I've been enjoying my martial arts training over the past five months in Aikido. It's been invigorating to train with other martial artists again, throwing each other around, off balancing and such. I started the class at a time when I really needed it. I'd been out of regular practice with other people for so long that I was starting to feel like a part of me had been caged.
One of the odd aspects of Aikido is the lack of strikes that are utilized. In most schools of Aikido, and "atemi" is thrown as a strike, but very lightly, more like a faint to confuse your attacker. This goes along with the philosophy that centered on protecting your opponent almost as much as protecting yourself. This is a way to promote peace and harmony, if possible.
I like the ideal; it's part of what drew me to Aikido to begin with. However, I have a healthy understanding to know that some techniques associated with Aikido will not always work, and that sometimes, an opponent needs a good shock to the system.
The kung fu I learned before had a very even blend of various punches, kicks, strikes, grips and throws. It was an all-around good system. I continue to regularly practice various strikes on my body opponent bag, which helps with focus and a good release of steam.
Sometimes cross training is good
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Uphill with a smile
Over the past month I've gotten into doing some regular hiking. Part of my way of getting fit and getting outside more. Living in the White Mountains of NH means I'm living in a virtual playground for hikers. Even in my town of Berlin there are plenty of places to go hiking.
About 4 blocks down the street from me sits Mount Jasper. A small mountain just behind the local high school. For a quick hike up and and back, it works quite well. I usually get from the my house to the top within thirty minutes. Makes for a good semi quick cardio workout. While a short hike, the views from the top are excellent. I can see most of my town from there.
By this time next year I hope to have hiked up the Presidential Range, particularly Mt Washington. Sadly the only one I've been up before is Mt Adams. I'm looking forward to this challenge...
About 4 blocks down the street from me sits Mount Jasper. A small mountain just behind the local high school. For a quick hike up and and back, it works quite well. I usually get from the my house to the top within thirty minutes. Makes for a good semi quick cardio workout. While a short hike, the views from the top are excellent. I can see most of my town from there.
By this time next year I hope to have hiked up the Presidential Range, particularly Mt Washington. Sadly the only one I've been up before is Mt Adams. I'm looking forward to this challenge...
Sunday, September 2, 2012
2 wheels good... three wheels ...different-er
Trike Motorcycles have been around for years. In fact, my Aunt Denise used to drive one around quite a few years ago (she's a bad ass, or at least used to be. Now she drives a Smart Car). I even know a guy I was in a short film with that rides around on a traditional Trike, with the rear composed of an old VW car and engine, with a motorcycle type front wheel and handlebars. It's all decked out with a Native American theme. With his mohawk, it makes for a sight when he's riding down the road. (And now just realizing, why haven't I asked him to try his trike?)
Back in 2007, the Can-Am Spyder debuted. It's the flip side of the traditional motorcycle trike. These machines have the single wheel in the back (with power generated to via belt drive), with two wheels up front. Very cool-looking machines. It was created by Bombardier, known for their ATV's and snowmobiles. No other company makes Trikes like these
I've always wanted to try one, at the same time knowing I'd never want to own one. I figured they looked cool and all, but I loved the two wheeled motorcycles better. At that point you're just one step away from driving a sports car.
Nearby where I go for Aikido classes there's a dealership that rents the machines for 4-8 hours. I decided after class on Saturday to stop by the dealership and check it out.
It wasn't cheap, cost me about $190 once all fees/insurance was factored in. But it's been a decent summer for me financially, and you only live once.
After an introduction to how to maneuver in the parking lot, I was on the road for the next four hours with this unique machine.
The first thing to note is the lack of a "front" brake, as usually part of the right handlebar. Front/Rear brakes are applied via the right foot, where traditionally the rear brake is on a motorcycle. There's a push button for a parking break as well. The machines is a 5 speed, with reverse one click down from 1st when you push the R button.
The ride was excellent. Weird at first when steering. Whether motorcycling or cycling on two wheels, counter steering is the way to properly steer , but with trikes you figuratively steer the regularly using the handlebars. I actually wondered what the difference would feel like if they used a steering wheel on these. Didn't take me long to get used to. The front tires have unique traction and stability control. At no time did I feel like I might flip the trike on sharp corners.
So I rode around for four hours, with a break for lunch at my favorite cafe. Excellent riding, particularly with clear sunny skies. No issues with the ride. It was fun, but not something I'd want to own. Still love my two wheeled ride...
Back in 2007, the Can-Am Spyder debuted. It's the flip side of the traditional motorcycle trike. These machines have the single wheel in the back (with power generated to via belt drive), with two wheels up front. Very cool-looking machines. It was created by Bombardier, known for their ATV's and snowmobiles. No other company makes Trikes like these
I've always wanted to try one, at the same time knowing I'd never want to own one. I figured they looked cool and all, but I loved the two wheeled motorcycles better. At that point you're just one step away from driving a sports car.
Nearby where I go for Aikido classes there's a dealership that rents the machines for 4-8 hours. I decided after class on Saturday to stop by the dealership and check it out.
It wasn't cheap, cost me about $190 once all fees/insurance was factored in. But it's been a decent summer for me financially, and you only live once.
After an introduction to how to maneuver in the parking lot, I was on the road for the next four hours with this unique machine.
The first thing to note is the lack of a "front" brake, as usually part of the right handlebar. Front/Rear brakes are applied via the right foot, where traditionally the rear brake is on a motorcycle. There's a push button for a parking break as well. The machines is a 5 speed, with reverse one click down from 1st when you push the R button.
The ride was excellent. Weird at first when steering. Whether motorcycling or cycling on two wheels, counter steering is the way to properly steer , but with trikes you figuratively steer the regularly using the handlebars. I actually wondered what the difference would feel like if they used a steering wheel on these. Didn't take me long to get used to. The front tires have unique traction and stability control. At no time did I feel like I might flip the trike on sharp corners.
So I rode around for four hours, with a break for lunch at my favorite cafe. Excellent riding, particularly with clear sunny skies. No issues with the ride. It was fun, but not something I'd want to own. Still love my two wheeled ride...
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