes to a whole new realm of control and minimum force applications when dealing with the public. I can really appreciate the way Mr. Burrese breaks down each and every application into a usable and versatile technique.
I also found as I watched the Mr. Burrese took the time to show techniques and methods from various situations, from the dojo, to tournaments, to the streets. This is one of my main complaints about these types of videos. What works in a controlled setting of a dojo or a tournament doesn't always apply to a survival or self defense situation. Mr Burrese takes the time and the responsability to show the viewer of different levels and styles what does and doesn't work and when and when not to use them. All in all I found this to be one of the best overall martial arts videos that I have ever bought and would recommend it for everyone interested in bringing their A game.
Clint Overland
[...]
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Posted in Aikido (Friday, September 3, 2010)
It stars Morihei Ueshiba. It was directed by Damien Chambers. By Yamazato Videos.
The regular list price is $24.95.
Sells new for $19.49.
There are some available for $19.59.
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2 comments about King of Aikido Vol. II.
- Good DVD packaging with front cover of Akido master. No problem playing the DVD on both Apex and Mustek players. I bought this DVD as a historic document for my library, and not knowing the film quality. I am happy there is a lot of film footage of the master with his students (both indoor and outdoor classes), but the quality is very poor. Many scenes are filmed with way too much light (it may be film deterioation) so that if the students are wearing white, they blend in with the extreme brightness of the room. There is more contrast in bright light of the film when students are wearing black clothes, but not much. You see very little detail in the footage because lack of contrast washes out the figures. Do not buy this DVD to study the form of the master. Buy it if you want a rare historic document to add to your library.
- This is like the best footage I have seen with Morihei Ueshiba. Many of his techniques are beyond reproach and seem nearly invisible.Totally awesome stuff. Highly informative and I?m sure will be great in anyone?s video collection that is into Aikido.
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Posted in Aikido (Friday, September 3, 2010)
By Cryo Productions.
Sells new for $34.95.
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No comments about Aikido to BJJ DVD with Derek Nakagawa & Marcio Feitosa.
Posted in Aikido (Friday, September 3, 2010)
It stars David Dye. It was directed by George Alexander. By Yamazato.
The regular list price is $24.95.
Sells new for $22.95.
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3 comments about Aikido Self Defense for the Modern Warrior Vol. III.
- The quality of all three Videos are outstanding. I have learned so much that can be used for today's self-defense.
The techniques here are awesome.
- Don't want to sound like a broken record if you read my first two reviews. But this is a great instructional video. It's like having the instructor in your house, but nothing like going to the mat yourself and learning hands on. Another ten minutes introduction with basic instruction of break falls and rolls, same as the first two. The big improvement is the 40 minutes of instructions against weapons. This is how a good martial art instruction video ought to be. Hmmm... How to put it in words... I don't like gun defenses. They tend to be unrealistic. Just not safe nor smart, but then it's your life on the line. My best advice is to give them your money or car keys... you can replace those, not your life. More ten minutes of advertisements. This video may be worth the $30.
- This Volume is simply a MUST-Have for all Aikidoka, as well as anybody who wants to learn how to defend themself against REAL SITUATIONS of danger that happen everyday out on the streets. So if you don't buy the other ones, at least get this one. Volume 3 focuses on Handgun, Knife and Club Disarming Techniques. So this one is definitely worth the price tag, IMO.
I have already whined over and over again about how short these videos are, even though Sensei Dye does a great job of providing just enough info and techniques for the amount of time on this DVD, LOL. I own ALL three of "The Aikido Self Defense for the Modern Warrior" series, and I really enjoy them. A half an hour is just not long enough!! I normally wouldn't buy ANY one of these DVDs cause I'm just cheap like that, lol -- but I just love, love, love this MA so much!! Plus, this one's just vital to my collection. :)
Also...
