We do many of the same or similar locks in Danzan Ryu. However, there is a way to do these locks, while doing the things that Tony talks about. I would like to say that if you look at youtube for Danzan Ryu people doing their version, that you will see the difference... but, most of our videos will show the same errors and flaws that Tony mentioned.
However, the right instructors in our art, do demonstrate the things that Tony is talking about. (I am hoping and trying to teach my guys in this way... though I still need more work here...)
One of the issues that causes these flaws to show up is that students often think that the lock is the most important part, because thats where uke taps out in the demo or in the kata. But the lock and submission, is not the most important thing in these kata... its the entrance, the kuzushi, destroying uke's structure, taking his balance, getting off line, maintaining your own structure... If you get these parts right, the locks become a lot easier to get in the demo and kata practice. More importantly, you will get better at these parts for actual combat. The locks are difficult to get in full resistance situations... however, maintaining your own structure, taking their balance, destroying their structure, getting off line, using their energy... these things can be done, though they may not lead to a nice neat submission, as they do in kata.
I have found that the way to correct these issues is to go slow. As tori, you should never be off balance, in bad structure or over extending. Uke's balance and structure should be the first things to be taken and broken... from the first instant that contact is made. Once contact is made, balance is taken and structure destroyed... uke is never allowed to regain structure, balance or position.
