Aikido is a martial art originally practiced in Japan only and in the last decades all over the world. An optimal coordination of “mind and body” is the fundament of becoming / staying “master of the movement (*2)” both in the dojo (*3) as well as in daily life.
Parkinson(ism) and Aikido (*4)
The disturbing influence of Parkinson Disease or a Parkinsonism like PSP, MSA, CBD, on your movement cannot be taken away by Aikido.
Still you can learn to make clever use of your ability to relax in uncomfortable circumstances provoked by for example tremor, freezing, fatigue and postural instability.
By practicing Aikido you can improve your ability to move in a “healthy”, “flexible” way, with or without making use of external cues or walking aids.
Parkinson(ism), Aikido and Bart Derkx
As a physiotherapist Bart is part of ParkinsonNet since 2005. In 2010 he started Aikido with six of his patients. Bart has a 2nd Dan in Aikido (2004 - Ki-no-Kenkyukai Internationale by Kenjiro Yoshigasaki and Ki-Aikido centrum by Eugène du Long).
Parkinson(ism), Aikido, Bart Derkx, Scientific research
Bart is convinced that it is worth the effort to realise scientific research on the effect of Aikido on people with Parkinson(ism). Only in this way this intervention can be integrated in public healthcare so everybody who wants can benefit from it.
As a part of this research Bart wants to start at least two more groups, one in (North)-Norway and one at the Azores, Portugal.
For information about the research you can visit: www.filoski.eu
Are you interested in Aikido as a Parkinson-patient, or informal- / professional caregiver? Please contact Bart Derkx at bart@filoski.eu
Notes (*1) Do: A step by step learning process, Ai: in keeping harmony with, Ki: the undefinable source of your personal life and life in general. (*2) Movement: In a physically and psychologically integrated way. (*3) Dojo, or training-hall. The name for the room where traditionally Aikido is practiced. (*4) The practice of Aikido consists of three integrated fields of skills:
The training of Ukemi (initiating movements) and Nage (leading movements),
Aiki-Taiso (coordination of individual movements)
Ki-training (postural balance, breathing exercises and meditation).
