On the path to Enlightenment

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[TruthSeeker]

"To know others is to be wise; to know one's self is to be enlightened."

Hello! I am new to Aikiweb and new to aikido itself. I am presently serving with the 1st Cavalry Division in Iraq as a Military Policeman. However, upon my return to the States, I wish to begin training with the Aikido Society of Memphis at Rhodes College. I am currently looking for any aikido material that will help prepare me for my training. I hope to learn more about aikido and myself.

[PeaceHeather]

Wow, we really *do* get people from all over the world here...

Welcome!
Heather, cheerful Midwestern peacenik (in other words, come home soon, dude :cool:)

[akiy]

Hi Ian,

I do believe that you're the first person posting from Iraq! I've met and trained with Jim Baker (who posts here at times) who used to teach at the Aikido Society of Memphis; he and Wendy are wonderful people!

I hope you and everyone in your division will be safe over there and that you'll all be able to return safely.

-- Jun

[TruthSeeker]

Thanks for the encouragement. I am very eager to return home.

Ian

[DarkShodan]

An Aikidoka of one! ;-)

Are you practicing Aikido in Iraq? I have read stories about some troops in the middle east practicing Aikido, is this where you were introduced? Where and how? I'd be curious to know.

What material are you looking for? Web pages? Books? Magazines? There is so much out there. This web page is a good place to start. www.aikidofaq.com is another good place for general information.

Books -
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere by Adele Westbrook is a good one.
Aikido and the Harmony of Nature by Mitsugi Saotome is my all time favorite!

Good luck! Stay Safe!

[TruthSeeker]

DarkShodan,

I was previously interested in Aikido prior to the war and have not met anyone who practices here. However, I am even more interested now. I am looking for books on Aikido so that I can begin training my mind and body. If you have any old books you would like to pass on, I would be grateful.

TruthSeeker

[DGLinden]

Ian,
Thank you for your service to our country. I recently had the opportunity to meet with our President and he took the moment to thank me for my service in Viet Nam. To pass that moment along allow me to send you a copy of my book. It might help, although it was meant to be for advanced students there is a lot you will be able gain from it. With my compliments and gratitude, of course. Please e-mail me with your APO. sensei@shoshindojo.com

[TruthSeeker]

Sensei,
I owe you a debt of gratitude for your service in one of our country's worst wars. I appreciate your generous offer.