The Influence of Aikido in my life - by Dean Stansfield
In 1991, having recently moved to Ottawa and looking for something to do outside of work hours, I decided to join a local sports centre. The idea being that I needed to look after my health and I therefore needed to engage in some physical activity. So I signed up for weight lifting, using the new Nautilus machines, knowing full-well that after 2 or 3 months I would no longer be working out regularly. After all, it had always been the case in the past.
So I started to consider what else the sports centre had to offer. While browsing through their brochure I noticed that they were offering Aikido classes. My father had been involved in Judo for many years and it seemed to be something that he enjoyed. Knowing this, I decided I should look into Aikido further. Having read the course description I headed out to watch a class the following day.
What I saw during that class allowed me to make the decision to try Aikido. What I saw were people working together to help each other improve. It was not about domination over the other opponent but cooperation with the goal of learning and improving. Shortly afterwards I started to attend Aikido classes and it has made a profound difference in my life.
The more obvious benefit of Aikido has been the physical aspect. I have developed greater muscle strength and better aerobic conditioning. Both of these improvements have resulted in a higher level of endurance. Through the practice of Aikido I have also become more coordinated and have better balance. On several occasions I have reflected upon how Aikido has helped me with other activities. I can recall trying certain sports in high school and not being very good at them. However, after attempting some of those sports again, after a few years of Aikido training, it was much easier and it was also much more enjoyable. In fact I now find myself more willing to try new sports or activities. This, I believe, is the result of having learned to move my body properly through the practice of Aikido. The improved coordination and better balance as well as improved strength and endurance make a big difference in many sports and activities.
But it is the less obvious benefit of Aikido that has made the biggest difference in my life. That is the mental aspect. The way in which we practice Aikido provides many mental benefits which are not usually obvious in the beginning. It is only after time that it becomes apparent. When we learn a technique we are first shown the basic way to perform it. Then we practice the technique repetitively. During this time more is discovered about a technique. You learn what works best for you and you learn about the technique by watching others perform it. You start to discover when and where the technique works best. Often, what seemed to work best at first will evolve into something different. You realize that changes take place as you become more familiar with a technique. You become more efficient and effective over time. Eventually, you practice variations to the techniques which again increase your understanding of the techniques. Through this type of practice I have discovered that I am not just practicing techniques. I am also practicing awareness, observation, focus and concentration. Through working with my partners I am learning cooperation and respect and I am learning to be more sensitive towards my partners. For example, I have learned when a technique is working and when to end the technique before I injure someone. Through continued and regular practice I have begun to learn discipline and I have learned that through perseverance there is improvement. I am also learning to be more flexible. If you are being attacked and your mind is not open and flexible chances are you will try an inappropriate technique or have to use more force than necessary to make a technique work. As I have improved myself in these areas through Aikido, I have by default improved these skills in everyday life.
By practicing Aikido I have developed both physically and mentally. This has resulted in my having better self-esteem and more self-confidence. As a result my attitude has improved. I can say that I am happy with who I am and what I have become. I am proud of the balance Aikido has helped me to achieve in family, work, and self and what it will continue to help me bring to these aspects of my life in the future.
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