Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials Volume 1: Wrist Locks by Alain Burrese, Aiki Productions: 2006 (www.aikiproductions.com), 87 minutes The “Lock On” project is a very ambitious one. It seems to be designed to focus on Hapkido joint locks without having to get too deep into the striking aspect, the footwork aspect, falls, breathing, finishes and so on. Granted, there has to be some of this to make the locks work out of “isolation” but the 1st video sets a good model. The DVD is arranged clearly into several chapters, making it very easy to reference and skip around. It starts with a nice exploration of the wrist and some great insight on why wrist locks work the way they do. From there are sections on various locks, including the outer wrist lock, inner wrist lock, overhand outer wrist lock, reverse handshake, standing center lock, s-lock, and the faucet lock. In each section the lock is explored in a general static sense, with attention paid to the mechanics, then it’s shown more dynamically in a variety of situations (like lapel grab, same side wrist grab, etc) with several variations depending on footwork and attacker’s intent. Key elements such as footwork, posture, and even finishes are explored to a degree necessary for the technique but not to distraction. Most of the variations are the old tried and true ones but there were some original ones I really liked as well. There are a few variations I didn’t personally care for, such as the jumping locks and the deep crouches, but the mechanics were interesting to see even then. Also, I had never learned the “faucet lock” before but seeing the application of it in the clinch makes me curious about it and I’ll try it out on someone soon. Overall, the production values are very good, with clear photography, good angles and very good verbal descriptions. Attention is paid to more than just the lock, getting into how to shift weight, use the whole body and proper mechanics without getting too abstract and while trying to keep the focus on the locks. The video doesn’t pretend to be an “end-all be-all” representation of Hapkido and it sticks closely to its clearly stated goals of exploring wrist locks. There seems to be elements from different Hapkido traditions represented in the variations and this makes it very educational for students of the art. On a similar note, I like how the material is presented with a stark lack of propaganda that sometimes can be seen in Hapkido videos. He doesn’t go overboard in extolling the virtues of the art or in specific lineages and/or purity. The material is presented as its own justification for learning it. I look forward to the second volume and would be interested to see other elements of Hapkido explored in similar ways (e.g. breakfalls, strikes, footwork, etc). At first glance, people might assume this is “just” a reference for new Hapkido practitioners. This isn’t true. The way this DVD is presented makes it a great resource for all levels. For a new HKD student (or even for a student who learns joint locks as part of a Taekwondo Hoshinsool program) this is a nice supplement to classroom instruction on how a lock works and how to do it. For a “new” instructor this provides an excellent resource on how to teach locks and focus on how to “get everything right”. For a senior or master instructor, aside from the solid instructional reference, there are enough little variations and ideas to make it worthwhile as well. Best of all, by not being “kwan-specific” it can serve as a great tool for all Hapkido kwans and Hapkido-based arts as well as for those school who use Hapkido or Hapkido elements in their self defense programs (like many TKD schools do). Overall, I highly recommend this volume for students and instructors alike. The price is fairly average for martial arts videos but it packs a lot more material in than most others do. There is a lot of general reference that is usable by all levels and enough “extra” that will interest seasoned instructors as well. 87 minutes of solid content, available from http://www.customflix.com/222642 or amazon. Worth checking out in my opinion.
Thanks for the kind words!!!!! The second volume of “Lock On” focuses on “Armbars and Elbow Techniques” and follows a similar format to the first. This volume comes off as a bit quicker paced and has a lot more variations to the 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. Available through http://aikiproductions.com/
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 For more info, check out… http://www.burrese.com/Personal_Sec...roducts/Hapkido_and_Self_Defense_Products.htm http://www.amazon.com/Lock-Locking-...ef=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1200598005&sr=1-1
You can't go wrong buying Allain Burrese's HKD vid's, I know where Allain comes from and who he has learned his HKD from and it is top notch old school real Hapkido.....plain and simple he has paid his dues and knows what he is doing. Michael Tomlinson zdragon.bitbytenibble.com
Joint Locking Essentials 4: Finger locks Alain Burrese has done it again. His fourth volume in the “Lock On” series is superb. The entire DVD (78 minute run time) is a very well organized instructional program. This is not a random collection of material or a bunch of “belt promotion” techniques for some distance learning course. Everything in it is designed around a conceptual base which ties into the previous volumes and expands upon those. This represents a more advanced collection of material than the usual Self Defense fare out there (and especially for Hapkido videos). This volume requires a certain level of skill and background and basic understanding. It is much more analytical than other offerings. Each category is presented with appropriate commentary, real world examples, and clear and concise instructions. Each technique is shown a few times with a few different angles, and there are close-up’s to show details. Techniques are shown from a static stance at first and then footwork and some resistance is added. The core concepts are consistent (e.g. the movement, shielding, getting offline, and lowering the center). Knowing full well that the viewer can choose to rewind and review on their own, there is little time wasted showing the same techniques over and over. The DVD does show how same techniques can be used in other situations, and includes options in case something