"Michael Kicks Out at His Problem"

Posted 2008-01-11 11:33:50 by Jun Akiyama
News URL: http://www.tamesideadvertiser.co.uk/...at_his_problem

This article entitled "Michael Kicks Out at His Problem" introduces us to Michael Squire, 45, in Tameside, UK who just received his black belt in aikido while "being partially sighted, paralysed down one side and suffering from epilepsy."

Michael says in the article, "I explained my situation, that I was visually impaired and had paralysis of my left side and epilepsy but I took it up and had a go and have been doing it ever since. They treat me the same â€" they say with this martial art you can do it at your own pace. [...] I don’t let [my optical nerve damage] rule my life. My dad was surprised when I told him what I was doing. I’m proud of myself because I didn’t think at first that I could do it."

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I've been hosting a pity party for myself lately because of some health issues (torn meniscus in left knee which was operated on but still hurts like hell sometimes and an umbilical hernia which was recently repaired.) This article makes me consider that maybe I should quit whining and show some gratitude. Thanks for posting this.

Hmmm...

Thanks for the post. It is nice to see there REALLY are dojos where anyone can train despite having a personal challenge. Kudos and best wishs to Michael and the same for his amazing sensei who demonstrates the compassion in training that we all can imitate. He truly is bringing Aikido to all people.
Doc