Rolling & Recovery
[Lesson ones instructions begin from seiza (on your knees, with toes tucked under, and hands on thighs). From here the front roll is performed by bringing the left knee up and placing the outside ridge of the left hand to the floor just inside the left leg. Then pushing off with the rear right leg and extending the arm as momentum occurs. This technique will be repeated on alternate sides until all students are comfortable.] There exist within everyone ley lines of form and force, which allow ki to flow freely throughout the body. By rolling along the tiger and dragon channels, tumbling skills can be brought to harmony with the natural workings of the body. These channels begin in the pinky fingers and run along the arms, over the shoulders, diagonal down the back, and out of the opposing hind quarters.
It is important to focus on recovering from jutaijutsu (ninja grappling) throws and the reception of dakentaijutsu (ninja striking) techniques through rolling proficiency. It is, at times, impossible to roll out of a technique. The inevitability of such times is why I urge you to practice falling safely and fluidly in all directions. Start low to the ground and faint a stumble or awkward trip or fall, and then turn it into something agile over time. Techniques practiced throughout your Tesaihiryu training should be done with a partner whenever possible.
There is always two sides of a technique- a leader and a follower that constantly change roles; like a dance. Do all techniques slowly and perfectly, because only perfect practice makes perfect.
Keep in mind, as you work together, 'It is resistance that causes pain and injury.'
If, for every technique you give in to the direction of the pressure, there will be no resistance and thus no pain. You must only find the correct angle and movement of your body to flow with the applied strike or throw to complete the circuit and then reverse the dance.
If you apply an arm bar to your opponent and he goes to the ground willingly, his arm will not break until it reaches a place where he is unable to continue in the direction of the pressure. But, if he goes to the ground too slowly, the pressure will break his arm. The point of partner practice is to start slow, and learn to apply the technique in a manner that your partner can stay with the pressure. Then, with each other, speed up the practice over time. Tumbling and recovery should be practiced every day.