Musings on Djem So

[Master VorNach]

At about 40 seconds there's 2 spots once I hit the end of the downward swing that my shoulder pops a bit.  Can't really see it in the video except that there's a slight hesitation. 

It's not so much during the strike as it is after the strike when I go to transition to the next guard position.  I feel like my shoulder doesn't rotate into it like it should.

I really appreciate your sharing your work with all of us.
I'm not seeing the hitch in your shoulder. However it does appear that you are driving the saber with your arms, primarily your forearms and wrists.
the power comes from your body (maybe we could come up with a video on generating power) and flows out through your arms.
Take a look at this video and watch how the saber is moved by the body instead of moving independently:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sDxh5p8uKw" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sDxh5p8uKw</a>

If this is not clear I apologize; it's 4am and I'm getting a little tired.

You're doing good work and the basic structure is coming together.

[Oramac]

Thank you!!  I would watch the crap out of a video on generating power using the body.  I still don't completely understand, but I'm thinking it looks a lot like how you generate bat speed or clubhead speed with a baseball/golf swing.  Is that a fitting analogy?   Also, in Trajectory 3, is the stomping cho designed to provide more power (like stepping into a baseball swing), or confuse an opponent?  

Thanks again!  I made a new stand for my phone, so I'll try to get more video over the weekend, time permitting.

Quick edit.  I'm watching the Ataru 2 video, and at about 27 minutes you demonstrate a lock wherein Master Nonymous (near as I can tell) falls to one knee on purpose in order to over balance the opponent and gain a killing blow.  This seems like a very Djem So technique to me.  Is that actually what was being shown, or just a way to adapt to an opponents attack?

[Master VorNach]

Quick edit.  I'm watching the Ataru 2 video, and at about 27 minutes you demonstrate a lock wherein Master Nonymous (near as I can tell) falls to one knee on purpose in order to over balance the opponent and gain a killing blow.  This seems like a very Djem So technique to me.  Is that actually what was being shown, or just a way to adapt to an opponents attack?

That particular example was both a tool to learn how to ground in the face of an overbearing attack and a method for avoiding and counter-attacking against a powerful overhand attack.
It moves you out of line from the attack, gives you a solid base to reduce the chance of being knocked over and sets up a quick counter attack.
It does have very Djem So-ish attributes.

[Oramac]

Only had a few minutes tonight before the storms rolled in, but I got what I could.  I was focusing on using my body more.  Not sure if it worked or not, but it definitely felt weird.  I also think I may be going too fast.  Thinking about slowing it down next time.  

Also, should I keep cross-posting these here and on the Saberfit challenge?  Or just choose one and stick with it?

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFYcYFxx8Jc" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFYcYFxx8Jc</a>

[4stringjedi]

Only had a few minutes tonight before the storms rolled in, but I got what I could.  I was focusing on using my body more.  Not sure if it worked or not, but it definitely felt weird.  I also think I may be going too fast.  Thinking about slowing it down next time.  

Also, should I keep cross-posting these here and on the Saberfit challenge?  Or just choose one and stick with it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFYcYFxx8Jc#

You seem to be almost over-concious of using your body, try to loosen up a bit.
I had this problem when I started and I found that loosening up and stretching before practising helped me feel more natural. You may find that just going over a few basic strikes over and over will be more beneficial rather than going through a sequence at this stage. Rotate at your hips, relax a bit, and power the strikes with your shoulders.
I noticed that you seem to be practising on a hill, you would be better off practising on flatter ground to improve your sense of balance.

In response to your second question, I would post these on the Saberfit thread unless it is specifically Djem-So related

[Master Nero Attoru]

@Oramac:  Well for one thing, your second video does look quite a bit better.  Smoother, with more power generated by the rotation of the body.  Loosening up will come in time, as you repeat the movements and become more comfortable using them.  If you need to, take it slower - one cut at a time, making sure you perform the cut correctly - and then speed up once you become proficient.  If anything, the movements you're practicing are more the basics of Shii-Cho, which is a very good place to start in order to learn these techniques.  It's your preference though!

