Poll: How important is slow training in aikido?

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AikiWeb Poll for the week of January 22, 2006:

How important is slow training in aikido?

I don't do aikido
Critically important
Very important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not at all important


Here are the current results (http://www.aikiweb.com/polls/results.html?poll_id=308).

[Mark Freeman]

The slower I study, the faster I get. :)

[SeiserL]

IMHO, critical.
Go slow to go faster with better pecision and timing.

[Mike Haftel]

What is slow training and how is it different from fast training and why is this question (and its answers) important to Aikido to begin with?

[Qatana]

When you train slow shomenuchi ikkyo starts to feel the same whether you are uke or nage. That alone makes it worthwhile to me.

[Rolf Granlund]

For myself, slow training is essential for learning the flow of the technique. I might be able to pull it off going quickly but the necessary parts of the technique will be lacking.

[billybob]

Slow to get the feeling in your nervous system - to feel your feet, to fill the body positions with ki, and not muscular force. Slow to prevent injury, and learn to blend with opponent's energy.

IMHO - if you are doing it right you can't tell if you did it fast or slow, just feels right.

dave

[CNYMike]

Slower is better for learning.

[ian]

I like to break training up into 3 types (in order of progression):
1. stationary (i.e. a hard grab) - to learn body mechanics
2. slow attack and slow response - to learn how to blend with precision and increase sensetivity whilst maintaining connection (also to learn how to change technique, when and why)
3. fast and hard attacks - to learn timing and develop reactions

Thus IMO slow training is an essential aspect of aikido and without it it is difficult to improve sensivity and blending.

[Brad Pruitt]

IMHO, critical.
Go slow to go faster with better pecision and timing.
I agree with this statement.