Instead of Iaido |
| 04.09.2010 |
| Iaidoblog >> Philosophy |
Iaido is Budo with the sword
While other martial arts train the practice and use of different weapons, Iaido is limited to practice with the sword. What if one has no opportunity to use that? What about traveling? What can you do for practice when space is limited, or if you have »no time«? Are there any exercises that are helpful for your Iai practice?
Many expectations
Every experienced budoka knows that sustainable practice of Japanese martial arts is comprehensive. The Kata are designed so that all dimensions of the body, mind and your existence are explored. Imbalance will and must be corrected. It is not enough for example to be very muscular if there is a lack of understanding. In a scientific manner we can work out particularity requirements that are necessary for the kata. This analysis will help us to find substitute exercises in support of Iai training.
Body first
At first a Iaidojin discovered the physical demands of practice. There are a lot of opportunities to try assistent exercises in this field.
Pilates workout. Popular is the practice of Pilates. It is popular with dancers. Your torso and the core and control of the axes will strengthen. By the way the body core in Pilates is named Powerhouse. This is quite close to the Japanese Hara. Pilates can be practiced once or twice a week as support for training. Pilates exercises can be found at books, podcasts and in courses.
Strength. Working with weights is more and more fashionable. In Martial Arts just so-called kettlebells became more and more popular. This training device for free weight training (caution, use only with instructions) offers high standards of the coordinative use of muscles within a functional movement. That is what we want in Iaido as well. Traditional weight training in the gym is helpful. Couldn’t we go equal to the real Iaido class at this time? Joking aside: strong muscles support the body in Iaido. This is unfortunately a bit limited. What does it profit that a farmer mounted the largest tires on his tractor but does not go into the field?
Stretching. If you know which parts of the body are tight then Stretching is a good exercise companion. However, the effectiveness of these exercises is currently being questioned. Even the outlaw rocking stretch is again discussed. The fact is that some exercises do well and relax the body properly. You should research individual what exercises are good for you. Physiotherapy use with caution! This works specifically to areas that may be left in normal health.
Coordination and endurance training can be obtained in everyday life. There are many opportunities for targeted body training. Think of climbing stairs instead of lift, to cycling instead of car, walking and jogging in uneven terrain. Coordinately contribute sophisticated about skating, horseback riding (hello, would Iaidotraining not equal better?).
Mental school is part of Iaido. Since there are many ways to make himself »continues«. Targeted reading books on Iaido, Kendo and Martial Arts are worthwhile. Often the ideas of the writing is misleading. A Iaidoka should achieve individual experiences. Reading may be amusing to classify helpful. Higher quality of Zen exercises are been offered of such as Zazen (seated meditation), Chado (tea path), Sumi-e (ink drawings) and Shodo (calligraphy). There is still an internal reference to Iaido. The action is immediate and leads to holistic library. But many roads lead into the distance and illusions increased.
Suburi as a drill can pick out important technical aspects of Kata. Movements can be tested easily with a Suborito (a bigger Bokken with heavy weight). I know people who are accompanied by a Bokken on vacation.
Conclusion
Some aspects of Iaido and alternatives may be practiced alongside in a variety of ways. Choose the right exercises. Do not forget that the core of the Iaido is to train it. Iaido can be learned only with Iaido practice.
Last changed: 10.03.2011 at 12:10
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