Aikido, visually impaired program

DO YOU WANT TO MOVE MORE, IMPROVE YOUR FITNESS, AND FEEL MORE CONFIDENT WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT?

Finding a suitable physical activity for visually impaired people can be challenging. Many sports depend mainly on visual perception and quick reactions to what we see.

Aikido training develops body awareness, balance, sensitivity to movement, and touch-based work. Practice takes place in a safe and respectful environment focused on cooperation, trust, and an individual approach.

With regular training, you can improve coordination and stability, strengthen self-confidence, develop spatial orientation, and build physical fitness at an appropriate pace. Aikido is not about force or eyesight; it is about harmony of movement, awareness of your partner, and inner calm.

A sports club without fear, step by step

In Martin, we launched a sports club for blind and visually impaired UNSS members and non-members together with Aikido Dojo Shotai Martin and the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine. It focuses on self-defense through Aikido, group physiotherapy, and yoga on request.

Caution, thoughtful progression, and an individual approach to specific needs come first. Movement is natural and healthy, and where vision is limited, the body can learn through touch.

Training sessions are held every Tuesday at 18:00 in a comfortable gym with soft tatami mats. For external participants, we also organize full-day weekend Aikido workshops every 2-3 months.

Coaches Lenka, Paulinka, and Peto with assistants provide clear verbal instructions and tactile guidance. We practice basic movement patterns, posture, stability, coordination, and balance for everyday situations.

We support each other and learn from every movement. This program is about trust and removing barriers. It is not about fighting or brute strength; it is about touch, perception, and safe rotational movement.

"The Art of Peace (Aikido) begins with you. Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained, and a path to follow." - Morihei Ueshiba

Adriana Bražinová