Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars
By tim b on June 8, 2011
Format: DVD

Alain Burrese has a series of DVD’s out (aikiproductions.com) which I’ve recently found. This series seems to be extremely good in explaining the methodology of Locks and Holds if this DVD is representative of the rest of the series. The series is called LOCK ON: Joint Locking Essentials w/ Alain Burrese. This title was release in 2010 with a promise of a Volume 5.

The videos are well-shot and with good audio, unlike a lot of titles on the market that describe various MA techniques – many suffer from bad video, and sound – which makes them useful only to the extent of mining any knowledge from the content. Alain approach and style are very easy to relate to, he doesn’t preach, he gives you exactly what you need and explains most of the essentials toward understanding the principles – and principles are THE KEY to understanding any of the MA techniques. With my limited experience, I am able to understand exactly HOW to apply the techniques demonstrated but more importantly, and this info is missing on MANY video titles from other authors, WHY the technique works as it does. If you can grasp the essentials – the principles – you can then expand your ‘vocabulary’ to add new techniques based on the principles. What I really take away from this video is that in this instance, it’s not about muscling an opponent, but about finessing the opponent, using his weakest points!

The other thing that I like about this video, and here again this seems to be a unique touch that Alain has added, is that he not only shows you the technique, but explains it in detail and then follows up with CLOSE-UPS of the technique. I recognize some of the material and concepts through the teachings of Wally Jay, and Alain mentions his Hapkido ‘circles’ theory and Wally Jay’s as being similar ideology.

I highly recommend this title, especially if you are in need of learning techniques of Control & Constraint – i.e. – a cooler/bouncer, a personal protection provider, a security officer. These techniques provide safe and effective methods of dealing with problem encounters, without permanently injuring the offender, but with the option of doing damage under the right/justifiable circumstances.

Alain mentions a Volume 5, which I’m told will be shot in 2011. He also mentions a specific future volume regarding techniques that are focused on Control & Compliance – for use by those individuals that are in jobs/situations requiring techniques aimed at minimizing any collateral damage and any resultant litigation, I assume. I hope that Volume 5 is just that, as the marketplace seems to be lacking specific training materials that reference this subject matter in depth. I’ll be on THAT waiting list if and when it appears!

To Alain: If you’re watching: Thank you for sharing your knowledge with those of us that seek such things. In my quest for more knowledge, I’m finding that picking the right TEACHER can make all of the difference in getting the RIGHT training. You’ve now been added to my short list of well-qualified exemplary teachers. Looking forward to buying the rest of the series!

© copyright 2011, tim boehlert