Some thoughts about my Aikido practice - by Hervé Leung
Some thoughts about my
Aikido practice
Written and translated from French by Hervé Leung
June 2009
The following months and years answered this question gradually. More over it made me realize how much Aikido training (and, I assume, the training of all martial arts in general) is tied to an introspection and to thoughts about the practice itself.
In the next paragraphs, I will try to describe my development and evolution through my observations and my thoughts on the impact of Aikido on various aspects of my life.
In the next paragraphs, I will try to describe my development and evolution through my observations and my thoughts on the impact of Aikido on various aspects of my life.
When I began the practice of Aikido, I was at a stage in my life where, like most people around 37 years old, I had a well arranged life: a wonderful wife, two adorable girls, a satisfyingly full professional and family life, and finally, a house with all the desired comfort.
During that period, there was also a slow down in my physical activities, as it is often the case for many people. As a consequence, I had various pains and was really feeling the deterioration of my physical condition: very little endurance, back pain, etc.
So 3 years ago, when I began the practice of Aikido, my goal was very simple: to have a regular physical activity in order to be in good physical shape.
The circumstances made that, for me, it was extremely easy and practical to begin Aikido: the Dojo was 5 minutes from my work place and the schedules suited my professional and family obligations. What more ould I ask? I registered and started attending the practices in the same way I would do another physical activity such as walking or swimming.
A couple of months later, after I started my training with of 2 regular practices a week, I saw my physical condition improve: I had better flexibility, better endurance and an increased muscular development, especially in the back and the abdominals. As a result, my back pain gradually disappeared.
During these months, I acquired a few bruises, scratches etc. This is when I learned how to live with them, how to avoid them and finally how to take care of myself. It was also a time where I learned that paying too much attention to these small pains did not cure them faster!
A couple of months later, after I started my training with of 2 regular practices a week, I saw my physical condition improve: I had better flexibility, better endurance and an increased muscular development, especially in the back and the abdominals. As a result, my back pain gradually disappeared.
During these months, I acquired a few bruises, scratches etc. This is when I learned how to live with them, how to avoid them and finally how to take care of myself. It was also a time where I learned that paying too much attention to these small pains did not cure them faster!
I think the first important change occurred, shortly after my first examination (yellow belt). Beyond the physical test, this examination was also a mental challenge: I was committed to something completely new but with a feeling of vulnerability to the judgement of others and especially, to my own judgement! I realized that this physical activity brought me to a ground where I did not feel at ease at all. In the days and weeks which followed, I was divided: on the one hand I had the desire to understand more, and on the other hand, the desire to ignore the experience and avoid questioning myself.
Gracefully, the first feeling dominated. Since this event, my perception of Aikido has gradually changed. Each belt test is a particular opportunity for me to see what I have achieved during the past months. More importantly, it is an opportunity for me to see how much I still have left to go.
Gracefully, the first feeling dominated. Since this event, my perception of Aikido has gradually changed. Each belt test is a particular opportunity for me to see what I have achieved during the past months. More importantly, it is an opportunity for me to see how much I still have left to go.
From a simple physical activity, Aikido has become a way for me to push back not only my physical but also my mental limits.
On the physical level my limits are pushed back by the following points:
•Greater cardiovascular endurance;
•Increased overall muscular development;
•Better flexibility;
•Better tolerance to little (scratches and bruises) injuries.
On the mental level, I noted the following improvements:
•Increased awareness of my own state of stress and tension: I find it easier to stand down in stressful situations without panicking;
•Greater self-discipline and clearer decisions making. I am much less inclined to procrastinate;
•A general feeling of wellbeing.
All these changes are still evolving at different speeds and, I know, can improve or not.
On the physical level my limits are pushed back by the following points:
•Greater cardiovascular endurance;
•Increased overall muscular development;
•Better flexibility;
•Better tolerance to little (scratches and bruises) injuries.
On the mental level, I noted the following improvements:
•Increased awareness of my own state of stress and tension: I find it easier to stand down in stressful situations without panicking;
•Greater self-discipline and clearer decisions making. I am much less inclined to procrastinate;
•A general feeling of wellbeing.
All these changes are still evolving at different speeds and, I know, can improve or not.
Today, I can’t imagine a working week without my Aikido practices. I realize how much this activity has unsuspected impacts on the various spheres of my life: both physical and mental. The attitude and the state of mind which I learn in the Dojo are not limited to the hours of Aikido practice: gradually these skills settle into my daily life at home, at work and even in my leisure activities. During my work hours and my interactions with people, I often have a small thought in the corner of my mind which links me to an action or a thought learned during my Aikido practices.
In conclusion, I realize how important it is to supplement physical training with a continuous introspection. It is now clear to me that this essay is part of my Aikido training.Thank you.