For fans, this is the best documentary I've seen.

There is a great interview with Hakuho where he explains how he built his strength and skill with traditional exercises.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYEwGvtxDmk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mEuTHuWFh4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5rCPDV7sqw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0Ugx0SZ95Y&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiEH40quo1E&feature=related

Thanks for sharing Tim! That is awesome! Putting that on the blog ASAP. Great discussion on bio mechanics of posture and force with Hakuho.

The clip with Hakuho is a beautiful demonstration of the skill that sets the application of the "internal" styles apart from most other styles (apparently excluding Sumo), "Hua Gong" or "transformation skill."

Can you elaborate for those not familiar with "Hua Gong" which is often mistranslated as "Yielding."

Thanks Tim,
Jake

The fundamental strategy in the "softer" styles of martial arts is to borrow the opponent's force by yielding those parts of the body that are receiving threatening force ("threatening" is defined by force sufficient to disrupt one's structure, balance or state of natural relaxation) while channeling the energy back into the opponent either simultaneously or with a store/release timing.

This type of skill is referred to as "Transformational Skill" (Hua Gong). All of the major methods of application in the CIMA are based on this type of ability.

The clip with Hakuho is a perfect illustration of Hua Gong, Hakuho continues to move his hips into the opponent even as he yields the upper part of his body to the opponent's threatening force. He then is able to return the resultant stored (borrowed) energy to the opponent, magnifying his own force. It is one thing to explain Transformational Skill or demonstrate it on compliant partners, but to actually consistently apply the principle at the highest levels of Sumo competition is rather spectacular.

Without a doubt Hakuho is one of the greatest!
Thanks Tim
Jake

Fantastic! After that documentary, I think I'll add the shiko into my daily exercise regime.

I enjoyed that!

I've been practicing shiko almost daily since I learned how to do it years ago. I think it is one of the best all round traditional wrestling exercises ever devised.

Ironic, I teach it in my yoga class.

So how much bend in the waist should there be when the leg is lifted? Are you trying to keep your back and legs on the same plane?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGCU2utXzHM

This is the best analysis I've seen on the shiko:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJmOWI1c90Q

... really nice flexibility!