This photo might not make much sense at a first glance, but there’s a great story behind it. About nine months ago a gentlemen came to our club with a walker (on the left) and a history of brain injury and asked to join.
He joined and started with Ki Development and Ki for Health exercises – the ones all beginners in Ki Aikido are going through. Of course they would have to be tailored to his needs a bit. He would leave his walker by the side of the mat and use it for frequent rests as well as a very high support for some exercises. As he improved he started leaving his walker in the changing room and used a piano stool (centre). He could do exercises with lower support and could sit on a lower sit – a progress undoubtedly. Eventually he has built enough dynamic balance to start Ki Aikido exercises. Recently we replaced the stool with the stepper (right). The progress he has made has been amazing and proves once again what can be achieved through practice of Co-ordination of mind and body.
As to the other objects in the photo – we practice in an old ballet studio, hence parquet floor, bars and pictures on the walls.
We’re almost off to a Summer break, will resume classes at the end of August.
Ki Aikido 