Joint Lock Flow Drills: Review of Lock On Joint Locking Essentials vol. 5

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The “Lock On” series represents probably the only truly “educational” set of videos available for Hapkido. Master Burrese has a real talent for explaining a technique as he demonstrates it. He covers the underlying principles, key ideas on making it work, ideas for finishes and variations, and a wide array of responses for the various “what if” scenarios. His application is always crisp, precise, and fluid and his partner reacts realistic (and safely). Students who watch these videos and work the techniques with a partner, hopefully under the auspices of a trained instructor, should be able to learn from this presentation.

Students should learn Hapkido from trained instructors in person. The material on these videos would serve as excellent supplemental material for all Hapkido students but really serve as excellent examples of an area that is poorly represented – advanced level material to assist instructors. The material on “Lock On volumes 1-5” would be best used as additional resources for instructors. They are clear, well filmed (with various camera angles), well described, and cover the basic elements of the art.

This volume represents a step into the next level of study. The first 4 volumes provide in depth exploration of joint locks, organized by volume by the area they affect (e.g. shoulder locks, etc.). This fifth volume takes it to the next level – flowing from one technique to another.

The video begins and ends with a short introduction and conclusion, each with an overview of the volume and key considerations to keep in mind. The next 20 minutes revolves around the “Four Corner Throw” (called `shihonage’ in Japanese arts). Master Burrese shows the technique in depth, with consideration for maintaining control and for either ramping up or softening the power used. The technique is shown from same and cross side wrist garbs, punches, the clinch, and from a first strike/initiative (seon-soo) manner. In most cases, he drops to one knee, but he shows ways to perform it while remaining standing. This 20 minute clinic on the “Four Corner Throw” is worth the price of the video alone.

From there, the volume shifts into a section showing how to transition from one lock to another. The reasoning is sound – sometimes a lock doesn’t work and you need to switch to a different one. Or, it also serves as a great way to practice locks with a partner in a quick way (great during class for experienced students). This section details 14 combinations, ranging from stringing 2 or 3 locks together to 3 or 4 steps to a finale with 11 parts. This runs for about 40 minutes.

After the conclusion, there are two more sections, each a 5 minute preview on upcoming videos from Master Burrese – “Restraint and Control” and “Chokes and Sleepers” (with dan bong , cane, and unbreakable umbrella included).

Again, the entire “Lock On” set gets my highest recommendation. Not only does it represent the best “educational” type of video available (as opposed to a “technique catalog” which may only be relevant to a single kwan or federation), but it also represents some of the only video material out there geared to provide information for instructors and advanced level practitioners.