Thread: Styles
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Old 09-30-2004, 06:04 AM   #5
crbateman
 
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Location: Orlando, FL
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Re: Styles

Books have been written on this subject, and most are not objective. Most authors are passionate in the belief that their way is the best, and yet are offended if it appears that they have been "categorized". It's very confusing. Many teachers in the past have come up through the Aikikai, but reached a point where their vision differed from the status quo, and they felt compelled to break away and do their own thing. The differences may have been over technique, training methods, politics, or any number of different reasons. Some of the reasons may have been noble, others selfish. Some may have been of great import, and yet others appear trivial. Who is to say who is right? Perhaps all of them were. Even Saito Sensei, who dedicated his life to the preservation of the Founder's dojo, way of life, teachings and principles, has said that there are things that he personally felt different about.

If you avail yourself of different "styles" of Aikido and different teachers, you will find one (or maybe many) that feels right for YOU. Let me give you an analogy... Have you ever gone to a store to buy a pair of jeans, and tried on a pair that was your size, but just didn't feel comfortable? Yet another pair feels like they were meant to be with you?

Even though they may subscribe to a similar set of principles, every Aikido teacher is different. You will be different, too, because you will bring your particular strengths, weaknesses, experiences, capabilities and influences to your Aikido, and it will truly be YOUR Aikido. A good teacher will understand the need for a good foundation, but also that your Aikido will probably be, to a degree, different than his, just as his is probably different than his teachers. He will help you find what is best for you.

Try not to limit yourself to a strict set of absolutes. All "styles" have common similarities, and fundamental differences. There is good to be found in each of them. Experience as many of them as you can. There is no rule that you have to choose your path before your first lesson. The benefit is not in the destination, but in the journey itself.

Good luck, train hard, and have FUN.
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