What do you get out of Aikido?

[Please visit our sponsor:]

[Orange]

Since Aikido is such a rich martial art, I'm sure there are many things that people can get out of it. I am curious what are some of the goals people have for thier Aikido?

I am hoping that Aikido will help me to learn to adapt and make split-second decisions without pausing and thinking about it. I forget what it is called but occasionaly we practice where uke attacks with a specific attack and nage gets to choose any technique. I tend to freeze when forced to decide what to do. I have this problem outside of the dojo too (light turns yellow, do I speed up or stop? I usually brake, accelerate, break, accelerate, etc.) so I am hoping to learn this from Aikido and apply it outside the dojo.

Does anyone else have tangible goals like this that they want to get from thier aikido?

[dbgard]

Referring to the post above, I think Aikido actually has helped with my chaotic traffic light behavior as well. I never had too much of a problem with the yellow light hesitate-or-take-'em-off-the-dribble thing, but this serves as a great example. When I started Aikido, I also began a time of self-discovery, reading and metitating in parks, archaelogical sites, and what-not. Being able to bring a clear mind into the dojo (good stuff in) I feel helps me walk out of the dojo with (better stuff out). Sometimes leaving the dojo I actually feel like I'm walking on air (of course part of that is the cigarette I light up hahaha.) No, but seriously, Aikido is medicine for my brain, and it trains to refrain from pain and keeps me sane let the moon wax and wane. OK I'll stop!!

Love,
Drew

[einx]

... what are some of the goals people have for their Aikido?

Since I began to practice aikido I've seen a lot of changes in my daily life.

*. I dance salsa in a better way. It doesnt mean I do dance salsa, but I care less about how I dance, and I feel I move easier.

*. when somebody scream at me, or I am facing a dangerous situation, instead of screaming back or putting all my muscles ready to break a nose, I relax and smile.

*. I walk slower and have time to enjoy nature surrounding me.

*. And when I lived in Cuba I noticed that I was able to do a lot of things easier and faster. for instance, climbing the trucks used for public transportation or entering a bus with capacity for 80 people while 300 were trying to enter. (and no other buses in the next two hours)

*. Aikido also helped me a lot when I had to lead a group of teenagers in a summer camp, and they tought they were kind of power rangers using ninja techniques.

In general, with every thing I do, I feel there is an aiki way to accomplish the task.

Etn