doesn’t go right. There are a lot of variations shown as well (including a bit of 3rd party protection techniques). Alain pays particular attention to the “level of force” used, showing that the situation may not require you to kill or maim but merely get away. As good as the instructor is, he is blessed with a great partner to demonstrate on. The partner does his job very professionally – he receives the techniques without undue screaming or whining (sadly seen in many other offerings) and reacts with the appropriate falling technique and/or tap out. The production values are very good overall. It is filmed well and provides good angles and close ups. There are few issues with background shadows but that is very minor. It is easy to access chapters on the DVD. Chapters include: The Introduction, Handshakes, Grab Defenses (1 and 2 hand wrist grabs, lapel grabs, front chokes), Bear Hug Defenses, Full Nelson Defenses, “Pushing Fingers Down”, “Reading the Palm”, “Changing Angles” (showing how footwork can really change the whole game), “Forcing Fingers Up Behind the Back”, Finger splits and Compressions, and the Conclusion. Each chapter is fairly short and contains several techniques within each one. I am looking forward to future offerings – I’d like to see more “3rd Party Protection” techniques or maybe even a “Hapkido basics” DVD with breakfalls, kicks and strikes, and breathing exercises. The attention to detail and clear instruction that Alain gives would make these basics well worth investing in as well. The entire “Lock On” set, and especially this volume are well worth the investment. Just be prepared to spend a lot of time extracting all of the depth and knowledge contained within this DVD. It is packed with value. Highly recommended for all martial arts instructors. Available from http://www.aikiproductions.com/
Looks like a good addition to my oversize collection of reference materials.... and with the Aust $ worth more than the US $ it is a great price for me! Thanks for reveiwing this Thomas
This thread is a couple of weeks old, but I just wanted to say the Lock On vidoes are beyond excellent. I will say that his "Streetfighting Essentials" DVD was pretty basic and I was kind of dissapointed. The Lock On video's were awesome though.
Just a quick "thanks" to Thomas (Morrison) for taking time to put a critique out on the INTERNET. Alain (Burrese) is very much an innovator with a sound founding in traditional practice. I would put him in a class as a bit more "technical" than say the ICHF but very much with the same pragmatic approach. Thomas can probably speak more to this than can I. I have not seen these particular presentations, but was very taken with Alain's Cane work which seemed far more practical than a lot of the Cane-work I had been exposed to up to that point. FWIW. Best Wishes, Bruce
Volume 5 My review of volume 5 - Combing Locks and Flow Drills: The "Lock On" series represents probably the only truly "educational" set of videos available for Hapkido. Master Burrese has a real talent for explaining a technique as he demonstrates it. He covers the underlying principles, key ideas on making it work, ideas for finishes and variations, and a wide array of responses for the various "what if" scenarios. His application is always crisp, precise, and fluid and his partner reacts realistic (and safely). Students who watch these videos and work the techniques with a partner, hopefully under the auspices of a trained instructor, should be able to learn from this presentation. Students should learn Hapkido from trained instructors in person. The material on these videos would serve as excellent supplemental material for all Hapkido students but really serve as excellent examples of an area that is poorly represented - advanced level material to assist instructors. The material on "Lock On volumes 1-5" would be best used as additional resources for instructors. They are clear, well filmed (with various camera angles), well described, and cover the basic elements of the art. This volume represents a step into the next level of study. The first 4 volumes provide in depth exploration of joint locks, organized by volume by the area they affect (e.g. shoulder locks, etc.). This fifth volume takes it to the next level - flowing from one technique to another. The video begins and ends with a short introduction and conclusion, each with an overview of the volume and key considerations to keep in mind. The next 20 minutes revolves around the "Four Corner Throw" (called `shihonage' in Japanese arts). Master Burrese shows the technique in depth, with consideration for maintaining control and for either ramping up or softening the power used. The technique is shown from same and cross side wrist garbs, punches, the clinch, and from a first strike/initiative (seon-soo) manner. In most cases, he drops to one knee, but he shows ways to perform it while remaining standing. This 20 minute clinic on the "Four Corner Throw" is worth the price of the video alone. From there, the volume shifts into a section showing how to transition from one lock to another. The reasoning is sound - sometimes a lock doesn't work and you need to switch to a different one. Or, it also serves as a great way to practice locks with a partner in a quick way (great during class for experienced students). This section details 14 combinations, ranging from stringing 2 or 3 locks together to 3 or 4 steps to a finale with 11 parts. This runs for about 40 minutes. After the conclusion, there are two more sections, each a 5 minute preview on upcoming videos from Master Burrese - "Restraint and Control" and "Chokes and Sleepers" (with dan bong , cane, and unbreakable umbrella included). Again, the entire "Lock On" set gets my highest recommendation. Not only does it represent the best "educational" type of video available (as opposed to a "technique catalog" which may only be relevant to a single kwan or federation), but it also represents some of the only video material out there geared to provide information for instructors and advanced level practitioners. Available from Amazon ([ame="http://www.amazon.com/Lock-On-Locking-Essentials-Combining/dp/B005PQ5WIE/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1342646619&sr=1-1&keywords=Alain+Burrese"]Amazon.com: Lock On: Joint Locking Essentials Volume 5: Combining Locks & Lock Flow Drills: Alain Burrese: Movies & TV[/ame])
