Nagoya Aikikai, 2002 part 2: Chiba Sensei, demonstrates ikkyo

This excellent video is worth watching in its entirety.  In this post, however, I want to bring your attention to one part. Toward the end of this video, Chiba Sensei demonstrates ikkyo with Robert Savoca (now Savoca Sensei, and chief instructor of Brooklyn Aikikai).

If you notice at 3:45 into this video, the "cut-down" is shown repeatedly and Savoca demonstrates clearly the ukemi required for absorbing strong, quick force. Notice how his back leg is mobile - ready to move. The back foot comes upward and the head dips downward during the cut. His standing leg supports his movement, his hip joint allows quick smooth motion, he restores his balance the moment Sensei allows him up. He has good control of the counter balances in his body; a good example of managing balance within imbalance.



Title of the video on YouTube: Nagoya Aikikai, Special Un. lesson Chiba Sensei, 02-03 Dec. 2002, part 2

Video not displaying above? Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07DRkWPwwQg

This video is hosted on the YouTube Channel of Amnon Tzechovoy
Part one is also available on his channel (catch ukemi by John Brinsley Sensei in part one). Thank you, Amnon Sensei!

What's your experience of taking ikkyo ukemi?