Kaze Uta Budo Kai Forum Archive

I've been looking at ways outside of Aikido to improve my balance, coordination and core strength (yes, fighting the middle age expanse). I've tried a little of the above since my kids do it on a regular basis. Frightening at first and I would urge a significant degree of caution.

At 41, that looks like a trip to the hospital waiting to happen.

After ACL reconstruction surgery, my physical therapist had me using a BAP Board.


Pretty neat gizmo, but way outside of my price range.


The Carrom Balance Board
is serious work. And affordable. We used to have one of these somewhere at the dojo. We would use it on carpet, and it will challenge your balance.



The BOSU Ball can be pretty good too, assuming you want to go overboard and use it in ways they specifically tell you not to. Sure, you can air it up and place the flat base on the ground, using the ball to support your weight. Or, ignore the manufacturer, air it up, place it upside down so you are standing on the plastic base. What's nice about the BOSU ball is that you can change the amount of air pressure, and thus the intensity of the action.

I've use the Carrom balance board which becomes much more interesting if you use hand weights and imitate the push movements encountered in Tegetana no kata. You can also do weight/stance shifting as well. The point about using on carpet is well taken. On a smooth surface it becomes dangerous.

I built my own balance board by screwing a 1x2 to the bottom of a 2x6. The whole thing is a couple of feet long and it rocks along its long axis. But with only 1" height and 6" width, it doesn't rock enough to twist an ankle. Additionally, if you use it outside, where it can get a bit of sand under it, it also twists and slides and pitches unpredictably.

I like doing walking kata stepping onto it or stepping off of it or sidestepping along it..