people who train in Aikido, help please?

Question

I have been doing Aikido now for 2 months. Now I'm not really heavy but I am heavier than I should be and also am heavier than I look. I am doing something about it though, and have lost a stone.
In Aikido this week we did the move where u stand back to back and one person lifts the other onto their back. Now I couldn't do this, I had done it a couple of months ago and one guy yanked me so hard, I really hurt my arms now I can't relax when someone tries.

But I am really paranoid also because I think people can't hold my weight on their back. I want a truthful answer, is the reason people can't hold me over their back because I am too heavy or because I am not relaxing? It's was a bit humiliating really and it's put me off Aikido slightly and I don't want to be put off it cause I love it so much. But even my sensei couldnt do it (he does have a bad back at the mo as well and is really small, but I'm not making excuses) honest answer please, why is it that they couldnt do it?

Please don't be too mean, I'm doing something about my weight!
Also I'm 19 and 5 foot 1, if that makes any difference

Answer 1

I'm guessing you were doing a fairly standard back stretch after class yes?

If so, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

1.) Its not so much about weight, its about balance. I your partner can get your center of balance over their center of balance, its relatively easy and doesn't require alot of strength to lift even a heavy person.

I'm 5'6 and a light weight. However, I can do this stretch with people twice my size. I couldn't take a step or carry them, but I can roll them onto my hips.... just like Koshi Nage in a way... its all about balance.

If you are short, its probably difficult for your partner to get under your center of balance and they have to heave you up there. That's probably why your sensei can't do it and why your partner yanked you last time. (bad idea on there part, but there you go).

Its not your weight, its likely your height that makes it difficult to create a fulcrum.

Yes, your resisting is probably making it even harder though it understandable. However, you will find out that when things aren't working, relaxing makes them easier - on the mat and off.

Example: You know why drunk drivers walk away from accidents far more often than the people in the cars they hit? Its because they are VERY relaxed. The tension in the body at the moment of impact tends to cause injury.

Answer 2

I don't train in Aikido. I do know about martial arts and I am a certified personal fitness trainer. You are alright, and are doing what you need to do. Don't be to self critical. I am somewhat over weight myself so I know how frustrating it can be.
I got into training and martial arts to help my health and have lost over 100 pounds. I can out preform some folks half my age I'm 63. If they can't lift you using the move you describe there is most likely something wrong in their technique unless you weigh close to 300 pounds. I have had a student only 100 pounds throw me completely over their back.
Your instructor should be able to help you through this. Talk it over with him. He may recommend additional workout routine for you.
Don't you ever give up. Use positive self talk whenever you talk to your self.
GOOD luck.

Answer 3

Well, at 5'1" your hips are damned low to the ground. Makes it hard for us tall ones to get under you enough to do that stretch... Stiffening up also makes it harder to accomplish. Finally, people might not be doing the stretch correctly; instead of getting under your hips and lifting with the legs, they may be trying to pull you into place with their arms.

I'll say this though. I'm 6'0" and 195lbs. I've done this stretch with folks who are over 6' and approaching 300lbs.

Find a person you are comfortable with and work at relaxing.

Answer 4

Don't hold your breath while doing this exercise, try to breathe naturally by inhaling and exhaling evenly. Holding your breath makes your body tense up and your partner has a hard time lifting and balancing your weight on his back. It's the same principle as floating on your back while swimming, the more you hold your breath and tense up, the more you sink.

Answer 5

Ur not 2 heavy my friend this happens, having done Aikido and other martial arts for several years this iz common, just relax a little it'll all *** gd.. Gd Luck.

Answer 6

you were too tense, when you were doing aikido. your muscles were constricting. and making you heavier, and when they yanked you thats why your body pulled a muscle. in any athletic workout or sports your body needs to be calm not tense! so your muscles gets the perfect range motion.

p.s. you probally gained muscle, thats why you feel heavier too.

Answer 7

This is a trust and relaxing exercise....

So it is because you dont WANT to be lifted. The fear of being.

You need to relax a little and just let it happen.

Its not your weight, honest.