Hello to you all.

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[Ben Joiner]

Hello to you all,

I have been training since March this year and I'm loving it. I first entered into the martial arts world about 2 years ago after bumping into an old friend who was starting up his own beginers kickboxing class, and he suggested I attend. I knew that it was gonna be quite a challenge physically as I'd pretty much given up sport during uni in favour of beer, but it was getting to that now or never time. In short, I put in the work, got fit, got better, discovered a competative edge I'd all but forgotten about, I even entered a national tournament and lost in the final - dang 'n' blast it. There was something missing though which I couldn't put my finger on. There just didn't seem to be to much to it really, I wanted more.

Another close friend suggested I read Robert Twiggers book 'Angry White Pajamas' about his somewhat robust introduction to Aikido at the home of the Yoshinkan. I was hooked and haven't looked back since. I wandered into the Templegate dojo in Bristol - home of the NAF and signed up straight away. I had been warned that I might find it hard to pick up as the concepts involved are considerably more elusive than the cover up, hit them and don't get kicked in the head that I was used to. Whilst this is true, the size of the club means that there are enough students, and more importantly instructors, for each kyu syllabus to be taught as a discreet class, with the open classes on a Wednesday for all to attend.

It's great I just wish I could find a few more hours in my busy days to train. Have tried getting up for morning training before work but haven't progressed beyond resetting the alarm for 8.00 yet. I look forward to some interesting discussions. :)

[JJF]

Hi Ben

I also dabbled a bit before finding Aikido. I'm in a somewhat less uhm... 'robust' style than the one described in 'Angry white pajamas', but I love it dearly. Just wishes my knee wouldn't act up so much :sorry:

Anyway - welcome to the forum. Hope you find something you can use.

[akiy]

Hi Ben,

Thanks for your introduction and welcome to the AikiWeb Forums!

-- Jun