In the summer of 2017, Bill Doi, a fifth-degree black belt in aikido, taught a group of about 10 senior citizens how to fall. The class emphasized balance and awareness to avoid falls, but since falling is an ever-present threat as people age, and since falling can be so devastating to seniors, the idea was to use aikido techniques to mitigate the damage of falling should it happen.
“In aikido, 50 percent of the time is spent falling,” Doi said, and those falls are taught so they’re executed without injury. If the techniques are practiced enough, they become second nature if a fall should occur.
Word got out about the Safe Falling class, and the instructors were overwhelmed when a hundred new students showed up. There was clearly a desire for this training in the community.
The decision was made to form a nonprofit Kupuna Aikido organization. The casual class now has a fancy website, kupunaaikido.org, a number of different course offerings and a mission statement that talks about empowering kupuna through aikido-based teaching to protect their mobility and independence. A new session of classes is starting this month. Seven black-belt aikido instructors volunteer to run the classes.
“Our whole gang felt there was such a need for this,” Doi said. “The people who taught us gave us their time. We’re just passing on the knowledge.”
The classes are meant for people age 65 and up. So far, the oldest student has been 94. Every participant is asked to get medical clearance before participating. People with mobility issues who walk with a cane or walker are welcome, and physical limitations are accommodated.
“We make many adjustments,” Doi said. “And if somebody is having a rough time, we have one guy go over and work with them, so there’s lots of one-on-one instruction.”
The next session of classes starts Jan. 16 and will run for eight consecutive Wednesdays. Cost of the Safe Falling class is $25 for the session. The fee goes to help pay for rent of the large hall they use for practice. The Higashi Hongwanji gave the group a discount on the rent in exchange for promise that the seven black belts will help with manpower for events like bon dances.
Doi says new students are sometimes hesitant at first, but that doesn’t last long when they realize how gentle the technique is. “They say they haven’t done this kind of stuff before. They’re worried that they’re not athletic. We start out really slow. We sit down on the mats. We practice rolling with zero impact.”
The class now has its regulars who keep signing up for every session just because they love it. They tell the instructors they come for the exercise, the socialization and the fun. Since starting the class, some students have had falls at home, and they’ve let the instructors know they think the training saved them from serious injury.
“It’s amazing how fast they pick it up,” Doi said. “We emphasize balance and posture. Good posture brings stability. By the third or fourth week, everybody has good posture.”
LEARNING TO FALL
>> What: Safe Falling class
>> Cost: $25 for eight-week session
>> When: Starts Jan. 16
>> Where: Higashi Hongwanji, 1685 Alaneo St., Kalihi
>> Register: kupunaaikido.org
>> Call: 732-7066
Reach Lee Cataluna at 529-4315 or lcataluna@staradvertiser.com.
