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Old 01-30-2005, 02:31 AM   #5
DaveO
Dojo: Great Wave Aikido
Location: Alberta, Canada
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 543
Canada
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Re: improving reflexes/w rubber ball.

Christian: Any exercise that improves hand-eye coordination, reflexes and timing is a very good thing. Your ball sounds like good practice; and a lot of fun too! As is your second idea of avoiding the ball as it caroms around the place. What I'd recommend for that part of the exercise is to concentrate on tai-sabaki while doing it. Keep your center of gravity - i.e. your body - over your feet; keep centered; keep one-point low for stability.
Also; don't dodge the ball; move out of its way. In other words; move your body as a unit, don't twist, duck stretch or leap. Try to make the avoidance move smooth and controlled; rather than a wild leap.
With those restrictions; the drill will be much harder - that's the idea. But practice makes for improvement and over time can only help - greatly - your aikido.
Good idea!
Other points:
Agreed totally with Bronson; handball is great for this sort of exercise - excellent cardio and fun too.
Agreed also with Janet; but it's two different things - reaction/reflex training on one side, positioning on the other. Practice both.
Cheers!

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