Hi Aikidoka
I have been training for forty plus years and have had the privilage of seeing aikido before it was influenced for better or worse by we westerners. Perhaps the best advise I was ever given was. DO NOT CHANGE THE ART TO SUIT YOUR EXPECTATIONS LET THE ART CHANGE YOU. Proper training should leave you with a peaceful compasionate nature that you emanate off the mat and a very pragmatic and effective fighting art when needed. TRAIN HARD FIGHT EASY.

KOYO