More Fitness Fads

Guess it had to come. And from New York - who would have guessed...

For those who likes to try out anything that is "new", "exciting" and "cool", but really don't want to learn anything properly (not to mention having to touch other people - yuck!), here's another opportunity to work it out with a fitness instructor shouting into a microphone.

What's next? "Fixed Martial Arts", Mixed Martial Arts with absolutely no contact (we all know contact is bad for the fitness people) and disco music?

Story:
The Samurai Sword Workout is attracting standing-room only crowds in swank New York City gyms. Now it's made it's way to Virginia Beach.

Here, in an expansive mirrored room, the instructor twice a week leads these hour-long, total body, no-impact workout classes that combine the basic elements of two Japanese sword fighting techniques - Kendo and Aikijujitsu.

From martial arts? I just had to try it.

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Maroteux

Roland Maroteux is something a mythical figure within European budo.
Skilled in aikido, Hakko ryu jujutsu and aikijutsu, he has trained many years in Japan unders various masters.

It seems his primary art these days is Takeda aikijutsu, of which he is an official 6. dan, shihan.

In this clip he shows various techniques from the style. As you can see it is the major inspiration for aikido, although much more combat (battle) orientated.

You can view/download the clip here (flv file, 13.59 MB)

Get the player here if you need it (small file, fast and easy install).

An Inspirational Japanese Film

Entitled "Aiki", this is a a story about a man who has been wheelchair bound since a motorcycle accident leaves the lower half of his body paralyzed.

The film is featuring Japanese actor Kato Haruhiko as Taichi, a fresh boxer who's aiming for the best newcomer's title.

Taichi is distraught when he realizes that he will never be able to achieve his ambition. But a friend introduces him to Aiki Jujutsu.

The master of the school receives Taichi warmly and it is then that he finally begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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