I have been training at Emory Aikikai for about 4 years now.  One of the things I enjoy most about Emory’s dojo is the fact that we have two great instructors, each with a different style of aikido (although the principles are the same).  I had always wanted to try aikido, so I was ecstatic when I found out that Emory had aikido classes.  My father and grandfather (both accomplished martial artists in judo and karate) always spoke very highly of aikido, viewing it as a very refined martial art.  Both had challenged aikido practitioners on the mat and been amazed at the ease at which they had been thrown around.  So, having watched my fair share of Stephen Segal movies, I was ecstatic to find out that Emory offered classes.  Personally, I have found aikido to be a great outlet for the stresses of the day.  Sometimes I find it hard to push all those stressors out of my mind, but when I am on the mat doing aikido, I find that it requires a great degree of focus – enough so that everything outside the dojo is (temporarily) forgotten.  In the time I have been training, I have found it easier and easier to focus my mind and body, and every once in a while I am even able to completely relax as fists are flying at my face.  I am hoping that with further work, it will become easier and easier to relax in response to both physical and mental stress.

See you tonight!

Andy