Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Lock On Vol. 3: Shoulder Locks - Another Review
5 Stars: Superb Set for Hapkido and other Martial Arts Instructors, January 17, 2008 By Thomas O. Morrison (Ogdensburg, NY United States)
Volume 3 "Shoulder Locks"
The third installment of the "Lock On" series continues the high standards set by the previous two volumes. The production qualities are good, with nice contrast in the background and people, and with good sound quality. There are a few barely noticeable editing errors, but they do not detract in any way from the overall outstanding quality of the DVD.
For me, the organization of the material is the strongest selling point. In contrast to other instructional DVDs that present a wide variety of disparate techniques to deal with a specific situation, the "Lock On" DVDs present a core technique, sometimes with variations, and show a student how to apply that technique in a variety of situations. The difference is that the focus is now on the technique instead of the situation, allowing for a deeper exploration of that specific technique and how to use it. And, by incorporating previously covered blocks, footwork, and principles, it reinforces a more spiraled curriculum that builds upon itself.
On its own, volume 3 could be a very useful resource in developing a deeper understanding of shoulder locks. The entire set (so far) looks like it will be fairly comprehensive and will serve as a great resource for learning how to use these locks as well as a great resource for picking up tips on how to teach them. I'd recommend this volume, as well as the whole set, for students and instructors of arts with similar joint locks and I would especially recommend this set to Hapkido practitioners who may be tired of seeing Hapkido "instructional" tapes that look more like a simple demonstration instead of an examination of the "nuts and bolts" of how these things work. This is a superb resource.
Contents:
Introduction (1 minute) and Explanation of Shoulder (3 minutes) - These two sections are straight to the point. Mr Burrese doesn't waste words giving an overview of the DVD and then showing how the shoulder works the way it does. These basic principles and concepts are constantly referred to throughout the volume.
Raising Arm Lock (20 minutes) - The first technique is fairly basic and is shown from a same side wrist grab, a punch defense, and as an initiated attack. The commentary and examples remind and stress the inclusion of accompanying strikes, blocks and footwork (a concept carried throughout the volume very well). During this section, a different technique is introduced as well and is shown against clothing grabs, cross arm grabs, and as a punch defense. This is the only area where it seems like there may have been an editing oversight. Regardless, the material is good.
Pulling Shoulder Lock (12 minutes) - This technique is shown from a same side wrist grab, clothing grab, cross hand grab, 2 hands on 1 wrist, punch defense, from a clinch and as an initiated attack.
Chicken Wing (11 minutes) and Chicken Wing Variation (17 minutes) - These techniques are shown from a same side wrist garb, 2 handed shoulder grab, punch defense, from a clinch, as an initiated attack, from a rear choke, and include some interesting variations.
Bent Arm Shoulder Lock (12 minutes) (with "v" lock variations) - shown from a same side wrist grab, punch defense, sleeve grab, clinch, punch defense, and as an initiated attack.
Figure-4-Lock (7 minutes) - shown from a cross hand grab, punch defense, and fro a wider punch (2).
Conclusion (2 minutes) - this is a quick wrap-up that gives some great tips and a promise of more to come!
Total Time - About 88 minutes
Volume 3 "Shoulder Locks"
The third installment of the "Lock On" series continues the high standards set by the previous two volumes. The production qualities are good, with nice contrast in the background and people, and with good sound quality. There are a few barely noticeable editing errors, but they do not detract in any way from the overall outstanding quality of the DVD.
For me, the organization of the material is the strongest selling point. In contrast to other instructional DVDs that present a wide variety of disparate techniques to deal with a specific situation, the "Lock On" DVDs present a core technique, sometimes with variations, and show a student how to apply that technique in a variety of situations. The difference is that the focus is now on the technique instead of the situation, allowing for a deeper exploration of that specific technique and how to use it. And, by incorporating previously covered blocks, footwork, and principles, it reinforces a more spiraled curriculum that builds upon itself.
