alexng.net - Martial Arts

[Akido Schools of Ueshiba Membership Card; 2001]

[FSU Aikido Club Demonstration; 2002]

[Chapter 3]

Starting college at the Florida State University was a starting point for my life martial arts experience. Having the freedom and spare time of a college freshman, I learned of several martial arts clubs on campus.

The first club I went to, being the first formal martial arts class I have been to, was the FSU Aikido Club. Aikido, especially for a total beginner, is a very difficult art to practice. Not even considering the finer points of centering yourself while leading your partner, the physical movements of the techniques are enough to make anyone look clumsy when first learning it.

I remember going to their practice for the first time. I was not sure what to expect or even how to act. It was a nervous experience. The formality of the class was impressive for a beginner.

One senior student, Colt, embodied the "martial spirit" as they call it. His devotion to training and understanding of aikido was truely inspiring. He later moved to Japan for a teaching position. I always thought that he was living the martial artist's dream. Moving to Japan or another martial art birthplace, having a day job to pay the bills, and having spare time outside of work. Spare time to persue one's true passion in life... in this case, to practice and experience the true peace and harmony of aikido. Hopefully, this dream will come true for him.

Under the instruction of Eitaro (E.T.) Kawaguchi and the other senior students, I began to understand the techniques as well as the philosophy of aikido. I continued to practice aikido for the next 2 1/2 years. During this time I acquired the rank of 6th Kyu (the first level).

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