I am going to present to you my true passion: aïkido. Aïkido is an Japanese martial art which was created in the middle of the past century. It indeed a very recent martial art. It has of course a lot in common with other martial art, as the important of breathing, meditating, respect,... but aïkido is also very special because it's the only one non-violent martial art. That's mean there is no competition, no opposition between the person who attack and the one who's defending. In fact the main goal is to protect non only myself but also the attacker of the attack. There is no longer enemies but human being who try to become more responsible.
It's been 10 years now since I started practicing aïkido. Aïkido is the reason why I started being interested in Japan in the first place. Even thus my teacher in France isn't Japanese, and never went to Japan, he is teaching aïkido as a real martial art, as a Budo in the pure tradition.
Thanks to him, because of his amazing energy, his wonderful techniques, I discovered not only an great physical practice but also a way of living, a path to become a better as a human being, a beautiful art and a funny game, all at once ! I was just a teenager when I started this practice as a sport, but it changed my life. Aïkido is the reason why I started learning Japanese, the reason why I wanted to come here, the reason why I keep being interested in Japanese culture and especially in martial art.
My dream is to become one day an aikido teacher in prison. I know that is going to take many year for this dream to come true, but I am patient and I still have time. I am first dan now, I receive my black belt 4 years ago and I am about to pass the exam for the second dan. I could start teaching since I got my black belt but I want to improve my skills more before that.
If you have any question about aïkido or if you want to see a demonstration someday, please, let me know !
Odile
I didn't know that aikido was such a new martial art. Very interesting. And I am so impressed with the skill you have achieved in just ten years and the powerful effect that aikido has had on your life. It is truly wonderful that you have found your passion, pursued it, and are good at it. And, it brought you to Japan!
ReplyDeleteMay I ask why you choose to be an aikido instructor in prison?
Ms. MacGregor
p.s. Have you ever been thrown upside down like the guy in the last picture?
Odile,
ReplyDeleteEven though I am Japanese I knew nothing about Aikido. Thank you for explaining. It was really easy to understand. I am glad that Aikido brought you to Japan! I hope to see your demostration someday in class.
Misaki
It is very rare who is learning Aikido, even Japanese. I thought having does things that you can get absorbed is an wonderful thing. Black belt must be an amazing ability! I am really looking forward to see you introducing about Aikido someday too.
ReplyDeleteKaori
I didn't know that you are good at Aikido.
ReplyDeleteEven though I am a Japanese, I know nothing about Aikido.
Anyway, I'm so glad it brought you to Japan!
I wonder why you thought to be an Aikido instructor in prison, too.
Thank you for your explanation about it.
Megumi
Thank you for all your comments. I'm glad you discover a little bit more about aikido thanks to my article.
ReplyDeleteTo answer our teacher's questions, I want to become aikido instructor in prison because it's non-violent and as so, it seems to be a good way to learn how to be able to control the inner violence we all have inside. Maybe my explanation is not that clear but it's hard to explain it in few words...
And for the other question, yes, i can be thrown upside down like in the picture. It's actually very pleasant, fun and relaxing for the back !
If you have any other questions, please; let ma know and I would be honored to answer them.
Odile