Another quick and simple hint for preforming osaekomi (locks, holds, or pins) in aikido - When uke taps, do not just drop their arm onto the mat and walk off.
When a muscle is stretched to its limit, it becomes slack and does not contract correctly for a moment or two. So, when you stretch their arm, if you drop it they won't be able to control it and it will smack the mat like a dead fish. This is poor zanshin for you but it is also disrespectful, unpleasant, and perhaps painful for uke.
Stretch the arm and when they tap, step outside their reach, place their arm on the mat, and back away.
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Patrick Parker is a Christian, husband, father, martial arts teacher, Program Director for a Cardiac Rehab, and a Ph.D. Contact: mokurendojo@gmail.com or phone 601.248.7282 木蓮
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