Mao Asada | Page 76 | Golden Skate

Mao Asada

nieves said:
That's a really good fancam! Her skating is so fluid and you can really see it there.
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hurrah said:
Indeed! Soooo floaty and fluid. She's gone across the length of the rink quitely literally in a wink.

But the 2012 fancam also shows just how much Mao's improved. Her skating is so much more powerful now.
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I am glad you liked the video links nieves and hurrah.

I can't remember where but I heard some members of the Japanese team were being described and Mao was described as having kind of deceptive speed because she just seemed to float or glide lightly across the ice without any apparent digging in with the skates to gain her impressive speed and of course Mao has a lot of transitions as well to have such speed and deep edges. But, it is true that she skated with more power and speed her last competitive season 2013-2014 than in this fan cam. I think this is one reason Mao won a lot of admiration for her Sochi LP from people who weren't really impressed with her skating before.

I don't know how true this is but I heard Mao around this time was concerned about her jumps so she lost weight because she thought it would make it easier to rotate if she were lighter. But, this was also a sad time for Mao because her mother had just passed away so that may be the reason she is so slender here. However, I also heard that Coach Sato said that she could skate with more power if she gained muscle and a little weight because that would carry through and help Mao with her jumps, which it obviously did.

I mentioned being "an eye witness under oath to a gorgeous fully rotated triple axel" because I think the ur or two footed call on the jump in the 2012 4CC LP was bad and her PSC was too low. I think the great camera angle in the HD video link I provided makes it obvious, as do a lot of people posting on this video of the same performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWnS907QiRU

I don't want Mao to endure what I think are more bad ur calls (like this one in 4CC 2012 LP, 2014 Worlds LP (triple axel and 3F / 3L and Grand Prix Final triple axel in the SP to name a few) and deflated scores this season (like GOE (6th place in the SOchi LP) or PCS (5th place in the Sochi LP), so that is why I mention it, so that people will know about it and try to make their own decision about the calls or scores by looking at the videos instead of just accepting the ruling without question. I didn't even realize a lot of her jumps were ur'd and was really surprised when I went back to look at the protocols.

This probably won't change the final result, but it can certainly change the perception of her performances in people's memories, which is perhaps more important. I know doing so has caused me to love and appreciate Mao's skating more.

As the Sochi LP and Worlds showed Mao is capable of outstanding tech scores even with harsh judging. Also, if the level of skating for current skaters next season is similar to what it was last season and Mao is in her 2013-2014 form, she will have a considerable advantage in PCS over the rest of the competition because of her speed and deep carving edges with few crossovers, combined with intricate transitions, very expansive rink coverage and complex choreography executed with fine precision and passion. I also think her superior posture and dramatic gestures and expressions should boost her PCS advantage even more because it factors into presentation.
 
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gotoschool said:
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I always feel conflicted with Mao. Because for one and most importantly, her skating transcends any scoring system. Her Sochi LP was evident of that; it's nearly impossible to make strangers (spectators in the arena and those watching on TV/a computer) feel emotions with something as simple as a skate. When her skating suffered, we felt for her and when she succeeded we were elated. That's something that Mao was gifted with and I couldn't care less for her results.

On the other hand, I want her to succeed and get the scores she deserves. As the only lady from the the "IJS perfection trifecta" as I like to call it, to return to competition (the others being Yuna and Carolina), no one in the current field should ever be anywhere near her PCS. But I can tell that won't be the case. :shrug:

I'm just happy she's returning! :cheer:
 
gravy said:
I always feel conflicted with Mao. Because for one and most importantly, her skating transcends any scoring system. Her Sochi LP was evident of that; it's nearly impossible to make strangers (spectators in the arena and those watching on TV/a computer) feel emotions with something as simple as a skate. When her skating suffered, we felt for her and when she succeeded we were elated. That's something that Mao was gifted with and I couldn't care less for her results.

On the other hand, I want her to succeed and get the scores she deserves. As the only lady from the the "IJS perfection trifecta" as I like to call it, to return to competition (the others being Yuna and Carolina), no one in the current field should ever be anywhere near her PCS. But I can tell that won't be the case. :shrug:

I'm just happy she's returning! :cheer:
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I am also happy she is returning. But, in addition to significantly higher PCS due to greater speed, better edges and skating skills, I think Mao should also get higher overall GOE on her jumps based on the stated guidelines for GOE on jumps. I am no expert but these are just my personal observations.

1) unexpected / creative / difficult entry
From what I have seen, Mao doesn't telegraph her jumps by doing rotational movements with her body and arms like I have seen Liza do. Liza definitely has good jumps though. Mao also does more one legged skating, forward instead of back crossovers, and transitions before and after her jumps. She also has remarkably erect posture throughout, nice extension and dramatic balletic flair like motions which I refer to as "framing" or "staging" the jump.

2) clear recognizable steps/free skating movements immediately preceding element
Mao does a brief wind mill motion with her arms before the jumps which is a quick set up with free skating motions that maintain speed all the way into the entrance of the jump.

