Back on the Aikido Path: A Gyodokan student’s reflection on returning to training after years away.
Written by Pete Roythorne
I’ve been in or around Aikido for close to 30 years now . In that time I’ve had a long absence from training. But even while exploring other things (from dabbling with Karate to working with a boxing trainer) it has always been in my mindset. Having returned to active training, I find myself being mentally and physically challenged – coming into a new style later in life is definitely tricky. And without doubt you learn (or re-learn) more slowly as you get older.
As I prepare to enter my 60th year (not my 60th birthday) I find myself musing on the fact my body as well as my mind don’t do what they used to. I have hip, shoulder and knee issues – thank God for my private heath insurance through work! Probably in reality I should have chosen something a little more sedate.
Off and on I’ve been looking for a more local club but never found one. Don’t get me wrong I loved my time at The Hut and training under Mr Foster, but the drive was just another barrier to going. And I know I’m easily distracted.
So I’m very happy (despite rarely looking it) that I found @cathy_tatami and @ivanmelobudo at @aikidogyodokan. Aikido gives me something that nothing else I do does. For the +/- 4 hours a week that I train with them, there is no room in my head for money worries, work hassles, family issues – any of the things that occupy our brains for so much of the time. Even in yoga and music I struggle to shut out the world. Whereas in Aikido if I don’t have full focus I’m going to get hurt. Amazing how that can sharpen the mind.
It’s hard not to regret my absence. I know I shouldn’t focus on it, but I do find it frustrating that so many of the people I started alongside are 3rd/4th Dans now. Perhaps that path was not for me to take. Someone once said to me that 1st Dan is just the start; it just proves you know the basic techniques. I’d still like to achieve that marker at some point.
So here I am back on the Aikido path. Aikido – like any martial art – is a never ending journey of discovery. Maybe the journey didn’t actually ever stop, it just took a different direction for a while.