Everyday Systems

I recently have gone back to aikido classes and yes, falling hurts more when you get older. Other than the odd bump or bruise I'm surviving quite well, however, everyone in class has been commenting upon my grip strength. A couple of the guys have even asked me what my "secret" training program is...one of the black belts told me he does pushups on softballs to promote hand strength.
So far no one has really been convinced about the whole SG thing. It seems 14 minutes is just not enough to produce the results that we all enjoy. Maybe if we made one of those fashy infomercials that plays on late night TV and sold hammers in three easy payments...

I think secretly people like to believe that it takes more time to get fit than it really does, because it's a reproach to them for not doing it ("you can't even spare 14 minutes a weekday???").

Thanks for spreading the word though! Maybe it'll sink in after a while.

Reinhard[/i]

For grip as a finnisher try 2 sledges together for a set amount of moves (but ease into it)

Aikido is pretty cool stuff!
Hah!! Great that your grip is so formidable!
Do you know about the Aikido trick, "The Unbendable Arm"??
Good for you on your developments!
Peace,
Debs

Hi Deb!
Thanks for the encouragment...I wish the unbendable are came with a fully articulating shoulder. I doinked mine again in a half-assed high fall...I think I'll be out of the dojo for a couple of weeks. It also means going back to the 10lb hammer.