Breaks from training

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[fatebass21]

I am a full time student, and I also have a full time job. I am currently having to take a break from my training for about a month (noooooooooooooo), but is there any advice anyone can offer me for this. What is it like after going back to train after a long break? What can I do in my own besides the basic warm up stuff, to keep my training going on the side?

Thanks.

[SeiserL]

Greeting Kohai,

Sorry you have had to take a break. Miss you in the A.M.

IMHO, generic cardio is a great help. Keep aligned, relaxed, and move from your center. I especially like rope skipping.

Do your footwork. Everything works off the Tenkan.

Read anything and everything Aikido you can get your hands on.

Relax. Mentally rehearse (yes, its harder than physical training). Meditate.

Get back to training as soon as you can.

[Lyle Bogin]

One month is a very short time. Illness or injury can put you out for a lot longer than that, so don't worry.

If you can't remember anything when you get back, start fresh.

The only important thing, IMO, is that when you can go back, you do.

[Janet Rosen]

Hi.Having had to be off the mat for as long as 18 mos due to injury/surgery/rehab, I admit to giggling at the thought of worrying about one month...but I also do remember that during the first yr or so of training (and at a dojo that only offered class twice a wk) I worried about missing even one class, because it seemed like my grasp of everything was so tenuous....so yeah it is all relative!
Like Lynn, I recommend footwork and similar patterns of movement that can be done in a few minutes each day.

[captain]

Well I wouldn’t worry too much! I have just returned from an 18 month break in training, and although things like timing etc have gone, my body still remembers how to move and complete techniques(just!). Sometimes a break from training can freshen your approach to training when you return. As a side note I have known people to be away from training for a long time return as if they have never been away, I am not one of these though.

The best thing I found whenever I have a break (which is quite often ;) ) is to mentally rehearse techniques and practice tenkan, tai sabaki etc.

David

[maikerus]

Yup. Visualize techniques and basic movements. I find it works best at night when I am trying to go to sleep...pretty exhausting to visualize Aikido...I would say its tougher than actually doing it

Now that I think about it, you should visualize every night before/while you are going to sleep even when you are training :)