3) varied position in the air / delay in rotation
Mao is the only skater I know of currently that has the dynamic of delayed rotation. It is especially noticeable in her triple axel which begins slowly but then transforms into quick whipsaw rotation. Her air position is a beautiful tight symmetrical spiral which I think enables her to accelerate her spiral.

4) good height and distance
Mao's jumps have good height as posters have mentioned in measurements based on video frames with her double and triple axel and triple salchow having exceptional height. However, much of the power in her jumps is converted into greater distance. I have noticed that skaters like Adelina and Liza, who very good to excellent GOE, have very good height but there distance is not that far. Maintaining erect posture with less telegraphing and symmetrical height and distance as Mao does makes it more difficult to get great height but greatly enhances the beauty of the jumps and from what I have read in these guidelines is supposed to be reflected in GOE.

5) good extension on landing / creative exit
Mao's posture, body extension due to her extensive ballet training, and intricate transitions on exit are much more prevalent than the current skaters she is competing against.

6) good flow from entry to exit including jump combinations / sequences
Mao's great balletic flow through her jumps results from the great speed she has leading into and out of her jumps and the outstanding control she has over her posture and body motion. In addition to the speed of entry, the symmetrical flow is indicated by the balance between height and distance of the jumps, the fluidity in transitions as in her triple flip and loop where the entire sequence looks like a single motion, and how well she maintains speed through her jumps while quickly transitioning back into steps. This is what gives her Sochi LP its incredible sense of forward propulsion.

7) effortless throughout
This was discussed above.

8) element matched to the musical structure

Mao's 3F / 2 Lo / 2Lo combo in the Sochi 2014 LP and in Worlds 2013 Lps for instance were praised for how well they were synchronized with the rhythm of the music. Yet, they didn't even get a +1 GOE.

The greatest thing in Mao's SOchi LP is that her jumps crescendoed in tempo to the music reaching a climatic release. According to this guideline, musicality is supposed to be worth twice as much as height which is only 1 of 2 points in number 4.

The balletic flair of arm motions and rhythmic body motions into and out of the jumps are unmatched by anyone I have ever seen, yet again not even one jump got +1 GOE in her Sochi LP, for example.

I also believe Mao's jumps that are given +1.3 - +1.6 by the judges should not be given urs like the triple axel and triple flip and loop in the Worlds 2014 were given, nor should the triple axel at 2012 4CC's. If expert judges see very good jumps, how can urs that drop scores so dramatically (7 points in the case of Worlds 2014) be justified to a large audience when they look rotated to so many, even in slow mo replay?

It's great that Mao is back, but I just want the scoring to be fair.
 
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yhmafan said:
^ Thank you for the post. gotoschool.
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Thank you yhmafan. There is a transcendence in Mao's beautiful performances that makes me want to ignore the scoring system but when I have read so much criticism about Mao's jumps, much of which I feel is unjust based on the stated ISU guidelines enumerated above and even judges evaluations, I felt the need to write something, especially with Mao returning. When Mao is "on," my view is that her jumping technique is pure poetry in motion instead of following a textbook.
 
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gotoschool said:
From what I have seen, Mao doesn't telegraph her jumps by doing rotational movements with her body and arms like I have seen Liza do.
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While I broadly agree with everything you posted, it has to be said - she does telegraph the triple axel.

It's not surprising given the diificulty of that jump, but in any case it's quite mild and I don't find it detracts from the performance. If anything it's quite exciting, in a "heeeeeeeere it comes!" kind of way.

I travelled from Europe to Skate America 2013, largely to see Mao - since I'd never seen her compete in person, and I was afraid she would retire after Sochi. I thought it might be my last chance! My seat happened to be right in front of where she normally lands her 3A, and it was a real adrenaline rush to see her skate "that" curve towards you... you know what's coming... and she launches a 3A that lands right in front of you! Your Hair Stands On End! It's unforgettable... and actually, wouldn't be quite the same without a little telegraphing...!

Not bothered about scoring, but I do hope she does well enough to make it to the Grand Prix Final. I just look forward to seeing Mao compete again. After half-expecting her to retire, every competition from now on feels precious.
 
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YesWay said:
While I broadly agree with everything you posted, it has to be said - she does telegraph the triple axel.

It's not surprising given the diificulty of that jump, but in any case it's quite mild and I don't find it detracts from the performance. If anything it's quite exciting, in a "heeeeeeeere it comes!" kind of way.

I travelled from Europe to Skate America 2013, largely to see Mao - since I'd never seen her compete in person, and I was afraid she would retire after Sochi. I thought it might be my last chance! My seat happened to be right in front of where she normally lands her 3A, and it was a real adrenaline rush to see her skate "that" curve towards you... you know what's coming... and she launches a 3A that lands right in front of you! Your Hair Stands On End! It's unforgettable... and actually, wouldn't be quite the same without a little telegraphing...!

