Aikido Stretches

Stretching keeps you agile and is vitally important throughout this learning process, along with drinking lots of water! These three stretches are fantastic for improving joint flexibility and range of motions. If you spend time on your phone, computer, or using your hands often, these stretches are for you.  These 3 Aikido stretches turn into self-defense techniques. So pay attention, go forth and get it!

Often when working with students they want to get down to brass tacks and learn the mega moves. Here is the reality. People need to learn a few things before getting to that point. One of the keys to having solid self-defense skills is foot placement, another is movement.  Here is an example of what will be in a breakdown during one of the at-home exercises. I look forward to sharing ways that you can stay balanced and secure while dealing with a confrontation.

This course will go over several moves pulling from several different styles. Here is a throw from a bear hug attack.

Learning wrist grabs is the introduction to learning self-defense. Many of the counters to wrist grabs can be crossed over to other forms of attack, such as choke holds, hair grabs, lapel grabs, bear hugs and so on. It is far easier to digest what I am saying when I explain moves starting out with a wrist grab as opposed to someone grabbing your throat. Thus, paying attention to these grabs are key because they are easily transferable to other grabs to different areas of your body.  Also, for every move, there are ways to do those moves from inside and outside wrist grabs, along with double handed grabs and double wrist grabs. Point being, I want you to understand the versatility of the moves you are learning. This is going to be a ton of fun! So find a comfortable space, perhaps a trusted partner, make sure you have plenty of time to review the videos and get ready to learn the key tools which may save your life or the life of someone you love!

After Video Assignment: Now that you have seen how it is done and practiced it a few times here is your assignment. For the next week, I want you to run through these moves at least three times each, totaling a minimum of ten minutes per day. This way you are retaining the information and since you are doing repetition after repetition, the goal is for it to become second nature. Go forth and get it!

Did you know you only have 4 seconds to react from a choke hold or your lung capacity will give out and you will pass out??? Learn how to quickly maneuver out of a chokehold using simple steps which will help you to respond automatically in a crisis situation or when saving your life. Learn how to quickly maneuver out of a chokehold using simple steps which will help you to respond automatically in a crisis situation.

After Video Assignment: Now that you have seen how it is done and practiced it a few times here is your assignment. For the next week, I want you to run through these moves at least three times each, totaling a minimum of ten minutes per day. This way you are retaining the information and since you are doing repetition after repetition, the goal is for it to become second nature. Go forth and prosper!

What to do if someone grabs your shirt, sweatshirt, or lapel of your jacket. Here are some moves that can help you! Lapel grabs are common attacks which people encounter anywhere, however, a common theme is at parties, bars, and sporting events. It doesn't matter how tall you are or they are, you can take a person to the ground. You just have to know how to move. Watch the video and practice with a trusted friend or partner.

After Video Assignment: Now that you have seen how it is done and practiced it a few times here is your assignment. For the next week, I want you to run through these moves at least three times each, totaling a minimum of ten minutes per day. This way you are retaining the information and since you are doing repetition after repetition, the goal is for it to become second nature. Go forth and make it happen!

Did you ever have a sibling take a cheap shot when you were younger, grabbing you from behind and taking you to the ground??? Maybe that was just me. Anyway, the moves taught in this section will help you to get out of such a grab. This attack is when someone comes behind your back and grabs you. Here are some simple moves to quickly maneuver out of the situation.  You can do it! Watch and make it happen!

After Video Assignment: Now that you have seen how it is done and practiced it a few times here is your assignment. For the next week, I want you to run through these moves at least three times each, totaling a minimum of ten minutes per day. This way you are retaining the information and since you are doing repetition after repetition, the goal is for it to become second nature. Go forth and keep rockin it!

For many short people it is terrifying to think of someone hoisting you up against a wall and you not having use of your legs. Getting pressed up against a wall can trigger claustrophobia or other sensitive emotions. It is scary to think you can't move away from your attacker but what if you didn't have to? What if that was a strength? Being against a wall, in general, is scary but I want you to see how you can manipulate your body to get free.

After Video Assignment: Now that you have seen how it is done and practiced it a few times here is your assignment. For the next week, I want you to run through these moves at least three times each, totaling a minimum of ten minutes per day. This way you are retaining the information and since you are doing repetition after repetition, the goal is for it to become second nature. Go forth and just do it!

If this has happened to you before, you know it hurts. For long-haired people, it is important to understand the different moves you can utilize. It is also important to understand that you may lose hair. Sorry. Rather that than something far worse. There are several ways for people to grab your hair. In the video below you will see what to do if someone grabs a handful of hair on the top of your head. You will also see what it is like to get grabbed by a ponytail. While you may lose hair this move may be the difference between being assaulted and getting free. 

After Video Assignment: Now that you have seen how it is done and practiced it a few times here is your assignment. For the next week, I want you to run through these moves at least three times each, totaling a minimum of ten minutes per day. This way you are retaining the information and since you are doing repetition after repetition, the goal is for it to become second nature. Go forth and rise!

Do you ever fear of waking up in bed with a stranger on top of you? I have had several students deal with this very scenario and I want them to know they can get out. Whether it is on the ground, the floor, in a bed, on a table or on a couch, you are not defenseless. You can defend yourself using the tools around you including your own hand and body movement.  Watch to see how!

After Video Assignment: Now that you have seen how it is done and practiced it a few times here is your assignment. For the next week, I want you to run through these moves at least three times each, totaling a minimum of ten minutes per day. This way you are retaining the information and since you are doing repetition after repetition, the goal is for it to become second nature. Go forth and show 'em what you're made of!