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[aikinub]

How is everyone today?

Im very happy to be apart of this community, ive been lurking here for a few weeks now. Im currently not learning aikido just yet. Im moving soon and wont be too far from what seem a pretty good dojo. I was wondering if anyone has heard of it or the sensei there. Its called "Northcoast Aikido" and the teacher is "Tom Read Sensei".

A little about me:
Ive been actually active in trying to find a martial art to learn since i was in 7th grade lol, and i am 24 years old now, or soon to be rather in a month. Ive been to a few dojos but i never felt the master's hearts where in it at these places. Ive always wanted to learn Wing Chun and Tai Chi Chuan to complement it. And external and internal art together. However i am moving after my birthday and found this school as probably the best school within my range. I have since been looking into Aikido, reading and learning about it. It sounds awesome an art that combines external and internal, with more emphasis on internal from what i understand, which is pretty awesome in my eyes. I have also read that it takes 6 years to grab an understanding of the art and 20 years just to let it become a part of you. Ive read people's comments about how its useless in real life and yadda yadda yadda. I am the type of person who feels that nothing is worthwhile if i have not invested time into it. Also this is something ive been wanting my whole life, so i want to take it with me till my grave practicing everyday. So that is not some issue to me. Also i dont know about them and how they train, but i feel if you invest your heart into your art and have a tremendous teacher then that is everything you need. Im moving to live on a farm, where my life will be literally centered around learning my art and self sufficiency.

Aye aye I didnt mean to make this long of an introduction, i just wanted to ask if anyone knows much about Tom Sensei and his school lol. Im really interested in his Aikibojitsu style as well, however i dont think i will be learning that for atleast 8 or so months till i have some structure of Aikido itself.

Anyway, sorry for the long intro, i cant wait till i start, i will keep everyone interested updated!:crazy:

[Janet Rosen]

He has an excellent reputation.
If you are still training there in mid March I look forward to meeting you as I'll be driving up for a seminar.

[Pollack]

Tom Read is an exceptional aikidoka and teacher. You've landed in a very good place, go forward with gusto. His book is a very challenging read but contains numerous very deep lessons and observations.

With respect to the aikibojitsu, I wouldn't suggest putting it off until you "have some structure of Aikido itself". Beginning to get comfortable moving with a stick will add to rather than distract from your "open hand" learning at any stage. For me a weapon tends to make everything that feels natural without one go haywire http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/images/smilies/bloos.gif (which simply indicates that I am not spending nearly enough time on weapons training).

Have fun.

Cheers,
Dan

[akiy]

Hi Yedidiah,

Welcome to AikiWeb and thank you for your introduction.

-- Jun

[aikinub]

Awesome, hopefully i will see you there Janet! I might miss you, because chances are i will be starting around that time.

Thanks for the welcome Jun!