Exercising outside the dojo

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Well, I think the wrong way to practice would be continuously doing a technique or movement incorrectly to the point that the wrong way became ingrained in the muscle memory.

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Well, I think the wrong way to practice would be continuously doing a technique or movement incorrectly to the point that the wrong way became ingrained in the muscle memory.

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because you talking in an overly generalized way

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Well, I think the wrong way to practice would be continuously doing a technique or movement incorrectly to the point that the wrong way became ingrained in the muscle memory.

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When I let go of that belief, my training really opened up.

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Yeah, I thought that was rather vague too...

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Well, I think the wrong way to practice would be continuously doing a technique or movement incorrectly to the point that the wrong way became ingrained in the muscle memory.

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Firstly, I don't put much stock in the whole idea of "muscle memory". I think it would be more accurate to refer to it as ingrained habitual postural alignment and movement - because the "memory" that is being referred to, is a function of the brain and nervous system, rather than "muscles".

Secondly, I don't buy into the whole "technique" idea. If we were discussing jujitsu, then yes. IMO, Aikido is less about "technique" than it is about changing the way you move. The "shapes" and "forms" of what appears to be "techniques", in Aikido, is really a way of moving (effortlessly) - whilst under varying amounts of loading forces from uke, the ground and gravity.

On a side note, there are good logical reasons for teaching base jujitsu techniques first, before teaching aiki. But I believe it can also work the other way - aiki first, then jujitsu. Ultimately, you'd need both.

The reason I say Aikido is not "technique" is due to the fact that simple, "basic" solo exercises, performed statically, (such as funekogi, the "universal exercise", etc.) are used as part of the movement within a "technique". As a simple example, katate tori kokyu nage, where uke grabs your left wrist with their right hand, and you irimi-tenkan and throw forward. The "throw forward" movement is essentially funekogi.

IOW, the link between solo exercises and actual "technique" is more than a cursory "warm up routine". The solo exercises - tandouku undo/kihon dosa (which should rightly be called "kiso" or "conditioning" exercises), provide the basis for changing the way we move - whether it is doing a "technique" or simply "normal everyday movement". That's why it's called "conditioning" exercises, because it ingrains and habituates a specific mode of mind-body coordinated movement.

The confusing aspect for most people, is that Aikido "techniques", like karate kata, are part body conditioning and part actual technique - performed dynamically (i.e. whilst moving and whilst under load).

So, back on topic... the exercises I would do outside of the dojo would include funekogi (at the very least), the "universal exercise", ikkyo undo, the "wrist stretches", suburi, etc. - i.e. all the basic "warm up" exercises that are usually done at the start of the class.

As for why and how these *should* be done... that is another topic for discussion.

If you're imaginative enough, you could even practice kokyu-ho by yourself, using a Swiss ball and a wall (or even bungee cords). In fact, if you know what you're meant to be practising, you'd find various uses for walls, door jambs, fridge/car doors, kitchen drawers and just about anything you can find around the house.

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As for why and how these *should* be done... that is another topic for discussion.

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In fact, that is exactly the question I am asking ; how to correctly do these exercises ?

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in fact, that is exactly the question I am asking; how to correctly do these exercises ?

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