Hello all!
My name is Slawen, Croatian by heritage but born and bred in Vienna, Austria. I live in Brussels, Belgium, right now after several years of working all over Europe and the Middle East. And as the title might already reveal, my travelling is far from over, it seems that I will move on to Amsterdam next year.
I am *very* new to Aikido, started practicing it just recently, although I am studying it for quite some time (among other arts). I am an experienced martial artist, with some 10+ years of Shaolin Kung Fu in my feet and fists
However, I still remember as if it was yesterday how an old friend of mine threw me around like a feather despite my attempts to not let him. He was Shodan back then and my rank in SKF was comparable. Mind boggling experience and gave me a lot to think about. Being brought down to earth can really bring you down to earth ...
Now after years of trying to forget that experience I came back to the old Taoist saying that "You cannot outrun the tiger, he will reach you sooner or later. The only choice you have is where and when you fight him." and took my first Aikido lesson. And the second and the ... argh! I am addicted!
It is an wonderful art, fundamentally different from what I learned so far, but I already see many possibilities which open for me and I am sure there is way more which will come into vision when the time is right.
Ah yes, my Sensei and Senpai love me already because finally they have someone who can show real-life attacks. Welcome to the frequent-flyer-program!
Oh boy, I should have kept my mouth shut!
Congrats to the great site and even greater community, I will surely stick around
Slawen
Rolling Stone