Excerpt From Vol. 1 Review:
I'll eventually be signing up for Aikido classes, but I'd be lying if I said that I didn't learn a thing or two while watching this video. Practicing this stuff, is a good thing to get you ready for the dojo, so you'll at least know a little bit about what they are talking about and referring to. Especially if you don't know any even basic Japanese--which I do know a little bit. These DVDs are a great little tool to warm you up, get you going in the right direction... and finally, get ready for the mat. Veteran Aikidokas might really enjoy them, too, anything to help one to polish and perfect their craft. That's just my personal opinion, though, so take it how you wish.
Anywho... like I said... these DVDs are pretty good and informative, but just so expensive and TOO DARN SHORT!!! It makes me hunger for more, more, more!! Which I'm sure that's exactly what these guys want if they continue to put more volumes out on DVD. This one came out a few years go, so these may be the only three they decide to put out. So........ until I can get to the dojo--being such a busy gal and all--these will remain my guides. I may need to spend a lttle bit more time on youtube, and read, read, read as well LOL! But soon... it will be time to for me to 'put the belt on.' ;)
Conclusion:
So once again, even if you choose not to buy the first two volumes at all, I'd at least put a little investment on this volume, definitely. It might save your life.
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Posted in Aikido (Friday, September 3, 2010)
Written by Ah Loi Dr. Lee. It stars Dr. Lee, Ah Loi, Ah Loi Dr. Lee. It was directed by Paul Crompton. By Artistic Video.
The regular list price is $19.95.
Sells new for $11.55.
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5 comments about The Art of Aikido DVD.
- First, this disk would not play on my DVD player. It would only work on my computer.
Second, this disc briefly mentions that it illustrates the Tomiki branch of Aikido, which uses very different terminology and basic techniques than the more prevalent styles of Aikido.
Third, there is very little information of how most of the demonstrated techniques actually work. (Note carefully: these techniques are DEMONSTRATED, not taught.) The concept of "breaking balance," is briefly mentioned at the end of the DVD, but is never related back to the basic techniques demonstrated.
Last; the websites mentioned on the disc no longer seem to have any information about Aikido.
If you want to learn something about Aikido, go to a local Dojo, watch a training session, and talk to the sensei. Then use the money you'd pay for this DVD for an introductory lesson.
- The disk plays fine for me. It is helpful in that I can replay a technique over and over and over ... I use the disk to review techniques. I then consult Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction for some description, then back to the DVD ...
Regardless, Sensei does things slightly differently and Sensei is the top authority in his own dojo. But the books and DVDs do help.
- I wished I had a good video of Aikido when I was first studying it. I cannot compare this video to others as this is the only one I have seen. It does show the various techniques. I would have liked more content and explanation, but I'm pleased with the video. I feel good about this purchase.
- This film is easy to learn, with it's step by step learning. Everybody can follow it.
- This disk played fine for me. I just started taking Aikido, and this disk allows me to see at my own pace the techniques of the movements. In class, it's done so quick, this gives me the chance to study the footwork and movements at a slower speed and understanding of how it is done.
Good purchase.
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Posted in Aikido (Friday, September 3, 2010)
It stars David Dye. It was directed by George Alexander. By Yamazato.
The regular list price is $24.95.
Sells new for $19.89.
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3 comments about Aikido Self Defense for the Modern Warrior Vol. II.
- The quality of the Video is outstanding, I really learned alot.
The techniques here are awesome for today's self-defense. Volume one is great also!!
- Like I said before this is a great instructional video. It's like having the instructor in your house, but nothing like going to the mat yourself and learning hands on. It has the SAME ten minutes introduction with basic instruction of break falls and rolls, as the first. Biggest disappointment is now your 30 minutes of instruction shrunk to less than 20 minutes of instruction. AND then you get ten minutes of advertisement. I was really hoping to get different advertisements per volume, but no luck. But in defense they do make it up in the third volume with 40 minutes of instruction. The instructor knows his stuff. But is it worth $30 for 20 minutes?