On its own, volume 3 could be a very useful resource in developing a deeper understanding of shoulder locks. The entire set (so far) looks like it will be fairly comprehensive and will serve as a great resource for learning how to use these locks as well as a great resource for picking up tips on how to teach them. I'd recommend this volume, as well as the whole set, for students and instructors of arts with similar joint locks and I would especially recommend this set to Hapkido practitioners who may be tired of seeing Hapkido "instructional" tapes that look more like a simple demonstration instead of an examination of the "nuts and bolts" of how these things work. This is a superb resource.
Contents:
Introduction (1 minute) and Explanation of Shoulder (3 minutes) - These two sections are straight to the point. Mr Burrese doesn't waste words giving an overview of the DVD and then showing how the shoulder works the way it does. These basic principles and concepts are constantly referred to throughout the volume.
Raising Arm Lock (20 minutes) - The first technique is fairly basic and is shown from a same side wrist grab, a punch defense, and as an initiated attack. The commentary and examples remind and stress the inclusion of accompanying strikes, blocks and footwork (a concept carried throughout the volume very well). During this section, a different technique is introduced as well and is shown against clothing grabs, cross arm grabs, and as a punch defense. This is the only area where it seems like there may have been an editing oversight. Regardless, the material is good.
Pulling Shoulder Lock (12 minutes) - This technique is shown from a same side wrist grab, clothing grab, cross hand grab, 2 hands on 1 wrist, punch defense, from a clinch and as an initiated attack.
Chicken Wing (11 minutes) and Chicken Wing Variation (17 minutes) - These techniques are shown from a same side wrist garb, 2 handed shoulder grab, punch defense, from a clinch, as an initiated attack, from a rear choke, and include some interesting variations.
Bent Arm Shoulder Lock (12 minutes) (with "v" lock variations) - shown from a same side wrist grab, punch defense, sleeve grab, clinch, punch defense, and as an initiated attack.
Figure-4-Lock (7 minutes) - shown from a cross hand grab, punch defense, and fro a wider punch (2).
Conclusion (2 minutes) - this is a quick wrap-up that gives some great tips and a promise of more to come!
Total Time - About 88 minutes
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Lock On 3: Shoulder Locks review
We have recieved a few e-mails saying Lock On 3 was great, but here is the first long review:
5 Stars: Another fantastic DVD in the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series!, January 17, 2008
By Shawn Kovacich
As I sat down to review this DVD in the Lock On series, I found that I was going to have a difficult time writing this review as the basics of this DVD are exactly the same as the previous two volumes Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials Volume 1: Wrist Locks with Alain Burrese and Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials Volume 2: Arm Bars & Elbow Locks with Alain Burrese, which in and of itself is a fantastic thing. Therefore a lot of my review is going to be a partial repeat of my previous two reviews on volumes one and two in the Lock On series. So without further ado here is my review on this DVD.
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 shoulder locking techniques.
Alain's ability to instruct you on these simple, yet effective shoulder 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 shoulder 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 just finished watching this exceptionally well done instructional video that just so happens to be volume three in the Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials series by Alain Burrese. Like his two previous volumes, Alain goes into great detail in showing you how to utilize several different shoulder locking techniques in order to gain control over an opponent.
One item of particular note that I found very profound in this particular volume, was Alain's statement at the beginning of the video that he was going to spend more time showing you, the student, the various shoulder locks and their applications rather than showing the same technique several times and in slow motion. Alain explained his reasoning behind this by informing the viewer that they could simply "rewind" the DVD and play any particular portion that they wanted to review again, rather then wasting precious recording time explaining the same technique over and over and also showing the same technique in slow motion.
As Alain reasoned, this would give you, "more bang for your buck." As I watched Alain in this volume in the Lock On series, I was once again struck by his very effective and easy to understand way of teaching, the hallmark of an excellent instructor and a true martial artist.
One of the most important things that I liked about not only this volume, but the first two volumes as well, is Alain's strong emphasis on incorporating the joint techniques he shows you with other techniques such as; punching, kicking, throwing, etc.
