Physical Training For Aikido

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[ClementinoG]

What are some good ways to stay fit while training in Aikido?

[grondahl]

Let´s ask Tada Shihan:

"You should create your own training program, starting with running. In my twenties and into my thirties I used to get up at 5:30 every morning and run about fifteen kilometers. When I finished that I went home and practiced striking a bundle of sticks with a bokken (wooden sword)"

From http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=88

For us softer and often fatter people in the western hemisphere it´s probably better to start with fifteen kilometers per week divided in three runs and add more kilometers as you go along.

[FiuzA]

One thing that sure helps me is playing soccer once or twice a week minimum 1h30 each time.

The downside is that it's easier for you to get injured in such a sport rather than in a more controlled environment such as Aikido practice.

Just my 0,01$ :)

[lbb]

A program of aerobic conditioning and core strength, however you do it.

[ClementinoG]

since you seem to know about the con's of western ability, what are some pro's?

[Janet Rosen]

since you seem to know about the con's of western ability, what are some pro's?

Not sure what you are reacting to or asking?

[Russ Q]

What Mary said. I try to get my aerobic conditioning from aikido class mostly but core conditioning is on my own time.

Cheers,

Russ

[ClementinoG]

i'm trying to make the right choice, karate or aikido. i'm very serious about both martial arts. i believe that the gods of aikido practice on a marble tatami.

please don't make fun of me or insult me, i'm a really nice guy

[ClementinoG]

i practice rolling and falling on my wooden floor

[ClementinoG]

well you said we're soft and fat, what's good about us then?

[ClementinoG]

i'm willing to learn if you show me, no hostility involved! I'm an aikidoka!!! I don't have my 5th kyu yet, but i practiced on my own a lot

[ClementinoG]

i developed evil intent when my mary left me, and ever since, martial arts became a mountain of possibility. will i drown-out my murderous intent, or wash-away into the deep blue.

i still don't know.

and i still don't know if my martial university (dojo) will be aikido or karate, or both.

[ClementinoG]

i'm still very sweet to the people i meet. when im angry, only my friends know. i never hurt anyone, except my dad who used to hit me. i beat him up.

[ClementinoG]

ok i'll just go away now, thanks for the answers

[jlbrewer]

Anyone have a witty stock response about forums not being instant communication and a handy explanation of self-deprecating humor on hand?

Also, there's some answers dispersed throughout this thread:
http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19884

[lbb]

All of my stock responses go something like, "Thank you for contacting Blah de Blah Technical Support. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 Eastern Time. If you are calling outside those hours, please use our support ticket system to contact our support team via email, or check our knowledge base for a solution to your problem."

[Cynrod]

Let´s ask Tada Shihan:

"You should create your own training program, starting with running. In my twenties and into my thirties I used to get up at 5:30 every morning and run about fifteen kilometers. When I finished that I went home and practiced striking a bundle of sticks with a bokken (wooden sword)"

From http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=88

For us softer and often fatter people in the western hemisphere it´s probably better to start with fifteen kilometers per week divided in three runs and add more kilometers as you go along.

+1 :D .

Running, stretching (includes core training), Bokken and Suburi works are just some of the few main things that I also can think of.

[mathewjgano]

Well, I like running as a general cure-all. If you keep well-hydrated it's a great way to flush the body of toxins while stimulating a wide variety of muscle groups. When I run regularly I find my attitude is improved enormously and my body has more energy in general.
I also like to do slow-moving exercises/meditation to loosen up the joints and muscles.

[abraxis]

Anybody work out by whipping heavy ropes or chains? I recently heard about this and I'm thinking about trying it.

http://www.dailynews.com/lalife/ci_15757193

It's a wave exercise so it just might suit an aikidoka looking for a new and appropriate solo exercise.

http://videosuckers.com/video/0KAw9bX1lKo/Undulating-Ropes-Workout-SoleFitness-NY.html

[abraxis]

and,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YdsT_2ApMo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw7-DuApgk8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QOcCCM3oGA&NR=1

[Fred Little]

and,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YdsT_2ApMo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw7-DuApgk8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QOcCCM3oGA&NR=1

Rudy,

All the wave-work with ropes and chains looks like it would have some value in building core strength.

That said, it doesn't look to me as if it is the sort of thing that, without a really merciless coach you're willing to take direction from, is very likely to build aerobic capacity.And most aerobic aikido practice, in my limited experience, doesn't do much to build good technique.

Of course, if three days of the week someone were to run, swim, or bike; three days of the week train vigorously and technically on the mat for a couple of hours under the supervision of a good teacher, AND find a way to fit in the core training of his or her choice....there would be some broader benefits and synergy.

Hope this is helpful.

FL

[ikkitosennomusha]

I work out with weights and do cardio. While weight-bearing exercises are important for fitness, in aikido, we don't use muscle for technique. Why I especially helpful is the cardio aspect. If you're in shape, it really makes a difference on the mat.

[dps]

From ZenKahuana ;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd2W9OiqUpg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc8XNqfuyVA

Check out his YouTube channel.

http://www.youtube.com/user/zenkahuna

dps

[sakumeikan]

What are some good ways to stay fit while training in Aikido?
Dear Clementino,
Dont know your age.Assuming you are a fairly young guy you should be reasonably fit.Why not have a beer or lie down on the couch when you get an urge to be 'active '?Take a look a a cat , for example , does it go running around?Rest /play has to be in balance.If you train well at the dojo you should be fairly fit.
Cheers, Joe.

[jlbrewer]

Take a look a a cat , for example , does it go running around?

Frequently, crazily and often without apparent reason. :D Or if you give them a toy or laser pointer to chase...

Couldn't resist a cat comment. I miss having cats.

[ClementinoG]

thanks guys youre all sweet. have fun with aikido and don't be like me

[ClementinoG]

cats are just cool end of story.

[Shadowfax]

I trim horse's hooves. Excellent for core strength. Not something I recommend for everyone though. ;)