- I already whined about how short these videos are, even though Sensei Dye does a great job of providing enough info and techniques for the amount of time on this DVD, LOL.
I own ALL three of "The Aikido Self Defense for the Modern Warrior" series, and I really enjoy them. A half an hour is just not long enough, but again, 'Sensei Dye' does cover a lot in the short amount of time on each DVD. This DVD focuses on The Techniques of "Shihonage" -- The All Direction Throw. As well as the "Irminnage" (Entering Throw). There are so many variations of how you can turn the uke's or oponent's attacks against them. There has to be hundreds (at least) of variations in Shihonage and Irminnage ALONE--which is simply amazing, and the reason why I love this MA so much!!
(Continued) Excerpt From Vol. 1 Review:
I'll eventually be signing up for Aikido classes, but I'd be lying if I said that I didn't learn a thing or two while watching this video. Practicing this stuff, is a good thing to get you ready for the dojo, so you'll at least know a little bit about what they are talking about and referring to. Especially if you don't know any even basic Japanese--which I do know a little bit. These DVDs are a great little tool to warm you up, get you going in the right direction... and finally, get ready for the mat. Veteran Aikidokas might really enjoy them, too, anything to help one to polish and perfect their craft. That's just my personal opinion, though, so take it how you wish.
Anywho... like I said... these DVDs are pretty good and informative, but just so expensive and TOO DARN SHORT!!! It makes me hunger for more, more, more!! Which I'm sure that's exactly what these guys want if they continue to put more volumes out on DVD. This one came out a few years go, so these may be the only three they decide to put out. So........ until I can get to the dojo--being such a busy gal and all--these will remain my guides. I may need to spend a lttle bit more time on youtube, and read, read, read as well LOL! But soon... it will be time to for me to 'put the belt on.' ;)
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Posted in Aikido (Friday, September 3, 2010)
By CustomFlix.
Sells new for $24.95.
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3 comments about Military Police Combatives.
- I was skeptical when I purchased this DVD but was not disappointed once it arrived. There are no "bells and whistles" on this hour plus DVD and sometimes I had to rewind and pause the DVD itself to understand the techniques, but this DVD is PACKED with great hand to hand combat stuff! It is worth the $25. I really learned a lot from it and the techniques are simple to learn but realistic at the same time. It is geared for the military but I recommend this DVD to anyone who wants to learn some good self defense moves!
- If you need great martial arts techniques, Military Police or not, buy this DVD! The sound quality is good (not great) but the techniques are well worth the price. I would expect this DVD to be sold in seperate DVDs for $50 a piece. I think it will benefit anyone who serves in the Army or not. I especially enjoyed the chapter on ground combat.
- Try not to focus on the delivery. The instructor seems to have a good handle on technique, but an aurator he is not. I have found that there is useful information in this poorly constructed video that I have picked out that go hand in hand with other videos that I own. If your MOS is 31 series, I would buy it, if not, it's a matter of how much are you willing to spend to learn a few nifty moves.
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Posted in Aikido (Friday, September 3, 2010)
It stars Roy Dean, Rick Ellis. It was directed by Roy Dean. By Roy Dean Media.
The regular list price is $44.95.
Sells new for $39.99.
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1 comments about Aikido|Brazilian Jiu Jitsu|Art of the Wristlock.
- I want to start off by saying that you should not think that this is a DVD set purely focused on wristlocks. There is a truly massive amount of information contained in these two discs. While the first disc is primarily an overview of the various jiu jitsu wristlocks and their application (I will talk about this more below), disc 2 contains two very extensive seminars taught by Mr Dean. I am a blue belt in BJJ (and former Aikidoka) and I can honestly say that even after watching the seminars several times, I have not yet begun to get all of the purely BJJ material out of these, not to mention the cross-over Japanese Jiu Jitsu stuff. This second disc alone is probably worth the price of the discs.
