"Visually impaired man learns aikido"

Article entitled "Visually impaired man learns aikido" in Turkey:

http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/a...p?enewsid=8802

-- Jun

very, very cool

A model for all of us!!!

Interesting that the instructor wanted to learn how to do aikido blindfolded. Has anyone ever tried this with a regular class?
In my kid's class we sometimes do an eyes-closed exercise where we try to tell if people approaching us are within attacking distance, but I've never tried to do any actual techniques.

-LK

In some classes have done some kakari geiko kokyu nage with lights off to help develop sense and relaxation,... excelent outcomes!!!

I bet his tai sabaki is quite good.

At one point in my training my instructor made me practice Kaiten Nage with my eyes closed. I have since done this on my own accord when i get a little muddled doing a particular technique. I find it simplifies things because you are not using your eyes to know where ukes is...

We used to have a blind chap training with us for a number of years before he moved away. He was a very good student and it was an interesting challenge to work with him.

rgds

Bryan

Lorien Lowe wrote: Interesting that the instructor wanted to learn how to do aikido blindfolded. Has anyone ever tried this with a regular class?

Yup. I've done blindfold randori at a couple of different dojo. After the first time it's not so scary

You must have good awareness amongst the attackers and sensei keeping control of the situation, so tori doesn't end up in a wall or stepping off the tatami

Give it a try someday - it will do wonders for your body movement as that is all you have as a reference when your eyes are shut.

Ruth

I worked out with an excellent nidan (at the time) who was blind. You had to kiai before you did a strike at him (or before he struck at you). He was very good. He inspired me.

Rob

Ruth McWilliam wrote: Yup. I've done blindfold randori at a couple of different dojo. After the first time it's not so scary You must have good awareness amongst the attackers and sensei keeping control of the situation, so tori doesn't end up in a wall or stepping off the tatami Give it a try someday - it will do wonders for your body movement as that is all you have as a reference when your eyes are shut. Ruth

We do this sometimes with just grabs......you can see with your whole body...it is very cool.
Mary