Why Aikido

I’m thinking: if you’re reading this blog, you might be searching for something in martial arts you’ve yet to find.  Or, being concerned for your safety;  you want to be able to protect yourself (relatives, friends, and property as well).  It’s true:  in a tough economy,  crime is always up,  and the world just seems to be a more dangerous place.  In general, martial arts make the promise of power.

When I chose Aikido, I did so because visually the practice looked both devastating and elegant.  It was somewhat mysterious: small statured practitioners could subdue much larger individuals…easily.  There was no weight division.  The Aikidoists practiced on an equal basis, each partnered pair taking their turn to attack and be attacked.

The unique feature of the design of Aikido is that one seeks to neutralize aggression rather than meet brute strength, with what?   More brute strength?  It’s obvious who will usually win in such situations.  No:  Aikido is designed so that, when soneone is attacked, he or she does Aikido.  That’s it.  The fight is ended.  This is a high ideal to attempt to attain.  As my best Sensei (teacher) once said:  ”It’s easy to hurt a person but much harder to control someone”.

Great aspects of studying Aikido:

• Excellent self defense techniques
• Heightened self-awareness
• Mind/Body coordination
• Terrific physical exercise
• A cerebral practice
• Conflict resolution
• A beautiful art to practice
• Extremely interesting people
• Challenging endeavor
• Increased concentration powers
• Enhance coordination
• Fun to practice