Blind folded

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[StephenC]

What has been gaind from blind folded randore I have done It one but im not even 10th kuye yet and just fumbled about freeing my self. Dose any one have some good stories to tell.

[SeiserL]

I have never done blind folder randori in Aikido. Never even seen it practiced or suggested. I like the idea.

I did train blind folded or in the dark in Kali (Fillipino sticks and knives)and found it a great sensitivity drill. So is learn all the techniques from a chair or flat on you back.

I'll see if I can get a few of my friends to play after class and let you know.

Until again,

Lynn
Nidan Tenshinkai Aikido
Lucaylucay Kali JKD

[Janet Rosen]

...or should that be connection, connection, connection????

I've never practiced blindfolded, however I have practiced with a unsighted partner. And learned VERY quickly that the role did not matter; if I allowed there to be any break in physical connectionl I'd pay for it at once with some kind of atemi.

So, in the absence of a blind partner to play with, perhaps some blindfolded practice could bring home very concretely (BAM!) the need to keep a good connection at all times.

cheers
janet

[Mike Allen]

I have done randori once or twice with both partners keeping their eyes closed. We did really basic wrist grabs and tried to flow from one counter to another. The idea was to feel your partner more and try to get a good flow going.

We also do a drill where one person stands in the middle of a ring of (usually 4+) people and closes their eyes. The people in the ring will step in one at a time and push uke from the front/side/back so uke has to take an ukemi. It a surprisingly good drill to show if you are in one point and how relaxed you are when you roll.

For both drills we prefer to do them without blindfolds because its easier for the instructors to look at the people practicing and see if their face is relaxed.

peace
Mike

[Stephen Quick]

I don't know about blind fold randori. Sounds a bit dangerous. However, I have taught classes where uke and or nage are blind folded. It definitly enhances sensitivity and provides an opportunity to focus on the feel of a technique rather then the visual aspect which in my opinion is what most beginner's focus on. It is also a great experience to practise ukemi blind folded.

Try it it's fun. Just make sure you have spotters for safety.