Dance of the gods, but to what music?
 

I have heard aikido described as the dance of the gods. So, what is your internal jukebox playing to set your tempo?

Me, really depends on my mood. I have had my moments of 'Going the distance' from Rocky OST (esp. my last grading when I had nothing left to give). I am trying to get out of the Battle Without Honour from Kill Bill and move more into the Lonely Shepherd :) All beat 'You could be mine' that was always playing when I arrived at the dojo when i first started on my mini-disc player (remember those?)

Admit them good or bad, I will not judge you!:D

Re: Dance of the gods, but to what music?
 

:eek:

Sorry, but I could not think of much more when I read this.

Re: Dance of the gods, but to what music?
 

Amusing question.
Aikido sure is like dancing, although seldom that of the gods...

To what music?
It can't be anything in regular four-beat, that's far too square. Maybe three-beat, like the waltz. Or five-beat, to make room for variation and improvisation. Seven-beat for the advanced...
Maybe Blue Rondo a la Turk for the truly gifted:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc34Uj8wlmE

And there has to be lots of syncopations, the sen-sen-no-sen rhythm of aikido - acting before the attack is even initiated.

I could probably have fun with some Frank Zappa playing in my head, or Pink Floyd when working in a slow tempo. Haydn would certainly get my body moving, too.
Or the madly escalating orchestral tones in the Beatles' A Day in the Life:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWjVffR5EdM

Re: Dance of the gods, but to what music?
 

Clapton, Santana, SRV

Re: Dance of the gods, but to what music?
 

aikido has a few things in common with Noh, which is very religious, so maybe that's why someone said that. It's probably just one person's interpretation though.

For example, in Noh, you keep your hips low, pivot on your feet with a strong sense of your center, when you walk you slide your feet (suriashi), stuff like that. If you watch it, it can remind you of old videos of Osensei with a fan in his hand.
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=OXNOTFGOP7Y&NR=1

maybe that and Osensei says aikido practice is misogi or purification, maybe.

Re: Dance of the gods, but to what music?
 

I think swing music might be the closest I can think of. The Tohei hop looks kinda swing-like. Swing can be either very graceful of very powerful and always a bit o' both. Here's some awesomeness to dig on! Talk about needing a good uke! Note the mini furi tama in the beginning and the koshinage not far after ;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myJj0mNNe1Y (there's even some ground work demo-ed)
Now wish me luck! I'm on the hunt for matsutake mushrooms in the Cascades!

Re: Dance of the gods, but to what music?
 

That's by far the most enjoyable video I've ever watched on aikiweb!!!!!
Now, which one is uke?

Re: Dance of the gods, but to what music?
 

Hokey-kokey, you can't be stressed while singing the hokey-kokey under your breath, really messes with uke's mind too.
Ready, steady, go (korean mix) by Paul Oakenfold for those times when I need to be focused.
Back to school - Deftones for when I'm training during my depressive periods.
Let the bodies hit the floor - drowning pool, don't think I need to explain that one.
Crocket's theme - Jan Hammer. Been out the night before and I need something ambiant.
Clubbed to Death - Rob Dougan. Weapons work? :D Good for psyching up to a grading.
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy - Tchaikovsky. Instructor is on drugs and is liable to hug the nearest tree/jumpy ukes.
I get around and Good Vibrations - beach boys. Energy drink(s) + no sleep + sunshine = hyper. May lead to flying uke's, worn out mats and:
Perfect Exceeder - Mason vs Princess superstar.
Shut Me Up - mindless self indulgence