AikiWeb Aikido Forums - View Single Post - Poll: Do you think aikido instructors should be in good physical condition?

Janet Rosen · 09-03-2002, 03:19 PM

I voted no.

I have had the priviledge of training at seminars with gifted instructors who continued to teach DESPITE overwhelming physical ailments that resulted in them looking terribly "out of shape" .

Could they "keep up with what a beginner could" in terms of stamina, as one poster here suggested? Of course not. But:

could they drop anybody in the dojo with their aiki? YES

are they two of the best teachers I've ever experienced? YES

was their mere presence on the mat, with dignity and good humor despite physical disability/discomfort an inspiration? Hell YES

Maybe what we think an instructor should be is a reflection of our own values. YMMV

09-03-2002, 03:19 PM	#26
Janet Rosen Location: Left Coast Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 3,587 Offline	I voted no. I have had the priviledge of training at seminars with gifted instructors who continued to teach DESPITE overwhelming physical ailments that resulted in them looking terribly "out of shape" . Could they "keep up with what a beginner could" in terms of stamina, as one poster here suggested? Of course not. But: could they drop anybody in the dojo with their aiki? YES are they two of the best teachers I've ever experienced? YES was their mere presence on the mat, with dignity and good humor despite physical disability/discomfort an inspiration? Hell YES Maybe what we think an instructor should be is a reflection of our own values. YMMV
	Janet Rosen http://www.zanshinart.com "peace will enter when hate is gone"--percy mayfield