Not bothered about scoring, but I do hope she does well enough to make it to the Grand Prix Final. I just look forward to seeing Mao compete again. After half-expecting her to retire, every competition from now on feels precious.
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Thanks a lot for sharing your personal experiences. I wish I could have had the kind of seat you had to watch Mao do one of her triple axels. In my view, Mao doesn't telegraph but "stages" her triple axel, using the diagonal width of the rink as a long runway, as she glides smoothly but rapidly while making subtle but highly dramatic balletic extensions that give the entry a suspenseful flair, then launches into take-off close to the boards facing the audience. This is one of the reasons I like Mao's triple axel better. I often get a chill down my spine or goosebumps when I watch them on video, but her step sequences, spins, spirals and other jumps make it happen as well. I am confident she will deliver more moments like that, which is what I am looking forward to the most. But, scores still do get to me, unfortunately.


Does anyone get any symbolic meaning out of Mao's costumes related to flowers? I think of Mao's Bells of Moscow like a black and red rose because it mirrors so well the circumstances for composition of Rach's Bells of Moscow. Rachmaninoff was a very young man at the beginning of his career when he was inspired by looking into a coffin and imagining the horror of being trapped inside. This contrast between the "flower and passion" (the red rose) of youth and death (the black rose) is why I like Mao's Bells of Moscow costume so much. After learning about the inspiration of composition, I also began to see Mao's fan spiral leaning so far back (as if lying down in a coffin which is unique to Mao's fan spiral) and staring up into the sky as a representation of this fear of being buried alive just like Rachmaninoff. In addition to the transcendent beauty, desperation, and incredible expressions and step sequences, the fact that Mao was so youthful but still mature enough to portray this contrast is why I still think of this as one of Mao's most perfect programs in terms of the character she enacts fitting the spirit of the music.
 
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Here is a recent commercial with Mao and some videos showing the making of the commercial for Asahi Breweries, which makes non-alcoholic beer, fruit flavored drinks and a calorie free drink called Syle Balance. This was posted by rosewood at http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/ind...ating-is-wonderful.89260/page-32#post-4540284 #944

Mao appears to have become more outgoing, since she started hosting her radio show. It's also nice to hear her wonderful singing voice.

Commercial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdfR26rrLIg
Making videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr5UmH26otQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sl68ipbkxA
 
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gotoschool said:
Here is a recent commercial with Mao and some videos showing the making of the commercial for Asahi Breweries, which makes non-alcoholic beer, fruit flavored drinks and a calorie free drink called Syle Balance. This was posted by rosewood at http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/ind...ating-is-wonderful.89260/page-32#post-4540284 #944

Mao appears to have become more outgoing, since she started hosting her radio show. It's also nice to hear her wonderful singing voice.

Commercial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdfR26rrLIg
Making videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr5UmH26otQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sl68ipbkxA
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Those making videos are very cute.
I remember that the time immediately after the worlds 2013, she had said that her current cooking repertoire was “Tamago Kake Gohan”.
She liked to cook it in her house. (it’s understandable since she was very busy as a competitive skater at that time.) because she could eat it maybe only in Japan and she also loved to eat Rice (as Mao fans know she has a vast appetite and is a Japanese foods lover).

Today, she seems to have a large repertoire as a cook. In the latest radio show Mao said that her current obsession is eating all/most of processed soy products such as Kinako (roasted soybean flour), Soy milk, Tofu (soybean curd) and Natto (fermented soybeans) but especially KINAKONERIJI!! :laugh: that sounds she loves it very very much.

Kinakonejiri looks delicious but I am anxious about the calorie. Mao please take care of your weight. :biggrin:
 
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yhmafan said:
Those making videos are very cute.
I remember that the time immediately after the worlds 2013, she had said that her current cooking repertoire was “Tamago Kake Gohan”.
She liked to cook it in her house. (it’s understandable since she was very busy as a competitive skater at that time.) because she could eat it maybe only in Japan and she also loved to eat Rice (as Mao fans know she has a vast appetite and is a Japanese foods lover).

Today, she seems to have a large repertoire as a cook. In the latest radio show Mao said that her current obsession is eating all/most of processed soy products such as Kinako (roasted soybean flour), Soy milk, Tofu (soybean curd) and Natto (fermented soybeans) but especially KINAKONERIJI!! :laugh: that sounds she loves it very very much.

Kinakonejiri looks delicious but I am anxious about the calorie. Mao please take care of your weight. :biggrin:
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It's funny how someone as slim and fit with such an ideal feminine form like Mao is so associated with food. I was amazed at how far Mao was willing to expand her gastronomic horizons in this video, especially at about 4:25. To me, eating such "live" dishes is braver ("gutsier") than bungee jumping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO9BtPTfaM0
 
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inskate said:
Could you post the link to the source? :)
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Source:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2vcqe8_0625-jo-新プログラム作り_sport

The video clip reveals Mao's choreographing work with Lori. She explains why she chooses Japan Open in the interview. Then there's another part about the collaborating number with Caro and Joannie, for Mao's summer ice show 'The Ice'. They didn't say if the choreography shown is from which of her programs. But in the end it is mentioned that more news report will come re. Mao's EX number and the update interview next week.
 
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