I finally did it. I joined a dojo. I am officially a member of Suginami Aikikai - San Francisco. I own a Gi. I can fall without hurting myself. I can roll (well kinda). I can even throw you, provided you are an Uke and that is your job. I love it.
I have never been terribly athletic. In fact I have never lasted in any "sport" I have ever tried. Volleyball? I broke three fingers. Basketball? I tired running the court. Baseball? Couldn't hit the broadside of a barn. Nothing seemed to fit me, or rather, I didn't seem to fit.
But something about Aikido just makes me feel so unbelievably good. I sweat, I get my heart rate up, I stretch, I get hurt, I get tired, I get sore but I keep going back for more. Why you ask (well maybe you didn’t ask but I am telling you anyway). Because in spite of all the pain and fatigue I get high from the workout. I am invigorated when class is over. I can’t seem to stop talking about techniques and the simplest accomplishments I make during class. Some of my oldest fears, about looking silly or hurting myself, simply vanish when I am in at the Dojo. The spirituality and humility, the respect and the honor, these are things I love having in my life, and Aikido is providing me with them.
I can not stress enough just how beautiful this experience is for me. If you get the chance, take a minute to read about this lovely art. The history is amazing.
I recently had the honor of attending a seminar with Kato Hiroshi Shihan. Kato Sensei was born in 1935 and began his training at the age of 19. This gentle man stands maybe 5’ 6” and was the most graceful person I had ever witnessed. He was kind and sincere, funny and charming. He did not speak a word of English, but I was able to follow him none-the-less. He would take time out to speak to us “newbies” and show us easier ways to fall or roll. I was such a pleasure to attend a class with him. I look forward to his next visit.
All of the teachers at Suginami are wonderful. I have enjoyed working with everyone in the classes as well. They are patient and remind me at every class that they have all been where I am at now and it only gets better. Now I am off for a hot bath and a few Advil…it is par for the course.
Konban wa
I have never been terribly athletic. In fact I have never lasted in any "sport" I have ever tried. Volleyball? I broke three fingers. Basketball? I tired running the court. Baseball? Couldn't hit the broadside of a barn. Nothing seemed to fit me, or rather, I didn't seem to fit.
But something about Aikido just makes me feel so unbelievably good. I sweat, I get my heart rate up, I stretch, I get hurt, I get tired, I get sore but I keep going back for more. Why you ask (well maybe you didn’t ask but I am telling you anyway). Because in spite of all the pain and fatigue I get high from the workout. I am invigorated when class is over. I can’t seem to stop talking about techniques and the simplest accomplishments I make during class. Some of my oldest fears, about looking silly or hurting myself, simply vanish when I am in at the Dojo. The spirituality and humility, the respect and the honor, these are things I love having in my life, and Aikido is providing me with them.
I can not stress enough just how beautiful this experience is for me. If you get the chance, take a minute to read about this lovely art. The history is amazing.
I recently had the honor of attending a seminar with Kato Hiroshi Shihan. Kato Sensei was born in 1935 and began his training at the age of 19. This gentle man stands maybe 5’ 6” and was the most graceful person I had ever witnessed. He was kind and sincere, funny and charming. He did not speak a word of English, but I was able to follow him none-the-less. He would take time out to speak to us “newbies” and show us easier ways to fall or roll. I was such a pleasure to attend a class with him. I look forward to his next visit.
All of the teachers at Suginami are wonderful. I have enjoyed working with everyone in the classes as well. They are patient and remind me at every class that they have all been where I am at now and it only gets better. Now I am off for a hot bath and a few Advil…it is par for the course.
Konban wa
1 comment:
Kim, I am so very happy for you! It thrills me to hear of your joy in this particular adventure. I know your BF must be loveing this as well. I would guess the rewards will go on and on. love mon2
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