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From the Shimoseki

-Robert Lidov

Don't Forget Your Toothbrush

Ask anyone in my dojo and they will agree, I take way too many vacations. A typical post workout mantra could be; "…and where are you off to now, Bob?" But hey, in my defense, I have family in Florida and my in-laws in Arizona, and I need to visit them periodically. However, it wasn't until last Thanksgiving that I realized a new benefit of being an Aikidoka. With me every Thanksgiving is a yearly pilgrimage (no pun intended) to Tucson. I'd pack a suitcase with all the essentials (clothes, toothbrush, shampoo, tanning oil, etc.) and my golf clubs. But this past trip, I packed a little something extra…my aikido gi.

This new routine began as a result of my constant misery over missing workouts while traveling. I brought this dilemma to the attention of Jerry Smith Sensei, and he suggested I try working-out with other dojo while on the road. "I can do that? Do I dare?" It's enough that my own dojo mates put up with me, but how can I walk into a strange dojo where nobody knows my name? So, with the help of Smith Sensei, we went on-line and discovered a few aikido dojo in Tucson. I called each dojo and spoke with their respective sensei to ask if I could join in for the week. I was not only welcomed, but encouraged to come. It was then that I realized that Aikido is not only a martial art, but also a fraternity. Of course, I thought the best part of working out would be my big chance to ditch my in-laws for an evening or two. But on my way back from my first workout "on the road," I knew that my vacation plans were changed forever. It was great for me to get my workout in (it is addicting!), and to experience a new perspective from a different class. I also realized it didn't matter which aikido "style" one practiced (be it ASU, USAF, or AAA)…Aikido is Aikido. I guess it was all summed up best by Gail Skinner Sensei, from the Aikido of the Canyonlands (USAF) when he said, "we all teach the way of Ueshiba." Ironically, that statement caused me to think, "if it's that easy to fall into a dojo in Tucson, then the same must hold true for other dojo throughout the country." You can imagine how excited my wife was when I packed a gi for our next trip to Florida. So the next time you "hit the road" take it from someone who's been there; don't forget to pack your toothbrush and take along your gi…with any luck you'll need them both.

Overheard on the mat . . .

Swordsman? I'm no swordsman.

I'm just a guy with a stick!

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Why Aikido?

- Joe Heim

Why people begin the study of aikido is not always clear, and often the true reason why is not shared until some level of trust develops between the beginner and the local aikikai. For myself, I studied judo first, and when that local club died away I began to look elsewhere and found aikido. Of course it begs the question, why did I begin the study of judo? Which bring us to the beginning point, why does one join the martial arts in the first place?

Since aikido can be lumped with the martial arts, which in turn can be referred as 'self defense', it can be assumed self defense plays a role. Otherwise, why not join an exercise club or study painting or any other activity? Whether the beginner was actually attacked or was involved in a dangerous situation that was recent or long ago, an answer to some level of powerlessness beckons. It is of course possible some seek the martial arts to pursue power, but that will not be discussed this article. In any case, whatever 'baggage' the new aikidoka brings to practice is real to them,

even if it is not readily apparent to them or us. This being so, a fragile state exist in the beginning where trust is developed. It is at this point where seasoned local aikidoka play a key role, making the new member feel safe and to try to sense what makes them uncomfortable. For example, if simple, well-intentioned correction of technique stimulates excuse making or frustration, perhaps the 'baggage' is low self-esteem or a history of ridicule

If the new practitioner is very uncomfortable being attacked a certain way, that may be a hint too. This does not mean that the seasoned aikidoka becomes an amateur psychoanalyst, rather the point is to be sensitive to those new to the art. It stands to reason, if the local aikikai provides a safe environment as well as good instruction then the new beginner may stay. Why people will stay with the local aikikai is another matter, but not unrelated to the first point made. People in general want something larger than themselves to belong to, a place safe and familiar. Aikido, like any other social activity offers such a feeling of belonging. I have become confident enough in my aikido that self defense is less a reason to practice than to be doing something with friends of similar interest. I have come to understand, at least in my own life, aikido as an activity that friends do.

This does not mean my aikido training has lost its' martial aspect, rather it is friends pushing one another higher in their training in a safe environment. Further, I found in recent years as my life has carried me far from home, where familiar friends and family are absent, if there is an aikido dojo, there are new friends to be made. Perhaps this is what O-Sensei meant by bringing the world together in harmony through aikido.

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A N N O U N C E M E N T S

·Congratulations to Mike & Maura Sinnott on the birth of their daughter Megan Sara Sinnott 7lbs 10oz, 20 in on May 16, 2001.

· Congratulations also to Brad and Margot Crawford on the birth of their triplets! That's right folks, it's a hat trick! Welcome: Kaitrin Mari Crawford 5 lbs 13 oz, 20 1/4 in' Henri Crawford 4 lbs 10 1/2 oz, 18 1/2 in, William Eric Crawford 4 lbs 9 1/2 oz, 18 ¼ in June 2, 2001.

· Promotion(s): Bob Lidov 6th Kyu

· Welcome New Member(s): Dane Gryb

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