Some thoughts on fueling up prior to Aikido class.

You should have 500 to 800 calories no later than two hours before the start of class.  If life gets insane eat a bar or banana in the car on the way.  The idea is to elevate your blood sugar so you have enough energy.  The consequence of NOT doing that is you’ll run out of juice for sure but more catastrophic: you’ll lose focus.  Which means when the Sensei’s are teaching you won’t be able to focus at the level needed to apply their information.  good_nutrition_pays_1204x758

Make sure you are adequately hydrated with fluids, electrolytes is best but water is adequate.  If you don’t need to urinate 15 minutes before class starts then you’re dehydrated.

Be sensitive to that lightheaded feeling we refer to as bonking,  if you start bonking during class you’re in trouble you’ll have to get your blood sugar up fast or leave class.

The key behind having a high-quality practice is to make sure you got enough energy in your body to be able to expend it.  Optimum preparation equals maximum performance.

Zahid Buttar
Zahid Buttar
5 Questions with our Chief Instructor

5 Questions with our Chief Instructor – Part 2

By Jonathan Weiner | April 15, 2024

5 Questions with our Chief Instructor – Part 2 Jared Heintz: Aikido is often praised for its applicability in self-defense situations. Could you discuss how Aikido techniques can be adapted to real-world scenarios, and what mindset one should cultivate in such situations? Weiner Sensei: As I approach 25 years of Aikido practice, I’ve realized that…

Rank Testing Bowing Reiho - Advanced - Charlotte NC

Rank Testing Bowing Reiho – Advanced

By Jonathan Weiner | December 25, 2023

Rank Testing Bowing Reiho – Advanced Andy Demko Shihan likes to say, “The little things don’t mean a lot, they mean everything”.  Everyone who has practiced in our dojo or visited has seen that we take Reiho (Etiquette) pretty seriously.  In all that we do, practice.  Bowing.  Addressing each other & more.  I learned a…

Sensei 先生 - Charlotte NC

Sensei

By Jonathan Weiner | November 30, 2023

Sensei 先生 The two characters that make up the term can be directly translated as “born before,” and imply one who teaches based on wisdom gained from age and experience. In general usage, it is used, with proper form, after a person’s name and means “teacher.” In Japan, the word is also used as a…