Showing posts with label Fall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fall. Show all posts

Friday, April 14, 2017

The Right Way to Fall - "aim for the meat, not the bone"



Is there a right way to fall?


This New York Times article describes the value in learning how to fall and strategies for minimizing injury during a fall.

here are a few excerpts...


The key is to not fight the fall, but just to roll with it, as paratroopers do. “The idea is to orient your body to the ground so when you hit, there’s a multistep process of hitting and shifting your body weight to break up that impact,” said Sgt. First Class Chuck Davidson, master trainer at the Army’s Advanced Airborne School at Ft. Bragg, N.C.

Accept that you’re falling and go with it, round your body, and don’t stiffen and distribute the energy so you take the fall in the widest area possible,” said Paul Schreiner, a black belt jiu jitsu instructor at Marcelo Garcia Academy in New York City.

...try to take the hit on the fleshiest parts of your body, like the side of your thigh, buttocks and shoulder. “Aim for the meat, not bone,” said Kevin Inouye, a stuntman and assistant professor of acting, movement and stage combat at the University of Wyoming

Full article:

or this short url link is "print friendly":


Thursday, July 30, 2015

Balance Challenge Circuit Training Course

The Balance Challenge! Circuit Training Course

Improve your balance, safely and enjoyably, by practicing the balance challenges in this indoor circuit training course. The exercises are varied and fun. Exercises are scalable so you can practice at the level of challenge appropriate for you. Regardless of your skill level, you can improve your balance and have fun doing it!
Saturday August 1, 2015, Noon- 1pm: 
Initial orientation session, $20. Personal training and orientation to the course presented by Suzane Van Amburgh
Saturdays, August 8, 15, 22, 29, 2015, noon to 1pm: 
DIY. Self-directed training for alumni of the orientation session. Suzane Van Amburgh on site and available to offer help and clarification as needed.
Cost?
Once you’ve completed the initial orientation session on August 1, you are eligible to return on subsequent Saturdays for self-directed training (DIY) at a reduced rate of $10.
Multnomah Aikikai members who attend the initial orientation session for $20, are eligible to return on future dates for self-directed training (DIY) at no charge.
Not a member? Become a Multnomah Aikikai Community Member for $20 per month.
Your Instructor and balance coach:
Suzane Van Amburgh developed the balance challenge circuit training course and continually improves the stations of the course. Suzane is a martial arts instructor (aikido and iaido), a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher and a balance trainer. She conducted balance testing and balance training protocols at a physician’s office. She is the founder of the balance lab. Suzane brings fun balance challenges, benchmarks to self-assess progress, and an array of resources to help you explore and improve your own sense of balance.
The exercises:
The training course includes a variety of challenges to improve coordination, proprioception, leg and core strength, how we use our eyes, eye/ hand coordination, somatosensory functioning, use of hip joints and spine.
Our balance is influenced and maintained by the eyes, inner ear, and brain working together. The brain receives signals from the somatosensory system and processes that information along with input from the structures of inner ear and the eyes. Proprioceptors in the ankles and ribs are key to one’s sense of balance and the ability to restore balance. Leg strength and joint functioning are essential factors in balance as well.
When you improve your balance you invest in an improved quality of life. What do you feel safe doing? Even a slight erosion of confidence in you balance over time, will subtly narrow the range of activities you choose to engage in. As confidence in your balance grows, you will broaden your options, move freely and enjoy a more active life.
Whether you are rehabilitating from an injury, training for top performance, or anywhere in between, you will find the right level of challenge for you. If are interested in graceful aging, neuroplasticity, fall prevention or improved decision-making, you will find the Balance Challenge Training Circuit Course fascinating and engaging.
Questions?
Contact Suzane Van Amburgh by email: spacetomoveinfo(at)gmail.com
Find your Space To Move at Multnomah Aikikai

Saturday, April 25, 2015

First Course in Aikido starts Tuesday May 5th

Ready to dig in to your First Course?

Tasty and nourishing to the body mind and spirit!
Aikido First Course is a beginners' series designed to orient you to the fundamentals of the art. Learn the basics of practice: situational awareness, whole body movement, rolling and falling without injury. Within just a few weeks you'll feel more centered and connected in yourself.


First Course begins Tuesday May 5, 2015. 
Registration includes a uniform and classes two days per week. Fee $90
First Course participants are eligible to take any and all of the following Aikido classes in the month of May:
Tuesdays 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm, Center Yourself
Tuesdays 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm; Fundamentals
Saturdays 10:00 am - 10:30 am, Learning Through Discovery
Saturdays 10:30 am - 11:30 am, Fundamentals

First Course participants will also be invited to participate in special events at the dojo in May e.g. The Lines of Engagement and Rolling class.

Contact us: dojo@multnomahaikikai.com

Aikido Multnomah Aikikai 6415 SW Macadam Ave, Portland OR 97239

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Aikido Without Falling Down?

Join us for a special Aikido practice...

Saturday May 17th, Noon - 1:00 pm


Aikido Without Falling Down;
The Lines of Engagement

You can practice the principles of aikido without fully losing your balance.

Forgo falling and rolling to explore the lines of engagement:

  • Investigate the moment when you encounter your partner.
  • Sense your center.
  • Experiment with where and when you make initial contact. 
  • Discover how you change the angle of encounter. 
  • Sense your balance.
  • Follow the trajectory of your partner's motion.
  • Notice when you naturally take a step to restore balance.

Come and play Saturday at the dojo in a safe, light-hearted atmosphere of lively, sensory learning.

Free to Multnomah Aikikai Members.

Open to the public, no experience required, fee $10.

Send us a quick email to let us know you plan to attend.
Use the contact form in the right-hand column of this page.


Contact us: dojo@multnomahaikikai.com
Aikido Multnomah Aikikai  |  503-246-8120
6415 SW Macadam Ave, Portland OR 97239


Sunday, October 20, 2013

Learn to roll in this mini workshop Saturday Oct. 26


How We Roll


Whether you are new to rolling or you’ve been rolling for years, this class will provide the opportunity to refine your skill in rolling. Smooth comfortable rolling is enjoyable and it feels good. Rolling is a life skill and it is a staple of aikido practice. This class is geared toward adults. No experience required.* We will practice barefoot on a matted floor. Plan to wear a T-shirt and loose-fitting long pants (or gi). Remove earrings and other jewelry. Dressing rooms available.



Saturday Oct 26, 2013.
Arrive 11:30am. Class runs 11:45am - 1:30pm
$25 for public participants
Free for members of Multnomah Aikikai


Aikido Multnomah Aikikai 
6415 SW Macadam Ave, Portland OR 97239
Contact us: dojo@multnomahaikikai.com  |  503-246-8120

Additional information:

Instructor: Suzane Van Amburgh,
Chief Instructor of Multnomah Aikikai,
is a Birankai certified Aikido instructor (shidoin, 5th dan) and a Guild Certified Feldenkrais® practitioner. 






* Have a seat on the floor. You can lean on your right hand. Bend your legs so that the left knee is up and the left foot is in a standing position. Cross the right foot under your left leg. The right knee can swing out and rest on, or near, the floor.  Now drape the left arm over your left knee so your elbow or forearm is resting on the knee. As you sit, can you sense that you are sitting on your right sit bone?

If you are comfortable sitting on the floor in this starting position, you will be comfortable in this class.