'Gentle Gentle Exercise'

Hi my name is Kevin and I run the 'Gentle Gentle Exercise' Workshops. This is a form of exercise developed by myself and designed for people in any age group, however my aim is to target people of the 'older' generation to get them involved in exercise on an active and social level. My background is judo and jujitsu, (where I have achieved 6th degree Black Belt), moving on to tai chi and yoga, as I grow older and slower.

I have a Diploma in Sports Psychology and am a qualified yoga instructor. I have also devised a system of self-defence using a walking stick, known as Canework and aimed at older people. Until emergency surgery interrupted, I taught yoga to a WI group in Winterton-on-Sea. I currently have an all ladies group on a Friday morning in Gorleston.

As we get older we begin to slow down and become more aware of aches and pains, but it is still important to exercise regularly and this is easier if you do it with friends in relaxed and fun environment. The gentle exercise scheme is geared to the older person and is based on elements of Tai Chi and Qigong. Both these are gentle forms of bending, stretching and controlled breathing. It is possible to adapt some exercises to be done seated.

It is important to warm up the muscles first, before doing any exercise and to be aware of one’s own limitations to avoid over reaching or putting one’s body under stress. Sessions always end with winding down with relaxing music. The benefits of any exercise, however gentle, are an increase in flexibility, co-ordination and self-confidence.

Canework

I am part of the Ageless Opportunities initiative in Great Yarmouth. As a result of this, I have talked on numerous local radio stations and the BBC about Canework and appeared on local and national TV. The latest being an appearance on the Alan Titchmarsh show to teach some self defence moves to the original WI “calendar girls”. It is not necessary to be a walking stick user to learn this style. The moves are simple and effective.

I run Canework groups in Norwich, Gorleston and Yarmouth; part of this teaching is self-awareness, personal safety and building confidence. Canework is derived from various sources including Tai Chi forms.

I have given talks to local over 60s and sheltered homes groups, the British Legion, Great Yarmouth Blind and Arthritis Care. I am also a regular contributor to the Norfolk Pension Fund Roadshow. I am happy either to just talk and demonstrate, to involve any of the audience who would like to have a go or to run practical sessions where everyone takes part.

For more information telephone 01493 656538 or email me on: shihan@oyamaryu.com