Course outline: Warm-up. Cross Fit training. Rolls and Falls. Basic and advanced aikido techniques. Ich no-kata, Ni no kata - parts one and two of the horseman’s kata, a series of movements designed specifically for the horseman to improve feel, timing, blending, balance and breathing, and much more.
The focus of the workshop is the development of self confidence, creation of openings and connections with one's self and with others (human or horse); easy ways for riders to get in shape and stay in shape, the development of feel between partners, overall self protection during a fall or during an attack and the overall improvement of feel, timing, blending, balance and breath.
Goals: Give participants some ideas on how to start taking care of their own bodies, work from their core, give them experiences that they may not have done before, as well as help develop a quiet mind. Learn how to deal with situations that are not common in daily life.
Cross Fit: Exercises designed to get participants started on simple ways to get fit and maintain fitness.
Aikido: a martial art we will be using to help participants learn how to move and work from their core with a partner. Along with aikido exercises and techniques we will be learning how to roll and fall. Learning how to fall and roll properly can help decrease or eliminate the fear of falling off of our horses, and create more confidence. It also helps decrease the likelihood or severe injury from a fall.
Self defense and randori practice are both designed to help build confidence in a person’s own skills, and learn to respond to a situation calmly instead of panicking. These intersect with horsemanship by showing rider’s how to develop a thinking/quiet mind that responds properly not only when things are going well, but when they are not going well. The more prepared we are for things that could go wrong, the less tendency they have to go wrong. The more confident and prepared we are, the less we fear.
Information for the participant:
You don’t need to have any background in martial arts. Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing or a gi if you have it.
This is a fairly physical workshop. You should be able to do a minimum of 5 pushups, pull ups, and sit ups as well as walk a mile in 20 minutes. These are not requirements to participate in the workshop, but it will be more beneficial if you can attain them. Keep in mind that these are also things you can work on before the course as well.
If you have any chronic physical issues (back pain, joint pain, breathing problems, blood disorders, heart problems, etc), you will need to consult your doctor before attending. Everything we do will be at a pace that each person is comfortable with, as well as having safety as a priority.
It is our intention that you can work at your own speed/comfort level. This course is not about who is better or more fit than anyone else. We are offering the opportunity for personal growth and improved body awareness in a supportive environment. |
