Thanks for the Final Push

Hello all,

I have been interested in the Martial Arts since I was a small boy, however, my father felt that learning MA was the same as owning a gun. While this is a truly ridiculous, I was never allowed to study. I still remember the day I heard about Aikido... I was 16 and visiting a Karate Dojo and was observing a class and there was a group of people discussing Aikido. When I inquired about what Aikido was I received the very basics and not all true. First I was told that there were no strikes in Aikido and it was a purely self-defense, and that if I wanted to see it in action I should rent a movie called 'Above the Law'. Well, my first reaction was perfect ... a non-violent Martial Art, dad will go for that... then I saw the movie!

None the less I always wanted to study Aikido. Well about 5-6 years ago I decided I was going to finally do it. I did a limited search for a dojo and selected one that had an introductory offer. I took five or six classes and really enjoyed it, then my schedule changed and I never went back.

Now, I am quickly approaching 30, getting married in September, and working very hard to succeed in my professional life. Needless to say I feel pretty stressed. So I began to search for something, anything, for me and just me (selfish I know). I had already started the year on a health kick with the standard ‘Quit Smoking, eat better, and workout more' lecture to myself. So I began to research Aikido again. I did more research than ever before and learned a great deal about what O-Sensei had intended. I think that I am beginning to learn what Aikido really is both physically and spiritually. So I am back out there and looking for a dojo again. I think that I will go back to the one I started at several years ago and think that there are some many things that will make a whole lot more sense having studied as much as I have.

What I really wanted to say, sorry for making the drag on, is I think the final push for me has been this website and the members of the discussion threads (note: Special Thanks to all who posted on the question ‘Why Aikido', that was the final straw for me). I have spent countless hours reading this site and www.aikidofaq.com. In fact I make it a point to read one of the sites at least once a day to continue to keep me excited and focused on what I want and to increase my knowledge about Aikido. What I find incredible and moving about this site is that from my limited knowledge O-Sensei set out to develop something that could create a universal peace and bring everyone together. I believe that I read somewhere that in O-Sensei's final days he told his son that ‘Aikido is for everyone in the world', well this website shows that his wish is coming true.

I look forward to getting to know everyone in the community and can hardly wait to begin classes.

Thanks,
Phil

Hi Phil,
Welcome to the forums and welcome back to aikido, you are going to love it! I can relate to how you got into MA's my folks were the same way when I was growing up. Also, waited much longer than I should have before getting into aikido. I'd been kicking around the idea for at least 6-8 years and until 3-4 months ago hadn't acted on my it. Now I'm in aikido, loving every minute of it, loving the forums here (the people are incredible, and there is some seriously knowledgable souls haunting this web site ). Anyhow, I'm rambling. I just get excited whenever I hear about/from or meet someone else new to aikido. BTW my excitement for aikido has rubbed off on my wife and she starts training with me on Mon.
Life is good. Once again, welcome!

Mike

I just noticed you are in Atlanta, GA where are you going to train? I have family in Marietta and Woodstock, might run into sometime.

Mike

Welcome Phil!

I'm down I-85 in Montgomery, AL. If you're ever in the area, please come train with us. Our dojo is somewhat casual but we train vigorously.

Best Regards,

It always make me smile to hear about another person finding the martial arts that right for them.

Where ever you train, good luck and enjoy .


www.shinbudokai.org

Originally posted by thomson I just noticed you are in Atlanta, GA where are you going to train? I have family in Marietta and Woodstock, might run into sometime. Mike

I am about 99% sure that I will begin traning at Dogwood Aikikai in Buckhead. I will be going to watch the laido class tomorrow morning and then begin class when thier schedule allows. I 'll be sure to let you know.

Originally posted by Phil Wiedower I am about 99% sure that I will begin traning at Dogwood Aikikai in Buckhead. I will be going to watch the laido class tomorrow morning and then begin class when thier schedule allows. I 'll be sure to let you know.

When you meet Don Brown, please tell him I said "Hello".

Best Regards,

I drove over the road for about 6 years and used to meet up with my cousin and go play pool at the Corner Pocket in Buckhead. Just down from I-285 on Sandy Springs Rd (maybe its Roswell Rd, can't remember now). Anyhow, I'll have to make an effort to get down to ATL sometime. Visit family, check out some dojos and play pool.

Mike

Welcome Phil,
There are some many styles of Aikido out there. It may take some time for you to find the one that "Speaks" to you. When you find it, you will know. In any event, I hope that you find your path and I hope that it fills you with the joy and peace that I have come to know through Aikido.
There are many wonderful resources out there, books, videos ect... If you follow the link below, My Sensei has provided a list that I like to call "A good start." This should give you some more information.
www.shinbudokai.com/rec_read.htm
Best Wishes

Doug,

This is a very nice page. Thanks for offering the link. It's great to see folks sharing and giving like this.

david