Office Aikido
 

One of my New Year's resolutions this year is to squeeze more aikido training time into my regular routine. I'm trying to increase my off the mat training opportunities.

I just looked at my bookshelf at the office and noticed the "Office Yoga" book that's there. Basically, it's little stretches that you can do in a small space, in a small amt of time, while sitting at your desk, in the elevator, etc.

Does anyone have any "Office Aikido" type exercises that they do while at the day job?"

Thanks.

Re: Office Aikido
 

I've always found the ikkyo/nikkyo/sankyo/kotegaeshi hand stretches to be really helpful, since I type all day.

Re: Office Aikido
 

Oh! That's perfect. I also type for a living, and those stretches had completely slipped my mind.

Thank you.

Re: Office Aikido
 

In Shodokan Aikido there is a basic kata that was developed when Tomiki Sensei was imprisoned by the Russians toward the end of WWII. I think he was in solitary confinement( small cell ) for two years when he worked out the Kata.

Although you might not be in Shodokan Aikido, the exercises cover basics that are in all styles.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...l =en&view=3#

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg3_w...eature=related

Mickey Gellum was working on some videos demonstrating Tegatana
Dousa. I don't know if he finished.


Also some aiki taiso.

http://bodymindandmodem.com/KiEx/KiEx.html

David

Re: Office Aikido
 

At the office I do pretty much all of my aiki taiso conditioning exercises on an office chair that rolls around and gives some feedback. Of course, I do them while out at the grocery store, on my son's stroller while my wife is shopping, when just standing still but still moving "inside myself with intent" . . all the time.

Re: Office Aikido
 

Interesting with all the sliding of the feet. I always get 'dame' when the feet start to slide. By taking an actual step by lifting the feet one avoids all manner of obstacles/clutter encountered in the real world that do not clutter the dojo floor. When moving backwards sliding is not so bad for the following foot ...

Can one perfrom those movements with actual stepping instead of sliding without breaking the form?

Re: Office Aikido
 

My understanding of the sliding of the feet is to keep the feet as close to the ground as possible to help maintain or recover your balance. I would say you should lift your feet as high as necessary to avoid obstacles but would not practice lifting the feet too high if not necessary.

Someone with more time in Shodokan than I may have a better explanation.

Re: Office Aikido
 

That is exactly right. The exercise extends into the explosive entering that is typical of Shodokan. You want to get used to keeping your feet close to the ground but not tripping up.

Office Aikido, or climbing up the mountain Aikido (Peter G. may remember), or in the park, or or or is very important to developing ones Aikido. Get out of the dogi and hakama and off the mat - opens up a whole perspective.

Re: Office Aikido
 

A little office or kitchen Aikido - move around (while doing normal things) keeping your hands in front of you, and turning your body. Put your hips into things like opening doors. Just be careful you don't slam them open the first time you try it!

Re: Office Aikido
 

Thanks for all the tips - I'm trying to work in at least some Office Aikido to fill the gaps between classes.