Over the years I have been involved with the "martial arts" in one
manner or another. I have found Aikido to be a singularly unique
experience for me. That is why for the past three decades, I have
concentrated my efforts on understanding its application to my
life.
From near death (Myasthenia Gravis) to spiritual happiness, Aikido has
always been an integral part of my life. Through thirty years of
marriage, two children, two grandchildren, and three dogs, Aikido has
always been a part of what I am to those I love. I could not say I
"do" Aikido, for that would be separating part of me from myself.
Aikido is as much what I am as is my heart.
When we are interacting with others on the mat, we are not doing
something other than what we intend to be doing. That is, each
technique is full and 100% that which we intend to do. We are not
involved with little "life and death scenarios" played out by some
arts, nor are we involved with the psychodynamics of the "victor" and
the "vanquished." In Aikido I do not pretend to kill or injure you
and you do not pretend to kill and injure me. We are involved with
Aikido -- not pretend war.
From my own experience if you practice a combat art and are not
injured to the point of needing medical attention at least once a
year, then you're playing a game. There is nothing wrong with this as
long as you know it's a game and don't think it's something more. When
I was involved in war or preparing for war, I studied war arts. When I
lived in places where the streets were mean enough to cause concern
for my life and well being, I practiced such arts. Thank God I no
longer have a need for that and I have found an art with the principle
tenet being life not death.
Dennis Hooker
Shindai Aikikai
Orlando Fl.
ASU