Why do you train in aikido

The answer to this ,for me, is so deep and complex that I can't really put it into words. I've tried nothing ever really seems adequate to describe what it is that draws me back to the dojo three times a week. I just know that now that Aikido is in my life I can't imagine life without it. Every aspect of life is somehow tied to it. I could list the many things aikido has done for me but none of them is why I train. I guess I train because I need to.

It's an addiction.

George, good luck finding universally defined or scientifically derived morals or ethics. All sources of morality or ethics known to me are purely arbitrary. What is less arbitrary is the universal applicability of irony. Case in point: almost all morality in this country is at least peripherally derived from Catholicism. In light of this, we should probably look for any irony present regarding why we do Aikido. I am guessing some irony is lurking around the fact that Osensei taught Aikido in part to lend support to the grandiose imperial aspirations of his cult leader.
My apologies to the OP for partially derailing this thread. I will not comment further.

I train because I love it! I realize now after only having trained for just 2 1/2 months, that I need to learn how to focus. The training helps with that. I feel calmer too. Doing something that was so foreign to me has really opened my eyes and get to know myself. Best decision I ever made.

It makes me happy.

Doing a technique correctly is like playing a difficult passage of music correctly- same awesome feeling.

That's a great question....

Much like meditation, I'm not the same person I was when I started out. The reason had grown to a deeper level.

If anyone else was in the same boat as I, I had seen Seagal performing aikido on the Merv Griffin show and it stuck with me. Later I saw his movies and wanted to do those things. A class was available at my college, and I enjoyed it very much. Of course I left the course behind me, as well as my desires to be an aikido master.

Jump to twenty years later. After all my experiences in life, I realized that the reason I have been training again is because the movements are familiar to me. I have had jobs and activities where I've made the same motions, just in a different way. I suppose I would say it teaches me about moving in life. The physicality of it is just a tangible example.

"Flow like water."

Cherie Cornmesser wrote: The answer to this ,for me, is so deep and complex that I can't really put it into words. I've tried nothing ever really seems adequate to describe what it is that draws me back to the dojo three times a week. I just know that now that Aikido is in my life I can't imagine life without it. Every aspect of life is somehow tied to it. I could list the many things aikido has done for me but none of them is why I train. I guess I train because I need to.

i like this answer to my thread.
thank you cherie

My pleasure Bob... you know I still can't come up with a different answer than that.

I teach, workout and go to seminars beacuse aikido is a passion. I like the people I meet and it's fun to compare notes. Keeps you in shape and many other benefits.

I teach, workout and go to seminars beacuse aikido is a passion. I like the people I meet and it's fun to compare notes. Keeps you in shape and many other benefits.

Hey Phil,

I am going to be in Tampa in October, where is your dojo located and when are you giving instruction?
I am looking forward to training with a direct student of Professor Tomiki!
I have trained with Nariyama Shihan and members of Shodokan's Shihan Division, if you need a letter of introduction...they will gladly supply the same.

Train well,
Train hard,
Train honestly,

Mickey

Mike,
We are located on 1005 BUSCH BLVD and the strip mall we're in is called Chamberlain Square. If you get lost, ask anyone where "Chamberlain High School" is. From Chamberlain High School, Chamberlain Square can be easily seen and it's on the same side of the street. My work number is 813-933-2811, extention 1372 if you wanted to call me. Of course, you are more than welcome to come in and workout with no mat fee. I teach Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm - 8:30pm, and sometimes we go to 9pm. FYI---Chamberlain H.S. is on the corner of Busch Blvd and North Blvd. September 4th - 18th I will be at St. Lucia in the British Virgin Islands giving a seminar but will be back in time to see you in October. Any questions, you can always give me a call. See you soon.

Oh, and as far as giving me a letter of introduction--not needed. Just bring your Gi and we'll put you to work. We might do chokes too.