View Single Post
Old 03-09-2014, 04:37 PM   #5
Michael Hackett
Dojo: Kenshinkan Dojo (Aikido of North County) Vista, CA
Location: Oceanside, California
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,253
Offline
Re: What would you say to a new student?

One of our initial conversations always seem to revolve around frustration. We often tell newcomers that aikido is really simple, but not easy and one of the hardest athletic endeavors they will probably ever try. With that we explain that they will likely feel frustrated at "not getting it" immediately and to just relax (no, not the usual "relax", but rather the idea of don't worry) - it will come to them. If not today, maybe tomorrow and maybe next week, but it will come and we've all suffered the same frustration. Basically, a general hang in there type of conversation.

Michael
"Leave the gun. Bring the cannoli."
  Reply With Quote