Feel the Fear!

If anyone had told me in January 2006 that by the end of that year I’d not only be training in Aikido, but actually ‘nearly there’ in terms of grading to acquire my first coloured belt (7th Kyu, Yellow), my response would have been very sarcastic, with a hint of incredulity.

A series of traumatic events during the summer of 2006 led me to start thinking about my life and what I had achieved with it up to that point.  My conclusions looked pretty grim and uninspiring – there I was, at 35 years of age, feeling embarrassed and ashamed at what I had done, or rather not done, with my life.  I’d always loved watching Martial Arts and have many friends who train in different disciplines – Kung Fu, Kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to name but a few.  It was the rather scary stories from these friends that had put me off ever trying out a Martial Art.  The words, ‘gruelling’, ‘back-breaking’ and ‘bullying’ cropped up frequently – they were for me, the perfect excuse to put off exploring this colourful universe that I now find myself in.

My Aikido journey started with the discovery of a poster, pinned to the communal staff noticeboard at my place of work and before I knew it, I found myself at the first session of a new block of beginner’s classes at Sho Shin Kai.  I will remember the date as long as I live – 7th September 2006. 

I shouldn’t have taken any notice of those horrible stories.  Within the dojo I have found an abundance of friendship, encouragement, nurturing and laughter. Sensei Andy Hobday approaches his teaching with a great deal of humility and care, and you normally hear his infectious laugh echoing around the dojo before you see him!  Yes it is hard work, very hard work sometimes depending on your state of mind and it is by no means a ‘walk in the park’, but I have learnt so much about myself, things I never knew and things I never would have discovered had I not embarked on this journey.  If you are reading this, thinking about whether you should take the plunge and have a go, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so.  You will never regret it!!

Heidi Cartwright
23 April 2007

A Beginner’s Testimonial

 Ever since Bruce Lee first hit our screens in the 70’s, I have been fascinated by the fighting arts, whether that be because of the graceful and almost ballet like movements of Kung Fu, the dynamic power and speed of karate, the demonstrations of super human feats, or simply the deft execution of techniques by individual exponents of any martial art. But now I have discovered Aikido and here there seems to be true magic, and a mystery that has me totally enthralled!

Past experience has taught me that, “cause and effect are generally of equal measure”, so how on earth can such little cause(from aikido technique) have such dramatic and devastating effect?

Yes, I’m still at the questioning stage, I have not yet learned to accept that, this magic that so enthrals me, is what makes Aikido so powerful. I guess I’m looking for answers where there are none, at least not at my level. So, for now I’ll just attend as many lessons as I can, all the while smiling with the excitement of a child who has just seen his first magic trick!

Thank You to the club, for making the introductory course available and providing continued and fun instruction. Even more so, to the founders, for the dedication and the inspiration, that must have been necessary for the development of a martial art such as Aikido.

Stephen Lindsey
3 April 2007

I can never do that

I started the journey on the first day of the club, nearly 2 years ago. I can remember how daunted I felt at the prospect of training with people much stronger and younger than me. I saw an exhibition from the two Sensei on that day, that was beautiful, exhilarating and left me thinking - "I can never do that.". In fact that has been a common theme for me personally over the last 2 years - watching what others are doing, and thinking "I can never do that". I have so far always managed to prove myself wrong - I can do it, I just need to overcome my fear. And by overcoming the fear and being able to do something you didn't think you could do, it feels great and builds your confidence.

Just before Christmas I was watching my son, Joe (also training at the club), do his final practice for his grading for 5th Kyu. I not only thought "I can never do that", but I didn't think I wanted to do it - it looked too difficult. Well what do you know, I have now started practicing those techniques, and have realised that not only I can do it, but actually the challenge it puts me under feels great.

What I do know, is that without the way in which our Sensei has set up the club and encouraged the way we all are together, I would not have thrived and overcome the challenges along the way. Everyone is friendly, encouraging, trusting and helpful, and we have a lot of fun. There have been many occasions where I have just put trust in him and others, and done something I wasn't sure I could do. His encouraging and motivating style actually helps you push yourself much further than you thought possible.

So if you think "I can never do that" - why not have a go and prove yourself wrong. The journey never ends...

Caroline Stephens
02 March 2007