Commit to Train...

With the recent deaths of O'Sensei's Uchi Deshis, there is quite a bit of discussion around the future of the art and the teachers presently leading the Aikido community. So as I read the blogs and talk with other students, I looked in the proverbial mirror, at my personal commitment to myself. I regret not training more with Sugano sensei. I also regret not commiting myself as I could have when I was introduced to Aikido twenty years ago.

As a kyu, I am guilty of getting lost in the hype, theory and distracted by the environment of my training, rather than just training and seeing what comes after that; maybe patience is the word for it, I'm not quite certain. I have taken the senseis and shihans for granted, in that I have not taken their classes as frequently as I was able. Nor have I kept myself in physical shape to practice regularly. The result is when I am on the mat, I tire easily, my ukemi sucks and I move poorly. I am embarrased when I don't practice the technique the way it is showed to me by an instructor. I had been the kind of person that if a quality teacher took the time and effort to show me something (whatever the subject matter), I put the effort in to learn it as best I could. I've fallen short of that standard lately.

I have made excuse after excuse as to why I can't get on the mat more than once or twice per week. The simple reality is, I've been lazy and unfocused. Without going into any more boring nitty-gritty details of it, suffice it to say I recognize my need to get it together. I also recognize that I want to learn from the remaining Uchi Deshis as best I can, as long as the opportunity presents itself. By watching Yamada, Sugano and Saotome, I am beginning to see some details in hand placement and footwork. I am beginning to understand more about body movement and how complicated Aikido can be. Also why continuous, focused practice is the key for me. I enjoy it more that way and if I enjoy it, I'll keep doing it, quite naturally. I attended a summer camp this year, for the first time.

So, beginning in September, I decided to get myself on the mat at least three times per week; even if that meant taking early morning classes (which I find challenging, because I am so not a morning person). I'm happy that I kept that promise to myself. I've also pggybacked on a friend's energy and love for this art. He motivates me, when i'm feeling too lazy to get on the mat, or my body is stiff or mildly sore - which also contributes to my lazyness. I've not regretted one day that I "allowed" him to talk me into getting on the mat each day. The result is that I've taken some pretty interesting classes, talked with some interesting people and left the dojo feeling happy for the evening.

So, I guess the point of my semi-rambling dissertation to myself is a lesson for myself and maybe others who question their training is this: Just train..

By the way, it is good to have a friend who tells you: "Just Train" when you start to complain and find excuses not to do what you know you want to do, because of laziness.

Stay posted...tomorrow is another training day.