Cross post from my Embrace Tiger, Return to Kitchen website.
Aikido – Engaging The Beginner’s Mind.
On the mat I had a small epiphany concerning why I love Aikido. In a nutshell – I don’t get it. After 13 years of training I can honestly say I don’t get it. I understand some of the principles, a good number of angles, the basics of technique and falling. I am confident that “wearing” my Yondan (4th degree black belt) is justified. But, still I don’t get it. Every class I see something that puzzles me, something new, something to learn. This is not a case of “return to beginner’s mind.” Rather, it’s a case of “never left beginner’s mind!” I am always learning in, and about, Aikido.
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4 Comments
What a great way to explain that… “never left beginner’s mind.” This is similar to how I feel about Advaita… it’s so simple on the face of it: non-duality. But every book I read or quote I meditate on is like the first time I ever heard about it! Fascinating…
My son is 3.5 years old… and I would love to start him in a martial art… I love your thoughts on Akido, and was wondering how old you thought he needed to be to begin?
I have seen some very talented martial artists start that early. Aikido is a little more conceptual than some martial arts, so engagement at that age might be difficult.
Never know until you try, but generally I think of 8 as a good age to start Aikido. At 3.5 I would think that Judo, or Karate would have a better chance to stick.
Bottom line: the best martial art is the one that gets you excited about continuing to practice.
Yes, when I attained/received my first black belt I comprehended that it was not a graduation or completion but rather a responsibility and a beginning.
That’s excellent, Joseph. Thanks for sharing it. Cheers!
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