One of the first techniques we learn in Aikido is Ikkyo, or “The First Principle.” In Aikido, The first principle is based on the physical. There is nothing magical about it, no special powers required. But what is required is that you get physical and learn to train your body. Can you do 100 pushups, can you run 5 miles, can you do pull ups, can you swim, bike, rock climb, surf, ski, Can you use your body!
Aikido isn’t just about throwing people around. It’s a lifestyle, a way of thinking and taking care of yourself. Are you being careful of what you eat and drink?
Though the main principle behind Aikido is using the strength and speed of an attacker against him/herself, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have to train our bodies.
According to the World Health Organization, healthy adults aged from 18 – 64, for optimal health benefits, need at least 300 minutes of Moderate-Intensity Aerobic physical activity per week in addition to muscle strengthening activities on 2 or more days per week.
In class, we are always training our bodies and we do that through the attack. The faster and harder we attack, the more energy we use, the stronger we become. It’s a given! So, we grow in strength according to how strong we attack, not how cool we throw ourselves, or how cool we make akemi (the person doing the technique) look!
When I was living in Japan, I trained just about everyday, sometimes up to 5 or 6 hours! I was in top physical shape! Not only did I feel good, but I looked good as well!
Physical exercise is important at every stage of our lives. How much you do, or what you do definitely differs according to your state of health and age, but it’s still important!
When we train in Aikido, if I don’t talk that much in class, you get the opportunity to fulfill 240 minutes of moderate to intense physical aerobic activity. You’ll also be working on strengthening major muscle groups. That’s the physical side to Aikido, That’s Ikkyo.
So what are some of the benefits…well, you might never need to use a technique for self defense in your life, and hopefully that’s the case, but you will reap the effects of better health, a stronger body, a more responsive immune system, more energy during the day, a better ability to focus and better memory.
Are you interested in getting into shape and enjoying the benefits of learning Aikido, Then why not come out and try a class. Visit my website for more information. And, don’t forget to like subscribe, and share! If you’d like to hear more about how you can apply lessons learned in Aikido to daily life, please comment, and let me know what you’d like to hear about.
Progress comes to those who train and train; reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere.
-Morihei Ueshiba