Joint locks are some of the most versatile techniques found in martial art
curriculums. They can be used to submit opponents, control rowdy people, or
injure attackers, making them ideal for various self-defense and violent
encounters, and a must for anyone working in law enforcement or security.
Unfortunately, they can also 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.
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
Excellent "Instructional" Hapkido DVD, March 8, 2007
The second volume of "Lock On" focuses on "Armbars and Elbow
Techniques" and follows a similar format to the first and has the same high
production values and ease of access through its chaptering system.
This volume comes off as a bit quicker paced than the first and has more
variations to these locks. Again the emphasis is not so much on all the myriad
parts of Hapkido, but rather on these specific locks, and to a lesser extant,
the footwork, strikes, positioning that go with the locks and their variations.
This volume goes a bit deeper in this than the first one does and is very much
"concept" based instead of rote technique based. It's clear that Mr.
Burrese encourages experimentation and creative application of the techniques
past the fundamental level of understanding.
The DVD runs a total of 83 minutes and starts off with a brief introduction and
then an explanation/examination of the elbow joint. From there various locks are
explored, including a basic (standing) Armbar, variations thereof (including
some cool techniques using a knee to create the Armbar), Armbar Escorts, Step
Under Armbars, Armbreaks, Crossed Arm (elbow) Techniques, Elbow Clamps, and some
very basic "Ground Fighting" (really just a few finishing techniques
on the ground). For each category, the basic lock is explored in a fairly static
sense and in a dynamic sense. From there, helpful and clear pointers are added
and then variations in footwork and positioning are added. Various situations
are shown, ranging from same side wrist grabs and punch defenses to using it
offensively.
During the narration, Mr. Burrese adds in notations on effectiveness for self
defense or for demonstrations, making it clear that some techniques are more for
show and others aren't. He makes several references to levels of force and
although he never goes into a great depth on it does give enough information for
experienced practitioners to pick up on and understand. He is also very clear
about showing that these are just one small element of Hapkido and that
including the strikes, falls, breathing and other elements of the curriculum are
necessary to understand and learn the art as a whole.
As an instructor, this is an excellent reference DVD. His clear narration and
obvious experience provides a great model to follow when teaching and puts words
to a lot of the "little tips" you show and teach but maybe never
really explained verbally (I love how he handled the whole "anchoring"
concept). This is truly an "instructional" DVD instead of a
demonstration one. The focus is on teaching the material and providing ways to
take the concepts and run with them.
For a student learning Hapkido, especially one that plans to someday instruct,
this is a very valuable resource and well worth the money. I'd rather see
someone buy high quality instructional DVDs like this set instead of having to
buy lots of cheaper ones and try to get past the "demo" flavor and
self-promotion that is often seen. I heard there may be a few more in the set
covering other locks, I'll be happy to buy them and will appreciate them in my
collection.
Overall, high quality instructional DVD that I highly recommend to students and
instructors alike.
This is truly a awesome DVD. Master Alain Burrese teaches the very basic
concepts and techniques and then moves on to greater stuff. As a person who has
trained in close cousin Martial Art, [Aikido,] this DVD really helped me and my
teaching. I making these DVD's [Vol 1 and Vol 2] required for my
Black Belts and some of the lower ranks also. Every one can gain something from
this great set of DVD's. If you grapple, punch or throw this is for you, he
covers a lot in a small space. Worth every dime Check them out !!
Toma the old one
4th Dan Birankai North America Aikido [Daiwa Aikido]
Burbank CA
Master Alain Burrese Does It Again!, March 10, 2007
One thing I've personally enjoyed about all of Burrese's body of work is his
no-nonsense way of presentation. From Hard Won Wisdom to Hapkido Hoshinsul, From
Street Fighting Essentials to the new Lock On Series, Burrese simply knows self
defense.
I was excited to receive the evaluation copy of Master Burrese's new Lock On
series of Hapkido Instructional DVDs. As usual, there was no let down.
Throughout, Burrese keeps safety in mind. He reminds the viewer that respect for
one's training partner is key. Many instructors forget this point, which could
cause problems during practice.
Another bonus of Burrese's work is that he packs as much information as possible
into one DVD. Unlike other production companies which use fillers like promos
for their other products, Burrese and Aiki Productions cram as much knowledge
into each DVD as possible. As always, you get the biggest bang for your buck.
The Lock On Series isn't simply for the novice practitioner. Even the seasoned
Hapkidoin will find great material here as well as a good reference source. The
novice will find clear, precision instruction on basics, controlling and
finishing techniques. The expert will find an invaluable reference on
fundamental and advanced techniques and tweaks.
When watching Burrese in action, you'll notice his flow and control. Flowing,
making a technique fluid and not choppy or hopping around trying to make it
work, is essential in Hapkido. Burrese embodies that concept. He emphasizes
proper footwork, an oft forgotten key, and whole body technique. He takes time
to explain mechanics, a must for Hapkido.
This isnt a simple run-down of locking techniques. This IS a Master Instructor
taking the time to show you step-by-step guidance towards mastery.
Kudos to Aiki Productions on clear video and audio quality. Audio quality is
often lacking with many manufacturers. Aiki does an excellent job here with that
as well as the graphical interface of the DVD.
Melinda Kidder, Owner
Chajonshim Martial Arts Supply
Alain Burrese's dvd series, the next best thing to learning in
person!, April 18, 2007
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 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!
Lock
On: Joint Locking Essentials
The next best thing to being there, May 23, 2007
