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About The Following Blog

The following blog has been written purely for those wanting a first hand knowledge of what it is like to step into the dojo for the first time as a complete beginner as a Martial Artist. Through practising a Martial Art, you will gain many things such as self-confidence, self-respect and life-long and good friends. I hope this helps you to see into an amazing world of which you have never seen before and that I have had the privilege of belonging to and knowing.
Although I have not put my name or any name to this blog, it does deserve a dedication- a dedication to those who help people to train, who teach, reassure and most important of all- those who never give up, no matter how many times they hit the ground or a mental brick wall, with themselves or others. But above all- those who are ready to begin their own journey, it begins with one step….

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Wednesday 5 September 2007

Chapter 22: Being a lightweight...Advantage or Disadvantage in Aikido?

This topic has always been a point of interest for me since day one of stepping in the dojo, does having a light build bring advantages or disadvantages? For me, being approximately 8 stone 6lbs (give or take) I have experienced both.
I found that that as an advantage I can bounce quite well from a heavy breakfall (I always managed to 'bounce' whenever I fell downstairs as a child) but I find many people disagree. The general consensus appears to be that if you have a fair bit of muscle hitting the floor it is less so hard on your body.
However, being a lightweight does have one major disadvantage in that you find if thrown at high speed you can 'fly'. Yes, thats right, quite literally fly off the mat. Thankfully I've never come off the mat, although there were a couple of close calls at summer school.
So, I guess being a lightweight is good, but I wouldn't mind being a stone heavier, particulary during Hikitat. (Although 'flying' is fun, you still face gravity...splat!)