Dear Eric

Peace yourself. I don't know whether to be more surprised that
someone in
the continental US knows about Australia or that you think we can
give you
advice about Alaska. You know we're not in Europe, right?

I know just what you mean about the belt race. Personally, I just
start again
every time I go to a new dojo, so I have kyu
grade belts all the shades of the rainbow. This means I can
color-coordinate
with my nails, hair band or whatever.

Ken Suburi Sensei always says that everything begins and ends with
rei (I
think everything begins and ends with rayon).

I've travelled to Alaska in my Winnebago, and my advice would be to
train in
whichever dojo you find warmer.

BBBxxx

--- In Aikido_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "thecrowrains" <
thecrowrains@y...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi group.
>
> I'm new here, but thought I'd join to get a broad scope of opinions
> on Aikido.
>
> I was a former student of Taekwondo for just 1-1/2 years, quitting
> last year. As much as I enjoyed the people and the art, I didn't
> enjoy the "belt-race" each month to gain higher rank. It felt as
if
> I wasn't learning the art, rather racing for the black belt. That
> might sound strange, but it seemed to detract from learning.
>
> Prior to this, I was a student of Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, approx.
8
> yrs.
>
> I have since considered Aikido and Judo, as they both interest me.
> Are they similar only in that they involve grappling or wrestling?
> My local community has both arts, but maybe I can get some
> opinions on it before committing.
>
> peace,
> thanks,
> Eric
> ps: I'm in Alaska.