Company: TRS Direct
Tape Name: Untouchable
Tape Cost: $39
Length
of Tape/Time: Approximately 1 hour
Number of Moves/Techniques: 21 techniques
Return
Policy: ?
Experiences in dealing with this company: Excellent
The Instructor:
Ray Ellingsen
Company's Address: 606 Acequia Avenue, Visalia, CA 93292
Company's Phone Number: 1-800-899-8153
Web Page: http://www.trsdirect.com
E-Mail:
bpierce@trsdirect.com
Primary Grading Criteria:
1.
Production/Tape Quality: 10
2. Instructors demonstrated skill level: 9
3.
Comprehension Score/Immediate Understanding: 9
4. Degree to which this will
make someone a better Martial Artist: 9
5. Score on delivery vs hype: 9
6.
Degree to which we would recommend this product: 9
7. Wasted Time ( The higher
the number, the less " fluff" /repetition ): 9
8. Playback Score/Watching
if over-and-over again: 9
9. Would I purchase more of this company's products:9
10.
Overall grade based on cost vs. Value: 9
Grand Total: 91% (Good = 2.75 Stars)
Secondary Grading Criteria:
1.
Beginners benefit: Good
2. Intermediate benefit: Good
3. Advanced benefit:
Fair
4. Time to benefit: Most is of immediate benefit
5. The need to buy
additional tapes to understand this one: None
Written Summary:
This video
is a survey of some specific self defense techniques. While the material is somewhat
rudimentary to experienced players, the techniques shown are simple to learn and
effective to learn. The teacher is Ray Ellingsen who seems to be very skilled in
what he is doing. While the previous video in this series is aimed at law enforcement
folks, this one is for the rest of us. As on the previous video, the techniques
used are common to anyone with a background in traditional ( not Brazilian ) jiu
jitsu or aiki jitsu. While Mr. Ellingsen has given the techniques English names,
the moves are straight out of these ( and probably a few others ) martial arts. Many
of the techniques involve the use of joint locks and takedowns of some type. Most
of the comments in the initial review ( Jail Tactics ) apply equally to this video.
Mr. Ellingsen teaches the material in street clothes and the scenarios used are
realistic. Mr. Ellingsen teaches in is a low key, no nonsense manner which many
of the more street oriented fighters will find appealing.
Each technique is
shown an average of 5 to 6 times. Combat speed, demonstration speed, slow motion
speed and an overhead camera angle all make for effective teaching without overdoing
the number of repetitions. On each technique, we get to see a simultaneous overhead
view with a regular angle. This is a unique way to view two repetitions and to avoid
wasting tape time. More people should using this technique in their videos. You
will need a training partner to effectively learn these techniques. Stand up grappling
cannot be learned without the dynamic interaction with another human body.
Most
advanced martial artists will have seen or be familiar with these techniques. Those
of you with backgrounds in the Japanese stand up grappling will be very familiar
with these techniques. The English names used by Mr. Ellingsen are the following:
1.
Leg Check
2. Two Handed Parry
3. Inside and Outside Parry
4. Outside
Low Parry
5. Two Handed Throw
6. Rolling Body Throw
7. Rolling Neck Takedown
+ variation
8. Two Handed Rear Choke Defense
9. One Handed Rear Choke Defense
10.
Knife Defenses 1 through 7
11. Point and Impale Techniques 1 through 3 ( with
a blade )
This video is strictly a technique video. However, the techniques
shown are effective and not that difficult to learn. If you are a collector of techniques
and you are wanting to expand you knowledge of locks and takedowns, then this video
is a pretty good choice. If you are experienced in the areas of stand up jiu jitsu
/ aiki jitsu, then you will find the material repetitive. I did like the street application
of these somewhat traditional techniques. The vast majority of martial art videos
are technique oriented and this one falls squarely into the " good " range
of that video class. The quality of the video is excellent. If you a cop or corrections
officer, then you may really like this video, depending on your level of martial
training. This is a good video for the people listed above. Experienced martial
artists will probably find much of the material to be old news.
CJ
Editors Note - There's an interesting article about Ellingsen & TRS at http://www.bullshido.org/Ray_Ellingsen
