Do Aikido need gymnastic too?

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[erminio]

Hi everybody:
I'm going to start learning Aikido; I wonder if improving my strenght, breath and so on would be useful for more effective aikido.

I know, one can see Aikido sensei neither huge nor "thin", but is the deep knowledge of the moves and the practice enough?

Thanks, have a good day

Erminio

[shihonage]

Fitness is always a good thing.

(runs out of breath typing the sentence)

(wheeze)

[suebailey]

it is not required to have gymnastics to do aikido although it would be good to improve ur breathing with a few breathing tequnics and if u want to improve ur strength although there is no need then a few visits to the local gym would help.

this is only if u really think u need it cos u dont need to be really strong to do aikido

the tequnice and a strong mental attitude is all u really need.

hows that mate?

hope that helps mate speak soon sue if u need any thing else pm me!

sue

[DaveO]

Erminio:

There's no need to take gymnastics; everything you need to learn Aikido is contained in Aikido. However, there's certainly no harm in it, practicing gymnastic tumbling may well help your ukemi a bit, as well as providing good CV exercise, which is always a good thing. :)

You don't need to be in great shape though, the key to Aikido is accurate performance of the techniques, as I'm learning every time I wind up on my back! (hee hee!)

Here's one thing folks might think about: My Mom came one day to watch a session, and she remarked on the dance-like quality of Aikido (she's a former stage performer). I'm wondering if taking dance would help one's Aikido? Hmmm.

Dave

[rachmass]

Aerobic training outside of aikido is very beneficial. Jogging, biking, anything that gets and keeps your heart-rate up is recommended. Also, knees tend to be injury prone in aikido, and the aforementioned pursuits help develop the muscles around the knees to protect them. Also, weights (in moderation) for shoulders and upper body strength is good too. Don't lift too much that you become tight, and don't use strength for aikido.