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Aiki Productions

From The Back Cover:

Joint locks can be some of the most difficult techniques to learn and master. That is until now. The Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials series is a comprehensive guide to joint locks and one of the most complete programs available for practical joint locking information. In this original Aiki Productions DVD series, Hapkido and Self-defense instructor Alain Burrese presents detailed instruction on the mechanics of each lock, proper execution, and various applications to enable the viewer to learn the essentials of applying joint locks in any situation. This program is a must for every serious student of martial arts and self-defense.

Volume 2: Arm Bars & Elbow Locks includes detailed instruction on a variety of arm bars and elbow locks including: an explanation of the elbow joint, basic arm bars and variations, arm breaks, armpit clamps, and ground applications. If you want to take your joint locking ability to the next level, you must have Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials Volume 2: Arm Bars and Elbow Locks.

Alain Burrese’s martial art and self-defense career started in 1982, and includes living and training in South Korea where he continues to return and train on a regular basis. He teaches Self-defense, Safety, and Martial Art programs around the country and his previous works include Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, and Streetfighting Essentials.

Easy access menu.  Running length approx: 90 minutes

Reviews:

5 Stars – Highly Recommended

Alain Burrese shows a variety of arm locks with great skill and flair. The pacing of the DVD is perfect, with basic demonstrations first, followed by the small details that often make the difference between a technique working really well and not so well.

Burrese brings his considerable experience to bear in dealing with a variety of offensive movements, from punches to grabs, and even works from the clinch and the ground. An expert presenter, he includes general principles, body mechanics and evasive movements to create a very complete view of the subject.

Burrese is professional instructor in conflict resolution, and it shows. He offers well-considered graduated responses depending on the level of threat, everything from limb-breaks to simple control and restraint.

The techniques in `Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials’ come from Hapkido, and include some interesting uses of the legs from a standing position. However most of the techniques are common to other grappling arts and this presentation will certainly benefit practitioners from all styles.

Both this DVD and Alain Burrese’s work in general are highly recommended.

Goran Powell, author of A Sudden Dawn

5 Stars – The Next Best Thing To Being There

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 Blinded by the Night, among other titles