Exercise for studying awareness, which contributes to creating firmness, creative thinking, and developing empathy.
As a principle, three participants practice in the bodyguard exercises consisting of: one attacker, one active observer (the bodyguard), and the “VIP” or “target person” who is playing the role of the victim. The task of the bodyguard is to intervene in the attack and defend the target person. The attacker attacks the target person from the front. The bodyguard is next or close to the VIP and intervenes with an Aikido movement before the attack is completed.
Preparatory exercises:
The difference between preparatory exercises and traditional Aikido techniques is that tori does not avoid the attack by moving away from its line but rather enters into the attack to hijack it from its original direction. This hijacking is necessary both horizontally and vertically. It is advised to practice first with a partner. One helpful exercise is to throw a beanbag towards the partner, who has to catch it in a way not to collide, but instead to blend with the direction of the throw and swing it to the side. This forces the practitioner to step aside and turn, otherwise he/she cannot catch the beanbag. The beanbag exercise may be followed up by an Aikido technique, where tori blends with the attack in a very similar way.Proposed techniques:
- Irimi nage direct version from Shomen uchi and tsuki.
- Sokumen irimi nage or kokyu ho. Attacks: Shomen uchi, tsuki, or muna dori.
- Kote gaeshi from Shomen uchi, tsuki, or muna dori.
The bodyguard exercise:
The different roles (VIP, bodyguard, and attacker) should be clear from the outset. It is advised to clarify the type, speed, and direction of the attack. The bodyguard should be next to the VIP (close protection) and facing the attacker in a triangular form. Later on in the practice, the bodyguard may stand slightly behind the VIP. In the developed form of practice, the exercise can be implemented in motion while walking towards each other.
Equipment:
This is an empty handed technique, but may be practiced with tanto (wooden knife). For the warm-up, a beanbag is needed.