Some good tips for aiki-bowling
- Don't try to keep the ball centred during the back swing.
- Gripping from the little finger doesn't help.
- It's important to LOOSE connection with the ball at some point.
- Don't try and raise it like a bokken; don't throw from the centre of the head.
- If applying kote geishi to the ball, remember to start off with your back to the lane.
- Keep the back foot on the floor; keep the toes under.
- Forget circles and go for linear techniques.
- Don't try and slam the ball through the lane; its distance, not airtime that you need.
- Be aware of the edges of the lane (do you think you can get a dojo with runnels around the edge of the mat to stop ukes' spinning off?).
- Choose a ball that will give you a committed attack.
- It's not neccessary to alternate sides.
- Only do it Sensei's way if it is effective (or they are watching).
- Concentrate on the taking the balance of the pins.
- Finish the technique with all pins on the ground.
- Don't let the pins back up until you have moved away.
- It is not neccessay to bow to the ball or before stepping on to the lane (although might be worth trying if you are desperate).
- Keep your shoes on.
- Sitting in seiza at the edge of the lane is not advisable.
- Always consider, is your bowling feasible in a 'real life' situation.
- If you loose, blame it on the previous days wrist/back/knees/shoulder injury.