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 3: Shoulder Locks includes detailed instruction on a variety of shoulder
locks, including: an explanation of the shoulder, raising arm locks, pulling
shoulder locks, various chicken wing locks, figure four locks, and more. If you
want to take your joint locking ability to the next level, you must have Lock
On: Joint Locking Essentials Volume 3: Shoulder 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.
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
Another fantastic DVD in the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials
series!, January 17, 2008
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.
Lock
On: Joint Locking Essentials
Superb Set for Hapkido and other Martial Arts Instructors, 