Hi

[Please visit our sponsor:]

[WilliamB]

I am William. I have just begun to study Aikido under Lambert Sensei in Jacksonville, Florida, at Wodokai Dojo.

I began searching for a martial art several years ago, but somehow missed Aikido. I played at Judo in high school, but have been pretty much as inactive as one can be since. As a result, my weight increased from 230 at graduation to 310 now, and I decided that breaking 300 was enough. Even at 6'1", 300 is WAY too heavy. I am tired of having a gut.

So I began a few weeks ago, and looking back to my football days, it's hard to believe that I am unable to keep up, that falls and rolls hurt so much, and that I am so short of breath. I hope it gets better soon, I am sucking wind like...well, like a 300 lb. out-of-shape 27 year old.

I decided to join not only for the exercise, but to try and temper some of the less-desireable personality traits that I have. I need more self-discipline than I have, and I figure by mastering some small things, I can start to master larger parts of my life.

Well, that's about it. I have been lurking for about two weeks, and I love this site. The amount of experience here is staggering, and with only a few exceptions, everyone seems genuinely concerned with helping others.

Thanks!

[akiy]

Hi William,

Welcome to the AikiWeb Forums! It sounds like you're stepping into aikido with good thoughts and intentions. I hope you'll keep us informed of your progress in the art!

-- Jun

[thomson]

Welcome to the forums William!
You sound a lot like me. I'm 28 pushing 285 pounds around the mat (but I'm only 5'8"). Like you I joined to work on "undesirable personality traits". I understand exactly what your going through. I don't know how much aikido will help in the weight loss area. I've been at it for almost 3 months and haven't lost a single pound, but I have gained more stamina, and feel a lot better about myself. So, I guess I'll continue aikido for the positive things it provides and join weight watchers for the things they can take away! ;)

Hope you enjoy your training and once again: Welcome!

Mike:D

[Greg Jennings]

Hi William,

Welcome to aikido. I hope you're having as much fun training in it as I am.

Not that I'm any expert, but it sounds to me like you have your head on straight about what you want from aikido.

If you're ever passing through Montgomery, AL, please stop in and train with us. We'd love to meet you and I think you'd have fun with another flavor of the wonderful aikido ice cream cone.

Best Regards,

[erikmenzel]

Hi William,

welcome to aikido,

and dont forget to have fun!!!!!!

[guest1234]

Hi William,

Welcome! Would you ever have thought falling down could wear you out so much:confused: :D ? Don't worry, it gets better, I bet in a month or so you'll be telling someone else that!

[Chocolateuke]

heheh Yeah falling can really tire you faster than superman can fly! that is if sensei is smearing you down the mat! anyways great intro hope you really stay its a grand adventure and if you ever get lost and wonder where your going youll know when you get the the destination! ( my little "what?" sentence of the day!). Have Fun

sin, Dali-bomer