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Old 10-26-2004, 07:15 PM   #2
Anders Bjonback
Dojo: Boulder Aikikai
Location: Boulder, CO
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 129
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Re: beyond atemi in aikido

I remember in the Randori class at my dojo, some people would criticize others who studied striking arts because they tended to want to get into sparring rather than just entering and turning, thus creating a problem for their randori. Other people seem to think that studying a striking art would counteract their learning aiki technique. I think that learning in such a way is learning through a weakness. Maybe good in the short run, but maybe not so good in the long run.
I'd rather learn how to punch and kick effectively while learning "aiki technique." Even though this might create some problems in the short run, I think it would make me an overall better martial artist in the long run.
Of course, I'm not experienced to know much of anything, though.

"For peace and happiness are presences, not objects we can grasp and hold onto."
--Lilian Smith
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