Basic principles of bokken practice

Gerald Lopez explains basic principles of bokken practice, which will improve bokken technique as well as regular aikido practice.

[mraffabilityGB]

Understanding the role of relaxation in Aikido is possibly the hardest aspect. The tension arises from the ego 's intention to be seen to succeed and to "win". I think this is the core of Aikido training, to allow the body and mind to be in a natural state and act naturally. Interesting video.

[DeadpoolX]

I read somewhere that the reason senseis make their students practice their swing so much is so they relax their muscles from exhaustion and literally cut all movement down to the bare essentials.

[Between_Scylla_and_Kharybdis]

Ok, that chopping wood comparison makes perfect sense. thank you for that

[dustinessford]

Now I can practice at home thank you, Sensei.

[shmoo]

before i was gripping the sword tight as a different tutorial told me to do so and it was really heavy but when i listened to your advice about being gentle with it i found it was so much lighter

[julia-neumann]

I really appreciate this video. I don't have any Aikido experience but practice Bokken for centering purposes and the clip is great for that purpose. Please keep sharing your wisdom.

[Nefylym]

Let the blade slip into place like destiny. Thank you for this reminder of proper form.

[lordmyrann]

You're right, I haven't heard this anywhere else! Thank you so much for sharing.

[brianwilliams]

Sensei, I recently hand carved my own bokken out of hickory, what an undertaking. Anyway, I have been recovering from a serious MTB accident and I think now I am ready for some bokken basics. This video is exactly what I was looking for. I do not have anyone to practice so I will use your video as a earmark and will record myself and compare it to the video.
Domo arigato gozaimasu.

[adhamzaher]

now i can practice at home, thank you sensei

[andrewfaulkner]

I would appeal to you to continue making such quality and informative videos. Without any pressure or stress however. Simply I am in a place where aikido is not as easily accessible as I would like. And I after many many years of no practice have taken an interest in the art again. I am a beginner so I have found this very helpful. And if you could recommend me any other aikido sensei's channels on YouTube I would be very grateful. With homage and respect 🙏

[igortumbas]

Thank you Gerald. I have always been fascinated by Aikido. It is a martial art that harbors compassion for your adversary in it's heart. My family and I just came back from Japan, where I had a unique privilege to acquire a real oak wood Bokken from a lovely lady who is running this second hand traditional attire shop in Asakusa, Tokyo. In the far corner of the shop there was this amazing piece that I just couldn't resist buying as I have a great appreciation for the Japanese culture and art forms. Now I'm really interested to learn how to use it properly and in a non harmful way. I have subscribed to your channel now and perhaps will join a local Dojo if I can find one. Thanks so much for your instruction. Kind regards.

[rickyg]

Your instruction was very helpful, thank you.

[duncanmcloed]

Thank you sensei. I just started learning Bokken in Aikido class after many years learning without weapons practice.

[bpsitrep]

Saw this video in the feed suggestions on the right side, excellent video of instruction. Thank you.

[gauravmerugu]

I am finally getting my first practice bokken. This video is really helpful for a beginner without anyone around for guidance.

[EeveeWoot]

Thank you for the advice, Sensei. Especially the axe-metaphor helped me to understand how to swing my bokken.

[jerebuck]

Thank you Sensei, for you instruction. That the bokken is an extension of ki has been very helpful.

[tucsonmclean]

This is good info...I don't hear them explaining this ... your a passionate teacher... lot's of respect for making this video....I wish their is were more like u out there ..

[Adam-nenh]

Thank you sensei great principals thought I had the put alot of force into the swings I was pretty tired after 10 mins aswell ill put that into practice