How is this program helping you in your daily life?
My experience with Aikido has been an extremely beneficial one for my life, and my recovery. The spiritual principles which guide Aikido students through the movements are harmonious solutions to common, everyday problems. I have learned that the simple act of breathing can help me to blend with an attack. And focusing on the whole person is more beneficial than just focusing on the point of contact. I apply so many of the principles to my life and recovery. I can more readily embrace all of life, the good and the bad, and exist harmoniously with it.
What do you like best about the program and what would you like to see more of?
The thing I like best about Aikido... well, there's a lot. The exhiliration of being thrown through the air or throwing someone else is definitely a blast. The simple fact that Aikido is incredibly powerful but relatively gentle is a wonderful combination. The greatest part of Aikido for me, above all else, is the spirit of O Sensei. I have felt during practice he has a strong, warm spirit which guides me in my practice.
I would like to see more counters to punches and kicks. I would like to spend more time on one certain movement (like the J-step or Heaven-and-Earth throw) so I can really practice them down. Some more cardiovascular exercise would be beneficial for me as well.
Griffin, age 19
How is this program helping you in your daily life?
Aikido has been a big part of my recovery process since I have been at Day One. It has helped me in many aspects of my life.
Aikido is the way of harmony. I mean, that is what Aikido means in Japanese. When I first came to Portland Aikido Ron taught us that Aikido was a martial art that teaches you self-defence but also teaches you to keep yourself from getting hurt and an attacker from getting injured. Unlike other martial arts Aikido is a way of life. The art is not just about fighting. It is about centering yourself in your surroundings. We are taught about our own center, and that from there all things flow. Aikido has taught me about serenity and peace. How to be calm and how to meditate while walking. The other part of Aikido I like is the way it relates to recovery. Ron teaches us about conflict and how to conflict move through us, and out of you. Another way Aikido has helped me is the basic fact that it's a great workout. My counselor told me that physical well-being helps to get me a mental and emotional well-being. In closing I think that Portland Aikido offers many fine things for teenagers, from learning about another culture to learning a basic self-defense and to learn about self-esteem and peace with yourself. Thank you for your time and I hope that you enjoy all the aspects of Portland Aikido.
John, age 21