A conversation yesterday with a new student brought back some interesting memories and reflection about training Aikido…

How did I first get interested in Aikido?  Well, before I saw or even heard of Aikido a friend gave me a book (in about 1985), “Chop Wood, Carry Water” and it got me to thinking.  The rest is my personal history leading to wanting to see this “thing” called Aikido in about 1991.

How  that translates to training Aikido is summarized by FJ Chu:

“The actual practice of training may be different from the ideal of training.  Actual practice is simply doing the same thing, again and again, hoping to become just a little bit better……The student tries to increase their physical power, breathing, muscular flexibility and body co-ordination…..Sometimes (sic) mistakes, injury, or discouragement ….some are tempted to quit.

The Martial Way reminds the faithful student to stay on the daily path of practice, to keep mind fresh and alert, and continue to continue.  If one does, he/she can approach perfection as a person, with a heightened sensitivity about mind, body, and environment, and an enhanced to deal with every aspect of life.  {One’s lessons are highly personal.} Devoted training gives each person a secret power, one that cannot be thoughtlessly revealed. To defeat opponents but to not meet the requirements of daily life indicates a misunderstanding of essential skills.”

As in, chop wood,, carry water.…

For anyone interested: