Music While Training - Offensive?

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[Buck]

What dojos play music while training and which don't and why? Does music help or is it offensive when it comes to training?

If you do play music what type and if you don't and are considering it what music would you play?

[RED]

We never play music during practice. Yet, I doubt they would be against it. O' sensei likened Aikido to music himself. Probably because he was a Shin Tao priest. They have a belief that the universe was started with a noise...god old "and God spoke" concept I guess.

[ninjaqutie]

no music in our dojo. Sensei prefers silence.

[mathewjgano]

No music except whatever's been playing in my head.

[Michael Hackett]

We had Ginny Whitelaw Sensei here for a seminar a year or so ago and she played music during part of the training. Specifically, she played "In The Mood" while we repeatedly did katate kosa dori kokyunage. It was an interesting few minutes and I enjoyed it, but I don't think I would like to routinely train to Big Band music.

[Ketsan]

Very occasionally we have taiko playing. It tends to make everyone more focused.

[dps]

I have never been in a dojo that played music to practice by.
I think in a dojo setting it would be too distracting.
I have a mp3 player with a speaker in it.
When practicing at home I will clip it on my collar and play it.
I currently have Bach Cello Suite #1 on it.



David

[Shadowfax]

You mean the sound of bodies hitting the mat and ukes taping isn't music?

I think it would be way too distracting. Especially if the rhythm of the music was out of sync with the movements we are working on. We just had a class last week in total silence. Even Sensei didn't speak as she demonstrated. We watched and then tried to copy her. it was one of the neatest experiences.

lol Sensei had laryngitis so she was unable to talk. Since she was unable to talk we all just naturally followed her lead and no one spoke much. It had such an effect it even carried over to the second class which was taught my our weapons teacher, who spoke very well indeed. :)

[DonMagee]

Sometimes during BJJ the crossfit group will put on music. It gets real uncomfortable depending on who's iPod it is.

"Let's get it onnnnnn....ohhh yea!"

"Ummm, can you get off of me, something doesn't feel right..."

[Adam Huss]

I wouldn't like it at all. In fact, I don't like budo dvd/videos with music in the background...even if it is the typical taiko/asian type music. Maybe for an intro/outro but not during the meat of the video. Oh, and I don't like it during demonstrations either. But that's just me, I'm not gonna start a "Down with music during aikido demos and videos" Facebook group or anything crazily militant like that!

[Shannon Frye]

Thank God no one is starting a Facebook group against dojo music (lol).

We always have soft, Asian music as a backdrop to our practices. The students really feel that it creates focus and set the mood. The times when we practiced without, the students noticed a difference, and requested that it be turned on.

The cd that we created is also slightly under 1 hour long - so when the music runs out, it's a subtle reminded to wrap things up.

How can it be "A lot like dancing" without music??

To each their own.

[Brian Gillaspie]

My sensei decided to play some music during class a few years ago. I don't think it was on for 2 minutes and decided he was done with it. He has never played music since then so I don't have any idea if it would help or hinder training.

[Linda Eskin]

We have music for parts of some classes. Maybe 1 in 4 classes? Sometimes quiet Japanese flute, and sometimes more lively, mostly instrumental/electronic music, still softly. I really enjoy it. It kind of gets me "flowing" instead of thinking.

I think anything by Rusted Root would be great dojo music.

[mathewjgano]

We have music for parts of some classes. Maybe 1 in 4 classes? Sometimes quiet Japanese flute, and sometimes more lively, mostly instrumental/electronic music, still softly. I really enjoy it. It kind of gets me "flowing" instead of thinking.

I think anything by Rusted Root would be great dojo music.

That would be nice. I really enjoy what I've heard of them. I think music in class could be great, but I can see how it might be great for some and not for others since taste in music is so subjective. I've got a buddy who would have a seriously hard time enjoying himself if Rusted Root were playing, while I could enjoy just about anything. It think it would be interesting to observe the different effects of different music though. Perhaps start out with some Death followed by Simon and Garfunkle followed by Dick Dale and so on? :D

[Ryan Seznee]

... Perhaps start out with some Death followed by Simon and Garfunkle followed by Dick Dale and so on? :D

That is probably why most places don't :) The music would also tend to set the pace of the class, though. I find myself going naturally to the rhythm of the music whenever I go running with my iPod, at least.

[lbb]

Given Sensei's usual taste in music when we're working around the dojo or gardens, I'd really really really rather not.

[Kevin Leavitt]

Sometimes during BJJ the crossfit group will put on music. It gets real uncomfortable depending on who's iPod it is.

"Let's get it onnnnnn....ohhh yea!"

"Ummm, can you get off of me, something doesn't feel right..."

Barry White...a big no, no in a BJJ dojo. If you made eye contact at the wrong time...it could be a bad thing.

[lbb]

"Let's get it onnnnnn....ohhh yea!"

I think that's Marvin Gaye, not Barry White.

If you can listen to Marvin Gaye and not think about sex, you don't have gonads.

[Marie Noelle Fequiere]

Sensei sometimes plays a cd of Kitaro during training, but not always. How do you say in english: "la musique adoucit les moeurs"? It helps us remain calm and focused.
Of course, not every music is appropriate for a martial arts class. Still, I remember, when I was practising Karate, our school had to look for another location, and in the meantime, we found refuge in a health club. The main problem was that we could hear the music from the weight lifting room. Most of the students complained about it, but I learned to ignore the music and concentrate on my training. Wich means that, in fact, the music helped me concentrate more.
By the way, merry Christmas to you all.;)

[Michael Hackett]

Kevin, you MUST have seen the motivational poster with Wanderlai Silva! I had that framed and matted for a gift to my BJJ instructor son. I just wish I'd thought of enclosing a Barry White or Marvin Gaye CD in the package.

[Mark Peckett]

In keeping with the current economic climate, the sports centre where we practise on a Sunday has converted the adjoining dojo into an aerobics studio - lot more people pay for aerobics than aikido. We both start at 10.30am, but the aerobics class finishes at 11.20am.

When we're sitting for the formal rei at the start of class, the sprung wood floor starts bouncing with the bass, and as we start our warm-ups, the instructor next door is bellowing "Come on!" "3, 2, 1!" and similar.

But what amazes me is that some time between 11.30 and 12.00, I will suddenly realise the aerobics class is over - as I start to concentrate more and more deeply on what I'm doing, the music just vanishes.

[mathewjgano]

I think that's Marvin Gaye, not Barry White.

If you can listen to Marvin Gaye and not think about sex, you don't have gonads.

Maybe that song (Let's Get it On), but Mercy Me and What's Going On don't exactly put me in the mood.

[dps]

I know he was called a "mystic", and he's been known to have trained clergymen. And he wore a white hakama,(all shrine workers did) I don't know if anything ever comes out and says he is a priest I'm also having trouble finding any text that comes out and says the leaders of the Shinto were priests. But if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck....

Then he would be a duck not a priest. :)

I not familiar with Aikido duck tai sabaki.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j7yhHyrf0Q
Ducks don't talk they quack.
If they fly upside down, they quack up.

David

[Lyle Laizure]

I like music when training. I have played Japanese style music as well as simply turning on the radio.

[RED]

Then he would be a duck not a priest. :)

I not familiar with Aikido duck tai sabaki.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j7yhHyrf0Q
Ducks don't talk they quack.
If they fly upside down, they quack up.

David

That is sweeeet. :cool:

They used to call me "crotching peach" at my dojo. When I first started, I rolled bouncy, and bruised easily... they came from afar to learn my fruity ways. :D

[Michael Hackett]

Maggie,

Please tell us....did you mean CROUCHING peach? If not, it's no wonder you went home bruised.

[RED]

Maggie,

Please tell us....did you mean CROUCHING peach? If not, it's no wonder you went home bruised.

yes:blush:
ooops
for I am a cook at christmas time..sleep, I am without lol:D

[Ron Tisdale]

I think that's Marvin Gaye, not Barry White.

