My First 100 Days in Aikido

By Rey Robles, Southern Maryland Aikido Center, Waldorf, MD

rnrobles@yahoo.com

I wanted to share my experiences training in Aikido. So, I thought this might be of help to those wanting to start but just not sure of what to expect. To save the reader from boredom, this won't be a day-by-day account of my Aikido experiences. I'll try to hit highlights of my training and some revelations.

Let me start by providing a little bit of my background. I'm in my 40's. I wouldn't call myself overweight or underweight, although I c'uld loose a few pound to make me feel better. I'm not all that flexible. IÕve never seriously tried any Martial Arts. Prior to starting Aikido, I read a lot about Martial Arts and in my research I found that I agreed with the approach of Aikido.

I read somewhere that the dojo was always open to visitors that want to observe a class and ask question. So, I did that. Although I've read things about Aikido, I didn't really know what to expect. The class already started. I noticed a person leading the class. He seemed to be imparting some Aikido technique to the group. After his demonstration, the class paired off and started practicing the technique. What I was most impressed with was that no one was getting hurt (I don't want to get hurt) and that everyone was an adult (like me). I left that night convinced I was going to join that dojo.

The next basics class was in a day or two. I read on the dojo website to wear comfortable sweats to start. I arrived early and introduced myself to the Sensei (instructor/teacher) and informed him I wanted to participate in the class. All the nervous feelings were dissipated by his inviting nature and as he answered my questions. Like everyone in this art form, he was very welcoming and cordial. He provided me with information about the dojo (dues, class schedules and background information about Aikido). I noticed the others were on the mat stretching, so I joined them. They were very friendly. The class started with Sensei two claps. Everyone lined up in seiza (a kneeing sit) in front of the kamiza (an altar with the photo O Sensei, Great Teacher, the creator of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba). The sensei led a bow to the kamiza and then turned around and bowed to the class. The class bowed back and said onegaishimasu (I am ready to learn).

That first class was hard but I made it though. All the sempai (senior students) I trained with that night understood that it was my first time and nice enough to assist me in my lost state. I felt an accomplishment in completing the class. I remember driving home that night thinking about the techniques we practiced. I need to write this down. I started a personal Aikido journal that night to help me in my training.

I continued participating in aikido classes at that dojo. I was learning what was taught. The problems that I did encounter were in rolls. Dizziness. All the sempai and sensei were telling me I'd get use to it and they were right. I did. After about a dozen classes at that dojo, I got physically injured (not related to aikido) and had to stop training.

Fast forward 3 years. I was at a wedding and met up with a close relative and we started talking about Martial Arts. I discovered he was practicing Aikido. In talking with him it reminded me of the aikido classes I attended in the past. This struck an interest in me again. When I returned home I remember seeing that an Aikido dojo opened close to my home. I visited the dojo website and e-mailed them. I received a welcoming e-mail from one of the sensei(s). I found this dojo to be as before: friendly and warm. I started training like I never left.

One of the sensei's told me, "Aikido will always be here." From that quote, I decided to start seriously training. Aikido training is a continuous learning process. You might not notice any day-to-day progress, but if you are serious in your training, you will learn and mature in your technique. The key is to be observant and patient. <'p>

"Aikido will always be here."

Aikido is not one dimensional. Ask any sempai or sensei about Aikido and they will always include the need to participation in weapons classes. I really did not understand the correlation between Aikido techniques and weapons training at first. Weapons training enforces the basic elements of Aikido, such as distancing, footwork, strike evading, timing and much more. I found the weapons training intriguing. It is a unique dimension to my education.

The days of training turned into weeks and then months. The next milestone I was encountering was preparing for my first ever test for rank (5th Kyu USAF). When I began training I was always wondering why there is a minimum number of training days before testing. I know now that this requirement is truly needed to adequately learn the techniques. There is a large body of knowledge to absorb in Aikido and training is essential in order to learn this knowledge properly.

Test day was here. I've absorbed all the training and knowledge needed for this day. I was ready to demonstrate my technique to the sensei(s). All the hints and tips from my dojo's sempai and sensei were with me that day. It was like passing a final exam. The elation and energy of passing compelled me to learn more.

When I started practicing Aikido, I was always hesitant in doing the wrong thing or moving the wrong way. I was especially worried that I would hurt others because of my inexperience. I'm sure as a beginner everyone goes though these feelings.

I sat down and wrote a list of things that I am focusing on during my Aikido training. It's been helpful to me and I hope it helps my fellow Aikido practitioners. These aren't in any specific order and I'm sure they will be changed and edited as I progress in my Aikido life.

Tips for the Beginner Aikido Practitioner:

1. Stay open minded and clear. When your mind is open and clear you are prepared to learn, which is why we are here.

2. Listen closely to your practice partner. Always be observant of your practice partner's condition. I remember (and will never forget), my sensei stressing that your partner is placing themselves in your hands when we perform a technique on them. Take care of that person. We are not practicing to hurt one another.

3. Stay observant. Be observant of the instruction from the sensei, the footwork, hand positions, movements, etc. When my son started attending school one of the lessons I continuously stressed to him was to stay observant while in class. This easily fits in Aikido training.

4. Read any aikido books you can get your hands on. I found that reading Aikido books strongly supplemented my dojo training. I have a strong desire (almost hunger) for information and knowledge. My perceptions of Aikido are formed in the dojo with my sensei and are supplemented by my readings.

5. Watch Aikido videos. I watch Aikido videos as an additional learning tool. These videos provided me with perspectives on the techniques being taught in the dojo training.

6. Attend the weapons classes if available. Early in my training, I didn't understand the relationships between weapons class and Aikido training. Since then, I've discovered that weapons training enforces the basic elements of Aikido, such as distancing, footwork, strike evading, and timing.

7. Attend Iaido class if available. Like weapons class, I didn't initially understand how or if this would fit in with Aikido training. I found that in Iaido you need to be precise, every step is calculated and every hand and weapon movement is controlled. These aspects of Iaido translate nicely to Aikido for me.

8. Keep a Journal of you training. When I started Aikido I noticed that I would forget what was practiced in the class. Taking a page from my school days, I decided to start an Aikido Journal. I would write in it after every class. It would include the names of the techniques we practiced that day, how I did, the people in the class, how I felt and how many classes I've attended. It helps me track my progress. This is a personal journal and seems to work for me.

9. Build friendships with your practice partners. This was really a problem since I was training with the same core group of people. We even socialize at times outside of the dojo. Aikido is full of very nice people. Have fun learning with others.

10. Attend Seminars when available. Seminars are special training opportunities that need to be experienced.

11. Always strive to learn more. If you make an effort to learn, it will happen. Confucius said, "I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand."

This was only the first 100 days of my Aikido training. I can see that Aikido has a lot more to offer. I have a lot more to learn. I can see more techniques, weapons training sessions and tests in my future. It will be a journey I will share with all my Aikido friends and teachers.