[Master VorNach]

If you need to, take it slower - one cut at a time, making sure you perform the cut correctly - and then speed up once you become proficient. 

Definitely slow down a bit more. Good form right now is much more important than speed. Good form will lead to speed and power.
You have improved over the last video post; your making progress in generating power from your body, especially on the down cuts. I'm also seeing more connection between your torso and the high side to side cuts.

Something you might want to try when slowing down a bit: Delivering one cut with one step, taking your time. Drop your focus from your arms down to your waist. As your hips turn, keep your shoulders over them and let that motion drive your arms.

If anything, the movements you're practicing are more the basics of Shii-Cho, which is a very good place to start in order to learn these techniques.  It's your preference though!

The Shii-Cho videos will provide examples of the kind of body coordination I'm referring to.
Look here starting at 1:37
http://youtu.be/lsFZgDDd2No

Next week the TPLA live show is going to be about power generation, primarily for Ataru however the basics of generating power are going to be applicable to all the 7 forms, and for martial arts in general for that matter.

[Oramac]

 

Something you might want to try when slowing down a bit: Delivering one cut with one step, taking your time. Drop your focus from your arms down to your waist. As your hips turn, keep your shoulders over them and let that motion drive your arms.

In a million years, I'd never have thought of that.  Thank you. 

Next week the TPLA live show is going to be about power generation, primarily for Ataru however the basics of generating power are going to be applicable to all the 7 forms, and for martial arts in general for that matter.

Thanks for the heads up.  I'm glad you think I'm improving.  It doesnt feel much like it sometimes. 

@ Master Nero: Thank you too, for pointing out the speed to me as well.  I was thinking maybe I was trying to go too fast.  It's good to have it confirmed.  Now I know to definitely slow down.

[Darth Nonymous]

Only had a few minutes tonight before the storms rolled in, but I got what I could.  I was focusing on using my body more.  Not sure if it worked or not, but it definitely felt weird.  I also think I may be going too fast.  Thinking about slowing it down next time.  

Also, should I keep cross-posting these here and on the Saberfit challenge?  Or just choose one and stick with it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFYcYFxx8Jc#

I am going to diverge from my fellows here and say that your problem is below the waist not above it. Specifically, your stance.

Everything seems fine as far as any direction we could give you movement wise, but I think you should concentrate on your stance more. Your knees move laterally a lot which is probably doing nasty things to them. Also, your weight distribution seems to be very haphazard. You seem to have a problem with your right leg more than your left one. That kind of imbalance will make it very difficult to make good directions sticks because your movement pattern is off.

My recommendation is to go back to your footwork. We have a video up that should be informative:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnaRY-oPuRU" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnaRY-oPuRU</a>

I agree with VorNach and Nero though, slow down, make the strikes simpler and co-ordinate them with your steps. I will add to pay attention to make sure your steps and lower body are in good form.

You are improving! Good work. Stay focused and take your time, nothing to be gained by rushing it and plenty to be missed.

[Oramac]

Specifically, your stance.

I really wish I could see youtube at work.  I think I have like 4-5 videos I need to watch now at least!  Thanks for the info though.  I'd honestly never really considered my footwork much past "don't fall down".   I'll keep an eye on that as well.  Lots of stuff to think about here.

Thanks!

[And I think I'm going to curtail posting here and just post everything once in the Saberfit thread.  Should keep clutter to a minimum.]

[DarthGM]

I am working on my basics right now (Shii-Cho, via TPLA), but I have to say that this thread right here is the one that got me wanting to add some style to my lightsaber swinging.  I'm outside practicing every night now, looking at places to practice when winter hits, looking at Forms and Styles that fit my frame and framework (Djem So REALLY calls to me).

Thanks for the inspiration, VorNach (and Nonymous for the basic foundation).