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Ukemi (The Art of
Rolling)
Rubber
Band Concept
Rolling is a telling exercise dear to those who appreciate the beautiful
power of natural flow.
During the roll, we
slide down casually with the gravitational pull.
Then, springing up with the centrifugal force, we offer yet another
"attack".
This routine is for the benefit of our partner to revise his Ki-Aikido art.
We are helping him.
One person learns Ki-Aikido art; the other partner practices how to
"attack", follow and roll.
By the way, have you
tried playing with a rubber band? You should try it!
On the one hand,
there is a tendency to take for granted at the way that we manipulate the
rubber band in our hands.
Often, we adopt this same attitude when we lead our partner and
"throw" him.
However, you may want to marvel at the versatility in which the rubber band
stretches at your fancy and yet remain intact.
This is what your "attacking" partner should be doing, like a
rubber band flexing itself.
As you play on with
the rubber band, it gets more pliable to suit your manipulations. The
rubber band actually becomes softer and more comfortable on your fingers!
An understanding Nage should therefore strive to make the partner
comfortable with him in the same way. Then, he has become the rubber band!
His Ukemi will improve correctly.
So, think about it when you are practicing the Ukemi. Ask your partner
whether he enjoys practicing with you. If it is negative, chances are you
have failed to be a rubber band.
Be patient, as you
are human after all. Stiffened by tensions, you need to gradually learn how
to relax completely in order to regain the characteristics of a rubber
band.
Remember, as a baby, we had this ability.
Practice the Ki
workouts conscientiously. It only needs perseverance.
Enjoy practicing the Ki-Aikido arts regularly with your partner. Be
patient.
When your power is
similar to a stretched rubber band that stings when released, you are
beginning to get the gist of it. Therein lies the power of your Ki-Aikido
and Ukemi as well.
Dated 25th
Nov'01 - CI's comments
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