Martial Arts – Tips, Techniques and Training Insights
Welcome to the Martial Arts tag page. Here you’ll find short, practical posts that answer real questions – from how to blend Karate with Aikido to the basics of finding your "ki". Whether you’re a complete beginner or have been training for years, the articles below give you clear steps you can try in the next class or at home. Dive in and grab the bits that fit your schedule.
Why People Keep Training in Martial Arts
Most readers ask, "Why do people still train in Aikido?" The answer isn’t just about self‑defense. Practitioners say the art improves flexibility, builds confidence, and teaches a calm way to handle stress. One post explains how Aikido’s focus on redirecting energy creates a sense of harmony that spills over into everyday life. Another highlights that training keeps you fit without a boring gym routine – you’re moving, breathing, and learning at the same time.
Practical Tips to Boost Your Practice
If you’re wondering how to get your "ki" or use Aikido more aggressively, the tag offers straightforward advice. Start with breathing drills: inhale for three counts, exhale for five, and feel the energy shift in your shoulders. Pair that with simple footwork – step‑in, turn, and let the opponent’s force guide you. A post on mixing Karate or Wing Chun shows you can add a few striking drills to your Aikido warm‑up, giving you a balanced skill set without over‑complicating your routine.
Got a question about gear? One article compares a kendo bokken to a real sword for Iaido practice, pointing out that the bokken can create bad habits because it’s heavier and less balanced. If you’re into weapons, try a light practice sword first, then graduate to a proper iaido blade when you feel comfortable.
Finally, think about community. Training with a group at Norwich Aikido Academy means you get feedback, motivation, and the chance to test ideas from the posts in a safe environment. Our instructors can show you how to apply the "aggressive yet controlled" Aikido techniques or help you understand the rank system, like what a 7th Dan really means. Come check a class, ask questions, and see which tips click for you.
14 Mar 2023
Aikido is a martial art which focuses on the use of ‘ki’, or spiritual energy. To access one’s ‘ki’, practitioners need to learn how to sense and move with the energy around them. This is done through breathing exercises, physical movements, and meditation. Each of these practices helps to build an awareness of the energy in the environment, and also to cultivate the inner energy within oneself. By combining these practices, one can learn to use their ‘ki’ to defend themselves, move with grace, and to find balance in their lives. With dedicated practice and patience, any martial artist can learn to master the use of their ‘ki’.
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16 Feb 2023
Taichi and Aikido are two forms of martial arts that share a common origin and many common principles. Both arts rely on relaxation, body awareness, and the channeling of energy to generate power. Taichi is characterized by slow, circular motions and is often practiced as a form of meditation. Aikido focuses on developing control and balance, and deals with redirecting an opponent's energy in order to neutralize the attack. Despite having many similarities, the two arts are distinct in many ways, most notably in their approach to self-defense. While Taichi emphasizes a more defensive strategy, Aikido encourages more active defense, as well as offense.
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