Hi all,

I discovered an article on Aikido Journal which explains a teaching method
for rolling using methods from the Russian martial art, Systema.
(http://www.aikidojournal.com/?id=433)

The systema method of rolling uses breathing and relaxation techniques to
overcome or prevent the development of fear. Finding the article was timely
as I'd been approached by a couple of junior students who had said that
falling forward scared the hell out of them a class earlier.

I was asked by our head instructor to teach this method to the class and
started with a small group of beginners including one of the students who
had expressed fear of rolling. I incorporated a suggestion from someone
reading the original post to include a roll by reaching behind to grab the
foot and rolling over. The students were able to perform all the movements
and relax further into the stretches but the end "roll" was very messy,
needing lots of room to avoid hitting each other. I also went through these
exercises with the whole class another day but omitted the roll at the end
due to space restrictions.

I found that a couple of the older, more stiff students weren't able to get
their shoulder down to the ground and so the massaging element wasn't
successful. Although they assured me that the movement was comfortable I am
still a bit unsure whether it is beneficial for them to practise it and
whether they were able to maintain relaxation throughout. I asked the
student who was fearful for some feedback and she said it was helpful,
although I've noticed since that she still has issues both in rolling
practise and rolling from techniques, so perhaps this process needs to be
repeated or a program created over a period of time. Many students told me
the really enjoyed the exercise and found the relaxation element beneficial.

If anyone else has tried this rolling program, or practised it, I'd love to
hear your experiences. Also if anyone has any suggestions of how to create a
longer program with it I'd also love to hear your suggestions.

Cheers,
Gabrielle


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