beginner again

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[Shoshinsha]

I see that this is one of the less viewed forums, but as I just signed up, I figured I'd let myself be known to the yudansha of posting glory.

I've been studying Aikido off and on for about five years now, I failed my 4th kyu test a couple years ago, and I'll be testing for 7th kyu soon, hopefully. :)

I've done most of my training in Aikikai, but that was neither my first style, nor my current style.

I've been fortunate enough to travel extensively in the past few years, learning new languages and new cultures as I've continued my Aiki training, but the down side is that I've had to make introductions on an almost yearly basis, and my white obi is turning brown on its own accord, having traveled around the world and back several times.

I was recently speaking with a gentleman from England, who trains near Birmingham, and we shared our appreciation for an art that so easily adapts itself to the most foreign lands, and yet always feels familiar no matter where you go. A chess teacher of mine once said, "chess must have been given to us by some advanced alien civilization, and when they return, only through chess will we be able to communicate." I think that he was slightly mistaken in his choice of language arts, for communication is merely another manifestation of the spirit of Aikido, as true a universal language as any.

:ai:

eternally, Shoshinsha

[Abasan]

Nice quote from your chess teacher... he must really value the game.

Anyway, didn't know that 7th kyu testing was available for the average adult.

And if you really have been practicing aikido that long, surely you may have heard of introduction letters. Let your new sensei hear what your old sensei has to think of you.

Although to a lot of you, rank doesn't matter, it might in that you may not be able to learn intermediate and advance aikido techniques unless you reach a certain rank and proficiency.

Welcome anyway!

[Bronson]

Welcome Aaron,

Just wanted to let you know that you've hooked up with some good folks there at the Toyoda Center. I practice in Battle Creek at a seidokan dojo. A few of us will occasionally, though not as often as I'd like, make the trip up to taste another flavor of aikido. One of the guys up there (Rod, tall guy hard to miss) comes down and visits us on occasion also. If you're ever planning on being in Battle Creek or Kalamazoo let me know and I'll give you directions to the dojo.

again, welcome

Bronson

[Jim ashby]

Hi Aaron. Where did this guy train? Our dojo is near Birmingham, I might know him.

Welcome to the forums and have fun.

[rachmass]

Hey Aaron,

How are you doing?

I've had the pleasure of training with Aaron for a couple of years back when he was in Ann Arbor, and he was always a lot of fun and has great spirit. I look forward to getting to train with him again now that he's back in the general area (although three hours away).

Best,

Rachel

[akiy]

Hi Aaron,

Welcome to the AikiWeb Forums! It would be interesting to hear your experiences of training all over the world. I hope you'll be able to share them some time...

-- Jun

[Shoshinsha]

Thanks for the responses everyone. The more I travel, the more I realize how small a world it really is.

Abasan, good point about getting those letters from sensei. The trouble is in translation...Every sensei I train under seems to have a different native language, but I'll keep in mind to get introductory notes from now on.

Jim, I don't know Tom's last name, but you probably train with him (works for a French auto parts company, has two girls, dark hair, wears a hakama on the mat). Heck, he's probably reading this right now thinking, "Gee, that sounds a lot like me..." Hi Tom, wherever you are. ;)

I actually didn't see the forum here until recently, but I'll definitely be checking in now that I've found it.

Thanks for a great site Jun!

[Gri]

Nice quote from your chess teacher... he must really value the game.

Anyway, didn't know that 7th kyu testing was available for the average adult.

---<snip>---
Depending on the dojo, it sure is. I know it is in mine <g>. The chess quote was very good btw, although I think I prefer the aikido version as well. Aikido encompasses many of chess's characteristics but expresses them through the body which I believe makes it an even more complete form of communication.

Gri