Another one of the important things that Alain does in this series of DVD's is to really explain the finer points of each of the techniques that he demonstrates. This is of great importance as it is usually the little things that end up making or breaking the correct execution of a particular technique.
Here is a list of the shoulder locks that Alain demonstrates in this DVD:
1. Raising Shoulder Lock
2. Pulling Shoulder Lock
3. Chicken Wing
4. Variation of the Chicken Wing
5. Bent Arm Shoulder Lock
6. Figure 4 Lock
In addition to showing you the above listed shoulder locks, Alain also shows you over 35 different defenses against a variety of attacks utilizing the 6 shoulder locks listed above.
This series is without a doubt one of the most comprehensive collections of DVD's to show the finer points of joint techniques in an easy to understand and technically precise manner. I would highly recommend any and all of the volumes in the Lock On series.
5 Stars: Another fantastic DVD in the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series!, January 17, 2008
By Shawn Kovacich
As I sat down to review this DVD in the Lock On series, I found that I was going to have a difficult time writing this review as the basics of this DVD are exactly the same as the previous two volumes Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials Volume 1: Wrist Locks with Alain Burrese and Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials Volume 2: Arm Bars & Elbow Locks with Alain Burrese, which in and of itself is a fantastic thing. Therefore a lot of my review is going to be a partial repeat of my previous two reviews on volumes one and two in the Lock On series. So without further ado here is my review on this DVD.
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 shoulder locking techniques.
Alain's ability to instruct you on these simple, yet effective shoulder 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 shoulder 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 just finished watching this exceptionally well done instructional video that just so happens to be volume three in the Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials series by Alain Burrese. Like his two previous volumes, Alain goes into great detail in showing you how to utilize several different shoulder locking techniques in order to gain control over an opponent.
One item of particular note that I found very profound in this particular volume, was Alain's statement at the beginning of the video that he was going to spend more time showing you, the student, the various shoulder locks and their applications rather than showing the same technique several times and in slow motion. Alain explained his reasoning behind this by informing the viewer that they could simply "rewind" the DVD and play any particular portion that they wanted to review again, rather then wasting precious recording time explaining the same technique over and over and also showing the same technique in slow motion.
As Alain reasoned, this would give you, "more bang for your buck." As I watched Alain in this volume in the Lock On series, I was once again struck by his very effective and easy to understand way of teaching, the hallmark of an excellent instructor and a true martial artist.
One of the most important things that I liked about not only this volume, but the first two volumes as well, is Alain's strong emphasis on incorporating the joint techniques he shows you with other techniques such as; punching, kicking, throwing, etc.
Another one of the important things that Alain does in this series of DVD's is to really explain the finer points of each of the techniques that he demonstrates. This is of great importance as it is usually the little things that end up making or breaking the correct execution of a particular technique.
Here is a list of the shoulder locks that Alain demonstrates in this DVD:
1. Raising Shoulder Lock
2. Pulling Shoulder Lock
3. Chicken Wing
4. Variation of the Chicken Wing
5. Bent Arm Shoulder Lock
6. Figure 4 Lock
In addition to showing you the above listed shoulder locks, Alain also shows you over 35 different defenses against a variety of attacks utilizing the 6 shoulder locks listed above.
This series is without a doubt one of the most comprehensive collections of DVD's to show the finer points of joint techniques in an easy to understand and technically precise manner. I would highly recommend any and all of the volumes in the Lock On series.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all.
We hope you have set your martial art goals for 2008 and are busy working toward achieving them.
We were happy to release LOCK ON volume 3 in December of 2007, and are now working on more dvds for this year.
Check out our new video clip section. We think the videos are much better quality than the youtube versions, and you can see a couple lessons from the Lock On series.
Make 2008 Great!
We hope you have set your martial art goals for 2008 and are busy working toward achieving them.
We were happy to release LOCK ON volume 3 in December of 2007, and are now working on more dvds for this year.
Check out our new video clip section. We think the videos are much better quality than the youtube versions, and you can see a couple lessons from the Lock On series.
Make 2008 Great!
