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i had my second systema class yesterday, and i wanted to chronicle my thoughts and feelings on it before it becomes a too distant memory.
at this initial point of my foray into a second martial art, i'm thoroughly enjoying the training sessions of both aikido and systema.
i find the training so different yet similar. it really does feel like i'm exploring both sides of the same coin.
in aikido, i find joy in the purity of the attack and subsequent movements/techniques that come with it. the feeling of flow in the movements, and the attempts of perfecting every little subtle nuance is pure and beautiful.
in systema, the joy comes from being in the midst of chaos, and the resulting spontaneity and fluidity of the movements. if one were to use the 'shu ha ri' framework loosely, i'd say the training sessions i've participated in so far started immediately in the 'ha' bit and i imagine would be moving towards the 'ri' components soon [relative to aikido at least].
when i have the time, i might talk more about the specific differences that i find between the arts, but these are my key emotive responses that i have noted thus far.
i'm a little concerned about if/when my journey on both these paths might clash, but i hope i'll be able to deal with that situation appropriately. until then, i intend to enjoy training sincerely in both.
11-29-2010 03:02 AM 