Just sharing what I've done, and what I know.  Glad to be of help.
Rick

----- Original Message -----
From: "George Docken" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2005 9:49 AM
Subject: Re: the art of falling


> Rick,  Very good ideas!  Thank you  for great observations.    -Geo.
>
>
>
>
>
> Rick McGirr <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent by: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network
> <[log in to unmask]>
> 04/06/05 08:26 AM
> Please respond to
> Parkinson's Information Exchange Network
<[log in to unmask]>
>
>
> To
> [log in to unmask]
> cc
>
> Subject
> Re: the art of falling
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi, Ray, Mary Ann,
>
> BP, I used to work out in a martial arts school where we would
> actually practice falling.  I would never suggest that you do the
> same, but there are some concepts that might raise the level of your
> falling 'artistry'.  Poetry in motion....
>
> 1. Train yourself to be constantly aware of your balance.  Sensei
> taught us that our hara, or spirit (in the old way) is actually
> located approx. 2 inches below the navel.  Modern equivalent: center
> of gravity.  And as you study yourself, you find this is accurate.
> This lower back/abdomen/pelvic region is the core of your strength.
> It is involved in all your movements.  It takes more stress than any
> other, and if your hara is out of line, you are off balance.  Tai
Chi
> is a very useful activity.  With it's gentle, rocking motions, you
> really get in touch with your center of gravity.
>
> 2. Well, I'm not about to tell you to start practicing your falling.
> Without training and practice, it's very difficult to get good at
> falling.  For any readers who are early into their PD 'career', you
> may still be strong and flexible enough to ask a local Aikido
> instructor for some help.  With all the usual disclaimers, I
recommend
> that you do this.
>
> 3. So if you can't become an Aikido expert, protect yourself.  If
you
> must go out and do your own shopping, or if you are determined to
get
> out and exercise, get some elbow pads, knee pads, and riding gloves.
> Yes, one more nuisance to add to your day, but some are easy to put
> on, using velcro.  Taking the hit on a protected elbow or palm could
> help you avoid a major pain in the butt!
>
> 4. Don't forget to keep up on your calcium intake.  You can further
> protect yourself by eating foods that promote bone and cartilage
> strength.
>
> Sort of a dubious distinction, to be an educated and accomplished
> 'faller'.  But the point is to be able to get up after you fall
down.
>
> Hope these concepts are useful.
>
> Enjoy!
> Rick McGirr
> Email: [log in to unmask]
>
>
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