Now to the wristlocks. Mr Dean does a really great job of showing the most common forms of wristlocks. Furthermore, he provides some really valuable insight into how each of these is implemented into different types of Japanese Jiu Jitsu. For anyone who does not have a background in JJJ, it is a very good introduction to this material. Even if you have studied these techniques in the past, I can almost guarantee that you will find some new information here. Of course, the truly unique part of this disc (and is covered in the seminars) is how these techniques work with the ground fighting techniques of BJJ.
This blending of jiu jitsu styles is really where Mr Dean has a lot to offer. In the past, very few traditional jiu jitsu practitioners have delved into the world of BJJ. Conversely, BJJ practitioners typically stay away from (and in some cases look down on) traditional forms of jiu jitsu. This is really too bad because these techniques can work very well together. Sensei Dean, who holds black belts in Judo, Aikido, Seibukan Jiu Jitsu, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has managed to keep an open mind about all of these approaches and through his own experiences is able to demonstrate very effectively how to use these techniques together.
Whether you are a hard-core BJJer looking to add a little more to your game, an Aikidoka who is curious about BJJ and how their own skills can apply, or just a serious student of martial arts looking for something new, you will not be disappointed with this disc set. I can tell you from my own experience, that after my first few session of getting destroyed on the BJJ mat, I was afraid that all of those years of Aikido had been wasted. Because of the material here, I have been slowly finding ways too work all of these valuable techniques back into my game. I now regularly surprise my BJJ compadres with wristlocks while sparring. It has been invaluable to me and I am sure that anyone who studies this material will be able to find there own gems.
I highly recommend these discs.
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Posted in Aikido (Friday, September 3, 2010)
It stars David Dye. It was directed by George Alexander. By Yamazato.
Sells new for $24.95.
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5 comments about Aikido Self Defense for the Modern Warrior Vol. I.
- Wow.. The kotegaeshi techniques here are great. Dye has an amazingly powerful aikido approach. The effective Yoshinkan style is clearly the foundation of his system. I think the late Gozo Shioda would smile looking at this. Now, you can do these throws smooth and soft and feel all spiritual, or you can slam the attacker hard to the ground/mat. This DVD-series is about self-defense in the real world. It takes a lot of practice though. Keep up the good work Sensei Dye! :)
- The instructions and quality of the Video are outstanding.The Kotogaeshi is showed from different attacks. I'm working to get the other 2 videos.For me Quality in instructions and Video is a plus, this DVD passed it with Flying Colors.
Nihon Goshing aikido Purple Belt.
The quality of the Video is outstanding, I really learned alot.
The techniques here are awesome for self-defense for today.
- This is a great instructional video. It's like having the instructor in your house, but nothing like going to the mat yourself and learning hands on. It has a ten minutes introduction with basic instruction of break falls and rolls. Be warn though, these ten minutes of introduction is also repeated in the other two volumes. Overall you get less than 30 minutes of instruction. AND then you get ten minutes of advertisement. I was really hoping to get different advertisements per volume, but no luck. All in all good instructional, but you should go to your dojo. The 30 minutes of instruction may not be worth the price of $30. = T
- I own ALL three of "The Aikido Self Defense for the Modern Warrior" series, and I really enjoy them. I just wish they were a bit longer. A half an hour is just not long enough, but 'Sensei Dye' does cover a lot in the short amount of time on each DVD. This DVD focuses on "The Kotegaeshi"-- basically, a wrist lock reverse throw. There are so many variations of how you can turn the uke's or oponent's attacks against them. There has to be hundreds (at least) of variations in Kotegaeshi alone--which is amazing, and why I love this MA so much!
I'll eventually be signing up for Aikido classes, but I'd be lying if I said that I didn't learn a thing or two while watching this video. Practicing this stuff, is a good thing to get you ready for the dojo, so you'll at least know a little bit about what they are talking about and referring to. Especially if you don't know any even basic Japanese--which I do know a little bit. These DVDs are a great little tool to warm you up, get you going in the right direction... and finally, get ready for the mat. Veteran Aikidokas might really enjoy them, too, so they can continue to perfect their craft. That's just my personal opinion, though, so take it how you wish.
