Why bother going all the way to Japan just to train?
 

I'm currently in the midst of a trip to Japan to do some training. With all the great teachers available outside Japan these days, why on earth should anyone waste money and time going all the way to Japan when I could stay home and trian? That's my blog pos this time. The full post is at
http://budobum.blogspot.jp/2013/09/w...apan-just.html

Re: Why bother going all the way to Japan just to train?
 

For me, because Japan is a really cool country and traveling is fun...made more so by traveling with great friends, training in a new environment where you don't speak the language, making new friends, and getting immersion in foreign cultures. During our dojo trips to Japan, much more time is spent being touristy.

Re: Why bother going all the way to Japan just to train?
 

Agreed. My dojo is wherever my feet happen to be. (Provided they haven't been amputated.)

I want to go back to live in Japan, but not for the Aiki. If I get back there, I might take up iaido or naginata, but would definitely start my own dojo for Aikibudo training. Now, the food, language, culture, climate, girls... That's another story.

Re: Why bother going all the way to Japan just to train?
 

I would definitely do kyudo and kendo...

Re: Why bother going all the way to Japan just to train?
 

The teachers here are good quality, agreed. However if I were to journey to Japan, it would be for the experience of training at the roots of origin of our art.

Re: Why bother going all the way to Japan just to train?
 

I wouldn't, actually. I'd love to go to Japan one day - for the country, the culture, the food, everything. And of course I'd also try aikido there. But just for the training I'd much rather go to France.

Re: Why bother going all the way to Japan just to train?
 

Hay Peter, you could not get my ass back on a plane for that flight. Plus from what I have seen the best Aikido is outside Japan.
Old man Hooker

Re: Why bother going all the way to Japan just to train?
 

Hey Old Man! It's great to hear from you. It is a rough flight, but I have so many friends over there that I love to see that I'm happy to put up with it.