Word-Dancing Together Towards Noble Outcomes

An aikido lesson involves a structured routine that generally consists of three groups of exercises: warming-up, rolling, and interaction techniques. Although great consideration is paid to warm-up exercises in aikido lessons, they are neglected in most books on aikido practice. Because warm-up exercises can be used to transfer skills into a communication training course, they deserve considerable attention. Warm-ups help prepare the body for the physical demands of training, enhance flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury. Although these somatic routines may vary across dojos, they usually include aiki-taisō, kishin-chinkon, dō-in, and makkō-hō. Aiki-taisō exercises are individual exercises aimed at developing and stabilising a relaxed suppleness and improving the rhythm of both respiration and circulation. The basis of aiki-taisō is verticality in a relaxed, natural, well-centred posture without excessive muscle contraction or tensing of the shoulders. From the vertical position, ...