Yamada sensei using "Zhan Zhuang" arms.
When searching for Youtube video's concerning Aikido one will see a lot of high ranked Aikido practitioners from the Aikikai Aikido system. One sensei who I think has a lot in common with my previous study object, Fujita sensei, is Yoshimitsu Yamada sensei. Based in New York, his style of Aikido can be intensively studied on Youtube. Although I've never studied with this sensei a lot of information can be obtained through video study.
Fujita and Yamada sensei both have a style of Aikido which emphasizes the round structure of the arms and back. I refer to this style as the "Zhan Zhuang style" of Aikido. Of course this isn't an official kind of Aikido but rather a description of the focus on postural alignment of primarily the arms. They are frequently held in the posture resembling the Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung excercise.
They can both be seen to use the arms and round the back in the most structural sound position, the circle.
Their legs are in a triangular stance derived from the sword arts. The hip joints are square to focus their power. This combination allows them to use kokyu power with an emphasis on structure and movement.
Next clip will serve as an introduction to the Aikido of Yamada sensei. Notice the round arms and advanced use of kokyu nage.
Enjoy practice.
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