TAISHO (also, TAISO)

TAISHO is basically forms of 'ORIENTAL CALISTHENICS" designed to make the body lithe,agile, & flexible and should be prevalent or present in any MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING or program,whether group or solo! Done for conditioning,muscle-compounding exercises(also found in the martial arts forms and techniques) may also be done for one's own personal 'recreation'(in the actual sense of RE-CREATING) or in groups. There are several advantages of these exercises when done over a period of years, from an early age to advanced years, a LIFETIME actually, if possible and life permits. THESE FORMS can be varied, done slowly or fast, with rhythm and/or intensity, with or without tension, as well as performed with wrist or ankle or weighted vests and even with paired dumbbells, in sets of high or low repetitions and increase or decrease of weight amounts within one's limitations and desired goals or aims. Moreover, one need never consider su;ch as a basis for competition or award but as one's own ritual and training that needs little or no outside or extreme assistance from others, save in some rare and extreme cases or situations,etc.,such as, workijng around special or painful injuries and conditions,etc. You can do all of this in a very limited areas, in a closet or a bedroom or your living room,celler,or garage or backyard, patio or even attic. You can also do certain stepping and moving patters to break monotony and add other devices as well. Wearing weight belts and vests,for example. But nothing need be carried to any great extreme unless desired. You can do these outside or inside,in heat or cold, sunny or rainy weather, provided you can endure such conditions NATURE imposes. You can do them in darkness or in daylight as well. When you impose things on any of this training be sure to keep a record at first and also make note of your personal feelings, moods, energy levels,etc. until the time you reach an age where all such things can be dispensed with or ignored!