Anywho... like I said... these DVDs are pretty good and informative, but just so expensive and TOO DARN SHORT!!! It makes me hunger for more, more, more!! Which I'm sure that's exactly what these guys want if they continue to put more volumes out on DVD. This one came out a few years go, so these may be the only three they decide to put out. So........ until I can get to the dojo--being such a busy gal and all--these will remain my guides. I may need to spend a lttle bit more time on youtube, and read, read, read as well LOL! But soon... it will be time to for me to 'put the belt on.' ;)
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Posted in Aikido (Friday, September 3, 2010)
It stars Harry J. Quini. It was directed by Masayoshi Nemoto. By Synapse Films.
The regular list price is $19.95.
Sells new for $11.24.
There are some available for $12.32.
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5 comments about Budo: The Art of Killing.
- This dvd was exactly what I thought it would be, a comprehensive view of all of the major martial arts of Japan: karate, kendo, iaido, judo, sumo, Okinawa kobudo,and yabusame(archery on horseback). Anyone serious of martial arts should have a copy of this dvd.
- I really enjoyed "Budo: The Art of Killing." I usually watch and review instructional videos, and it was a nice change to watch this documentary on the martial arts of Japan. One thing that really stands out is the beauty of Japan that is shown throughout the film. Seeing some of the scenic settings reminded me of places I visited while living in Japan, and how there are so many beautiful and peaceful places in the land of the rising sun. It's not a fast paced DVD, with some scenes in slow motion with slower music, but that added to the beauty of the film.
Peace and beauty in a film about the art of killing? Yes, and I found the relationship between the two to be calming and reflected on some of my own training. Seeing some of the masters train with Mt. Fuji in the background, on beaches, or in other aesthetically pleasing places (most dojos are simple elegance) or the scenes in fields or forests, made me think of how often it is my training in martial arts that calms me and becomes the most serene time of the day. Meditation and physical training go together.
The training scenes in the film are not instructional. You are not going to learn how to do the things you see from this film. Nor does the film elaborate on the training that got the people in the film to that point other than saying it takes a long time and much dedication. However, watching this can motivate one to pursue their training to reach the higher levels.
For those interested in the various martial arts of Japan, this DVD serves as a nice introduction. You get to see people training in Judo, Karate, Sumo, Aikido, and more. The section with women training with the naginata will be interesting for females to see the samurai art practiced by women of all ages. There was also a lot of time spent on the sword, which the Japanese samurai are known for. Besides seeing some masters of the sword, the film shows a blade being made as well. I was surprised that the Ninja and Ninjitsu were not covered.
Overall, I enjoyed this DVD, just as I enjoy reading the older Samurai writings that have been translated to English, and books about the samurai, ancient Japan, Korea, China, and related works. If you are interested in an artful film about the martial arts and beauty of Japan, you will enjoy this film.
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer. Alain Also wrote a series of articles called Lessons From The Apprentice.
- Saw this a long time ago on VHS and was glad to see
it was available on dvd, takes you through many of the
disiplines of the Samurai, as well as showing how a
sword is crafted, more a documentary but a good one!
G2
- Documentario eccellente, ottima fotografia. Forse molto retorico, conoscendo un po' i maestri di cui si parla direi che sono stati descritti con troppa enfasi, tanto che a volte alcune situazioni possono apparire "comiche" ad uno spirito moderno e disincantato, ma ritengo in ogni caso che lo spirito che dovrebbe animare le arti marziali è stato chiaramente evocato.
Perfino la colonna sonora è degna di nota.
Da consigliare.
- I have always loved martial arts,from a young age.This dvd captures the essence of martial arts,very realistic.Now that im older, i try to life the life of of harmony,health,peace,still practice martial arts.This dvd would be a graet teaching tool for any martial arts [...]
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