This message goes out to all of the people that teach, train or study aikido or a similar art in the Phoenix area... Look, heres the deal. I know the politics, the ego, the money, all the BS that is unfortunately inherent in the arts we study and train these days. I understand. I know that for the most part, most aikido dojo are rather closed off. We talk about being open-minded, about training hard, about being in harmony. But more often than not, we stay within the confines of our own dojo. Sometimes its our own insecurities, our doubts, or that we just could care less about anything else. Many times it is a case of our sensei wont let us train other things or venture out and see what else is out there. The reasons are vast. If you are totally comfortable in what you are doing, skip the rest of this post. But for those others, the limited amount that are like me and my friends, the ones that see a technique, practice it and cant help but pick it a part and wonder what makes it work and why...you folk that when you see someone do something powerful and effective the first thing you say isnt my sensei doesnt do it like that but instead you holler out, dude! try that on me!!! This post IS for you. My version of aikido isnt for everyone. And it has little to do with the techniques I teach. Its more of a perspective. It comes from a deep desire to take things that I believe are solid, that are structurally sound and apply those things to situations that are totally unfamiliar. Can I make technique x (insert cool Japanese name followed by nage) work if my buddy Niko is sitting on my chest and Jason is holding my arms down??? I dunno. Maybe. Maybe not. But this is exactly why I do what I do. Someone asked me after my last seminar (very respectfully): Sensei, what is your ultimate goal? Is it to find the perfect technique? I was kind of shocked because in my mind this is SO far from my goal. I answered with something like this: No sir. To be honest I really dont care much for technique at all. Technique will always fail you. Principle is much more powerful. But even more than that, I will tell you that aikido isnt why Im here at all. The reason Im really here is to meet you. I love to meet new people, create relationships and friendships to enrich other peoples lives. If I can enrich YOUR life, it will slowly affect those around you too. Then Ive actually done something. So to all of the serious students of Budo in the Phoenix area, regardless of your style, who cares about the color or stripes on your belt, regardless of your experience, I invite you to step out of your dojo (comfort zone). Come meet me and my friends. Train a little. Ask questions. Try some stuff out. Maybe break a sweat (maybe not). Maybe, just maybe, make some new friends and gain a new perspective. Thats my invitation to you.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 17:16:17 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015