I’ve reached yonkyu, or 4th grade in aikido! In the months since I became a yellow belt, I’ve tried new things, tried to learn more about the things I knew already, and just become more comfortable with the art overall. I’ve even started to branch out a bit outside of class and do some supplemental reading when I can. In short, I think I’m really starting to like this whole aikido thing!
I like to take some time at times like this and look back. Sensei always tells us to measure our progress compared to yourself, not to others. So, what’s different with me now that I wear a different color belt? I think the biggest difference is experience now. I’ve worked with a lot of different people at the dojo now. I’ve been able to see what it is like to work with people who are taller than me (which is a rare pleasure, since I think James is the only person there who can give me that experience), people who are a lot smaller than me, people who are less experienced than me and people who are some of the best on the planet. Every new person adds a new facet to my training experience.
Specifically, though, I now feel more of what it means to make use of my opponent’s balance, and how to achieve off-balance more readily. Much of what we learn is how to manipulate your opponent’s balance so that you can control their movements. I’m starting to understand the importance of that. I’m also starting to see how the techniques are related to each other more, and how the 17 is a tool to teach the responses to changing circumstances, sort of like a Choose Your Own Adventure book. “If uke does this, you do this,” etc.
I also have gotten the opportunity to see what some of the higher level material looks like. Russell, one of our shodans (1st degree black belt) was promoted to nidan (2nd degree black belt) and, as a part of that, did a demonstration. It was very impressive. He showed some techniques I’ve seen before, but a lot that I hadn’t. It’s staggering to see just how much there is to this art, and how detailed it can become. I’m fortunate to have such good and patient teachers, and to be a deshi at such a fine dojo.
One thing is for sure, I’ll stick with this. I feel a connection to the art on a very personal level. I have never been a violent person, and aikido is almost like martial arts without the violence. I don’t do it for some sort of spiritual enlightenment, either. It just makes sense to me, it’s something that clicks with my internal philosophies on life and dealing with conflict. It’s a great way for me to deal with stress, and great exercise.
I look forward to continuing my training, and now have my eyes on sankyu!