hello and thanks

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[Nick Sanders]

First off I just wanted to say hello and thanks. I've been lurking here for a while now and have been pleased with the way everyone treats each other here. It's amazing what can be accomplished when ego's are checked at the door. The information provided here has been outstanding, and I look forward to when I can start asking some questions of my own. But first, I must learn enough so I have something to ask.

A little background on me if interested...

I've been in the martial arts for about 10 years. I began at a small taekwondo dojang here in Green Bay, WI. I received my 1st degree before leaving for college, and subsequently ran a tkd club there for 5 years. During that time, and my time back at home, I worked out with my instructor as often as possible. He was, and still is, a big advocate on cross training. Since we all know that no single MA covers all areas, we focused on those arts that complimented the areas we were weak in. ie...BJJ and catch wrestling for ground fighting, wing chun for trapping range, etc...

Also during my college studies I experimented with Aikido. At the universitie I attended I became a member of their Aikido clubs. Due to time restraints (work, studies, teaching, etc...) I could not afford to do both Aikido and tkd and had to give up Aikido. It was a painful decision since at the time, i was essentially the only student making all the workouts. the instruction i was receiving was second to none. I'm generally a pretty quick learner, so we were covering a good amount of material. The instructor was just a little gal, maybe 1/2 my size. There's just something cool about getting whipped around like a rag doll by someone much smaller than you...I miss those workouts...

Anyway, I'm graduated now and things have finally settled down enough for me to find time again to pursue something I've wanted to for several years. Due to the commercialization of the tkd organization I was affiliated with, I will no longer be advancing in that area...time to move on.

So tonight I begin my Aikido training again...I'd say wish me luck, but I don't really believe in it.

Thanks again,
Nick

[Wayne]

Hi Nick,

Welcome back to Aikido.

Stop in and see us in Madison if you're ever in the area. From what I've seen in my two years of practice, our dojo is very welcoming to visitors.

Wayne

[aikidoc]

Don't read the Seagal thread, you might be disappointed with how people treat each other.

[akiy]

Hi Nick,

Thank you for your detailed introduction and welcome to the AikiWeb Forums!

-- Jun

[sanosuke]

...may the ki be with you, welcome back and good luck on your training :).

[Noel]

Sorry about the Pack, Nick. Wait'll next year!