Calibration and "edge"

We don't warm up in our aikido or judo classes. We do a set of light activities that prepare us for class, but I consider it more of a "calibration" than a warmup. There is an excellent concept used by some of the local yoga folks. They call it "edge." They want their students to constantly monitor where they are in relation to the edge of their ability. They always stay on the safe side of their edge while gently working toward their own personal edge over time. Our gentle calibration activities prepare us for activity by allowing us to move our major joints and muscle groups through a comfortable range of motion in a sport-specific manner as a reminder of where our edge is today. Through calibration we are preparing to do aiki and judo within our limits, while still approaching our edge.