A Beginner's View

By Rey Robles (Southern Maryland Aikido Center)
rnrobles@yahoo.com

I was sitting at my desk the other day thinking about Aikido topics to write about. Even though, there are seemingly numerous topics in Aikido to write about, I was drawn to the seeming simple thought. "What am I getting out of my regular Aikido training?"

This question is an important one. As a regular student of Aikido, I should have a good understanding of the expectations and goals that can be achieved from the practice of Aikido. I pulled out a piece of paper and started writing. This is what I came up with.

At first look, Aikido obviously provides self defense training. The benefits are not reserved for the physical elements of self defense. Aikido can provide personal development in the areas of health, inner peace, self awareness, focus, community, respect for individual differences and non-competition.

Health Ð Aikido is a physical activity. Regular Aikido training can provide a means to greater vitality and fitness for the Aikidoka.

Inner Peace Ð Aikido can assist the Aikidoka in developing composure in the face of conflict. Aikido provides a way of dealing with conflicts in a calm and methodical process.

Self AwarenessÐ Aikido training does not view the body and mind as separate. The condition of one will affect the other. Aikido training develops both body and mind and the connections between.

FocusÐ Aikido training sharpens the mind, improves concentration and enhances our capacity for sustained activity.

Community Ð The physical nature of Aikido brings people together. Friendships are born and sustained.

Respect for Others Ð The nature and approach of Aikido promotes respect for others. The Aikido character is defensive and respectful by nature. It does not promote attacks or offensive actions to others.

Non-Competitive Training Ð Aikido does not focus on awards and trophies in a competitive environment. Its main focus is self-defense and self mastery in a cooperative environment.

I do believe that this list of benefits provide a good starting point for the countless other benefits that are a part of the formula for happiness in regular Aikido training. The discoveries of these benefits are slowly revealed to us as we progress and grow in this Aikido journey.