If you can listen to Marvin Gaye and not think about sex, you don't have gonads.

I think i just found my new sig... :D

[Sy Labthavikul]

Hahaha, Ron.... and with that MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

[phitruong]

Phantom of the Opera shouldn't be play while practicing aikido. you can't throw folks with that. i kinda favor MC Hammer or "baby got back" type of music meself. :D

[Buck]

Based on the limited knowledge, in detail, I know about O'Sensei's life, and very interested to read what others have to say, or offer their knowledge on his life, I appreciate. Maggie, and Ryan's knowledge, thanks for expanding my knowledge.

I am wondering if music played an unspoken role in Aikido. Music does effect us, it sooths the savage beast as they say. It moves us to tears, and can send chills though out our body. It moves our emotions from happiness to sadness, to fear to excitement. And some have mentioned music also helps the concentration- when I was in college I would listen to speed and heavy metal while studying to help me learn and concentrate. Many Olympic and professional athletes use music to help them in practice. Music is very powerful thing. Yet, it seems many dojos practice without it.

I can see where it can be offensive, and obnoxious. I had a friend who practiced Karate to the old song that goes, "I think I am turning Japanese (repeat), I really think so." I have seen a Karate demo play stuff like that old worn out Mortal Combat song.

I understand that people have different tastes of music that make others cringe when they hear a certain genera of music, a band, or song. In this case, then trying to practice would be a miserable and unproductive process. Here playing music can disrupt the group dynamic and my better server the individual.

But, I think with the right music a group can benefit tremendously from it. It ranges from improved concentration to learning and enhancing Aikido principles. It can help in areas like focusing on the now, and to be in the moment. It help with easing tension and stress. It can develop an atmosphere and set a mood for training. I think the right music is a good tool- from my own experience and what I have learned from others about O'Sensei. There are a lot of benefits that can be utilized and stuff from music to improve a person's practice.

[mathewjgano]

But, I think with the right music a group can benefit tremendously from it. It ranges from improved concentration to learning and enhancing Aikido principles. It can help in areas like focusing on the now, and to be in the moment. It help with easing tension and stress. It can develop an atmosphere and set a mood for training. I think the right music is a good tool- from my own experience and what I have learned from others about O'Sensei. There are a lot of benefits that can be utilized and stuff from music to improve a person's practice.
Hi Buck,
Check out Oliver Sacks for some great studies on the effects of music. He has some great books and as a side-note is one of my personal heroes.

[Buck]

No music except whatever's been playing in my head.

Hi Buck,
Check out Oliver Sacks for some great studies on the effects of music. He has some great books and as a side-note is one of my personal heroes.

Thanks Matt, I will. You always have some great resourses. And your quote, like many, cracked me up. It is always good to laugh, and be on the lighter side of life. I appreciate the info and the chuckle. :D

[Randy Sexton]

We have soft Asian music in the background but occasionally we will have drum sounds rather than soft flute or mellow sounds.
We find music sets a mood for us both to mellow and sometimes to motivate us to move with power and speed.
Sometimes we let it run out and enjoy the peace and quiet.
By the way, it is almost always soft in the background and not loud unless it is used to set a higher energetic level.
To my knowledge, no one has ever complained.

Doc Sexton :cool:

[tim evans]

I will ask sensei if we can train to snoop dogs gin and juice.

[Garth Jones]

We don't play music in our dojo, but often there is dance going on in the building. So sometimes we train to swing, or waltzes, or disco. I fact, the other day I finished class to 'Staying Alive.'

[L. Camejo]

Not sure about training but some Queen (We Will Rock You) or Papa Roach (Last Resort) would go down well for tanto randori.
:D

LC

[OwlMatt]

I like to use meditative music (I'm a big fan of Medieval and Renaissance liturgical song and chant) when working out by myself, but I think that, since different people react differently to different music, it would be more distracting than helpful in a group setting.