Title:
Armlocks Volume 1
Instructor: Roy Harris
Running
Time: 90 mins approx.
Price: $39.95 (bought on sale at $19.99)
Available from: Roy
Harris.com
Roy Harris
Roy "Boa" Harris has actively studied more than twenty different
styles of martial arts. His qualifications include a 2nd Degree Black Belt
in BJJ under Professor Joe Moreira, a Senior Instructor grade in Jeet Kune
Do Concepts and Filipino Martial Arts under Paul Vunak, and a green glove
in Boxe Francaise Savate under Professor Salem Assli.
Mr Harris is also a highly respected instructor with extensive coaching
experience. He has taught self-defence and martial arts classes and
seminars at universities, vocational colleges, hospitals and private
businesses throughout southern California since 1987. He has also taught
defensive tactics to numerous law enforcement agencies and has been
teaching on the international seminar circuit since 1998. Countries he has
taught in include the Philippine Islands, Canada, Italy, Switzerland,
Germany, Slovakia, England, Poland and the US.
Production Values
This tape features very good picture and sound quality.
The techniques are performed on a reasonably large matted area against a
plain black background. While the technique demonstration is still clear
the background makes for a somewhat dark picture. The lighting is more
than adequate but not of a professional standard.
It is shot on a single camera, which maintains a relatively fixed
position, moving only slightly to keep the action central to the frame
when necessary.
Cuts come by way of a ripple effect mix which although unusual is not
intrusive.
Different sections of the tapes are separated by red lettering on a black
background. An interesting feature is the white lettering that appears on
screen throughout the tape emphasizing key points.
Review
After a brief title sequence and introduction from Roy the tape gets
straight in to the techniques.
Areas covered:
-
Mechanics
-
Attributes
-
Control
-
Entries
-
Escapes
-
Counters
-
Combinations
-
Drills
The
tape has an easy to follow structure that has been thoughtfully planned
out. From teaching how to apply the armbar, the tape moves through various
entries, counters and combinations, finishing with information on how to
train the techniques covered!
Roy is an excellent instructor with a clear and methodical teaching
manner, performing all the techniques smoothly with consummate skill,
covering all the important details. All but one technique is done without
the gi.
Mechanics Here Roy identifies 7 tasks that need to be
accomplished in order to exert the correct mechanics for the straight
armlock. Each task and its purpose is thoroughly explained and
demonstrated while each point also appears in text across the top of the
screen. The difference in applying a lock with and without good mechanics
is also demonstrated. This is very good instruction in the basics of how
to actually apply the lock.
Attributes In the words of Roy Harris "attributes
fuel your techniques". This segment lists and explains the attributes
he feels are needed in the application of armlocks. These are sensitivity,
timing, isometric strength and flexibility.
Control Correct mechanics are not always enough to
control a tough opponent. Roy teaches two control positions based on the
position of your hips as well as the principle of head control when using
the armbar.
Entries Numerous entries to straight armlock
variations are show in detail from different positions. Each technique is
shown three or four times, sometimes from two separate angles.
A)
Guard: 6 straight armlock attacks are demonstrated from the guard
according to you opponent's position. Includes both Juji Gatame and Ude
Gatame type locks. Some nice variations here I hadn't seen before.
B) Mount: 5 armlocks are demonstrated here as counters to your opponent's
movement or as combinations with other attacks. Good instruction in the
intricacies of these essential attacks. One technique is demonstrated
using a gi.
C) Side Position: The details of 3 effective armbars are then taught from
the Side Position.
D) Scarfhold: Roy teaches 2 standard armlocks from Kesa Gatame.
E) Knee On Stomach: Here you learn the correct technique for getting the
armbar on the far arm when they try to escape the Knee On Stomach.
Escapes 6 different escapes to the armbar are
extensively covered in this portion of the tape. Various methods of
guarding the arm are taught in addition to methods of stacking, turnouts,
sit ups and rollovers. Key points appear on screen as techniques are
performed. There are some very good details on these escapes that don't
appear on any other tape I've seen.
Counters 3 escapes into submissions of your own are
then shown including a nice rollover in to a reverse Heelhook.
Combinations Roy then takes us through 12 combinations
from different positions, mixing armlocks with other submissions and
positional moves. This section has lots of good ideas for incorporating
straight armlocks into your game, a real bonus!
Drills Included here are 8 drills to develop different
attributes for the execution of armlocks. These drills range from
repetition of a single technique to submission-counter sparring and could
be easily adapted to other techniques. Excellent stuff.
The tape ends with a small selection of Bloopers and 10 mins of sparring
footage of Roy as a blue belt tapping opponents with armlocks. This
sparring footage is very entertaining and it's good to see the techniques
from the tape in action.
Conclusion
In my opinion this is easily the best single tape available on the market
for armlocks by a long way. Never has such a large amount of information
been presented in such an intelligent and easy to follow format.
Not only do you learn how to apply the locks correctly, how to enter in to
them from a whole host of positions AND escape the very same techniques,
but you also learn how to train them, different combinations to use them
in and get to see it applied in sparring!
My only complaints with this tape are that the armbars from the Back Mount
and breaking your opponent's grip when they guard their arm aren't
covered. The latter is a real shame because it is such a common occurrence
and really should have been included.
Rating
9/10
Links
-
SFUK Vision - Levo's MMA photo site
-
Leicester Shootfighters - Levo's club
