catching a falling cup

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[Young-In Park]

In the movie, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," Michelle Yeoh's character drops a tea cup and Zhang Ziyi's character catches it.

I have seen characters in other martial arts movies catch cups in mid-air.

On an Aikido message board (I don't remember if it was Aikiweb or Aikido Journal), someone mentioned they found it easier to catching falling objects.

What is the concept(s) behind catching a falling cup/object?

YoungIn Park

[mike lee]

To prevent the cup from being broken.

[Bronson]

I've noticed I just pay more attention to what I see with my periperal vision than I used to. I notice movements sooner and can react sooner than before. At least that's what it feels like :confused:

Bronson

[Genex]

Ive always had a keen eye albeit a short sighted one and i always manage to catch a falling object, dunno why, i guess this helps in aikido cause i seem to be able to react quickly to things going on around me.

really helps.

pete

[mike lee]

Catching a falling cup exemplifies a benevolent spirit; that is, someone who respnonds reflexively in an effort to "save" something or someone. :do:

[Andy]

What about catching a falling bottle of beer?

[mike lee]

That would be one who follows the maxim "Waste not, want not."

[DavidM]

I've had that quick reaction time before I started Aikido. I have a little girl how likes to pick up my cups and try to drink outta them...but always ends up tipping them over or dropping them...

[Liz Baron]

I think I may have said before that learning the basics of juggling taught me lots about balance, timing and reaction speed. There's nothing like trying to catch and throw three falling objects to do that.

However, when it's a kitchen knife or a chisel if I get a dig-in on the lathe... then I just step back and wait for the clattering to finish. :)

L

[Gregory King]

When I drop things or things are falling (which happens all too often) I don't try to catch the cup I try to get in front of the object before it ie the cup gets there, then I just wait for it to land, I don't know what the terminal velocity of a cup would be but I know that a hand is quicker. Give it a go.

Peace;)

[Adam Walsh]

Zanshin!