Gift Of Empowerment

I was overjoyed when I, finally, become eligible for the 55+ program in our local recreation centers.  I really love the Taichi, Qigong, dance and drawing classes.  And they are all FREE!

One day, on the message board for people to post their suggestions and wishes, one sticky note, in particular, caught my eyes.  

"SELF DEFENSE CLASS!" In very large print, a sticky note says.

💡💡💡

As it it were meant to be, a few days later, I ran into the 55+ Program Director, Alex.  I asked if he saw the sticky note.  

"Yeah, a lot of people asked for self defense class, but I don't have anyone to teach.  I don't even know who to ask . . . " Alex said while scratching his head.  

"How about me?  I can do it, if you want," I made my offer.  "I am an Aikido instructor.  I have been benefitting from the free classes at your facility.  I am happy to give back."

Alex was overjoyed.  Yet, he was not going to just take my words for it.  "Can you do a demo?  I want to see what you do."

It just happened that our Aikido friend, Mark, was coming to visit from Toronto the next day.  He is a 6'4", 250 lbs, muscular contractor with Popeye arms.  Using him as uke, I landed the job instantly.

To tell the truth, I have no intention of turning seniors into any kind of warriors.  The odds of them being mugged or mopped is rather low.  The most imminent risk factor they face everyday is, actually, themselves.  

Being silver foxes, as youthful as they might still be, many forget that they are not 21 anymore.  People get injured from using their bodies incorrectly while performing everyday tasks.  They strain their neck, from springing out of bed too fast.  They hurt their back from pushing too hard when they get up.  Seniors can lose their balance for being not mindful as they move around.  

My goal for the class is very simple:  Minimize their risk of falling.  I want people to learn to control their balance better so that, in case they fall, they can lower themselves to the ground safely.

Some of the other ideas I share with them are very simple but practical:  As much as possible, use non-cash transactions.  Take a photo of all their credit/ debit cards -- front and back -- and keep a copy at home.  Refrain from overfilling their grocery bags.  Do not wear old, slick shoes on a rainy day.  Do not run to cross the street.  However, when I poll the class, most of them routinely engage in risky behaviors that jeapardize their own safety.

Many seniors have reduced mobility.  Most of them have knee/ back pain, weak core, and instability.  As such, they have trouble bending over.  They are very reluctant to get onto the floor because they have a hard time getting up.  Some of them cannot even get out of a chair easily.  In light of that, I have them practice how to get out of bed correctly, how to get in and out of a chair ergonomically, and how to fall forward and backwards in a low impact way.

Nevertheless, given the class is advertised as a "Self Defense Class", I have to fulfill the expectation of most particpants of learning how to deal with an assailant.  

We practice how to get out of grips: katatetori -- both aihanmi and gyaku hanmi, moroteitori.  We learn how to grab strongly but effortlessly, how to hold a strong fist to punch and to use it like a sling.  People get really excited when we get to the part about chokes.  I show the seniors how to perform various chokes and then taught them how to get out.  They giggle like children when practicing how to choke each other.  

The holy grail of the class is to learn to reverse choke an uke who is sitting on the nage's belly while nage is lying flat on the ground.  When they see the demo for the first time, everybody gasps because they are intimidated.  But since we have been learning body movements in preparation for this exercise since Day 1, when the seniors pull it off, they are in awe about what they are capable of.  The sparkles in their eyes and the big confident smiles are priceless.

It is the 4th time I run this course.  I requested the "graduates" of the class to not re-enroll so that others get a chance to learn.  People get upset with me because they simply cannot have enough. 

"We want to do more.  We want to continue!" they cried.

Then someone suggested, "Can you start another class so that those who have done the Self Defense Class can move over?"

Seeing all the enthusiasm and hearing all the good reviews, Alex, the Program Director, gave us a green light without hesitation.  Now we have a second class -- "Low Impact Aikido" going at the recreation center.  

There are no grappling mats at the recreation center.  All we have are personal yoga mats that students bring to class.  We practice gently at a comfortable pace.  It has been working well so far.  In this new session, we will add modified jo moves using wooden walking sticks.  Students are hyped.

O Sensei once said, "You don't come to Aikido to become stronger.  You are strong enough.  You only need to learn how not to be weak."

Seniors may have past the peak of their physical strength and agility.  Yet, they have earned mental strength and maturity through life experiences.  As Aikido instructors, our job is to help them find their inner strength and share with them the joy of Aikido.  At different stages of their lives, people should do things appropriate for their age.  As long as we stay creative, there is nothing called "too late to learn Aikido".  

At your local recreation centers, are there senior programs?  Do you think they can use a class to promote senior safety?  

Will your dojo be interested in hosting such a class as community service?  It could be a great community outreach.  Just like what happened in my case, it can possibly grow into an Aikido class for seniors!

Give the gift of Aikido to people who did not get to practice when they were younger.  

Give it some thoughts.  Consider starting a class.  I am happy to share with you my class plan.