I've gone on three seminar trips with my dojo, and I've noticed something. Our group catchphrase just so happens to be “Suck It!” Or generally any sentence with the word “suck” in it. Most conversations with this word end up starting out as “I suck, you suck, he sucks. WE. ALL. SUCK. But we go to visit these Shihans and seminars to try to SUCK LESS.”
The moral of this post: WE. ALL. SUCK.
I hear it a lot. Though being told I suck isn't anyone being malicious, or cruel, or any form of ill intent. It's to kill ego, it's to make myself, and any other aikidoka try their hardest to NOT suck so badly. No one can understand this art overnight. I've been discouraged, upset, angry, and frustrated by my progress. I've also been proud, and happy over my progress. Yet, when you step foot on the mat, and give that bow of respect to the shomen... you have to change something inside yourself.
I've heard the words from my Sensei many times: “You have to keep your glass empty.”
This is so true. We are all vessels, but we have to realize that you can never learn enough. You can never improve enough. It's a neverending path, and it's very rewarding.
O Sensei said “Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.”
I believe this can be applied in many different aspects of life. However, when you are training, you should come into the situation, whether it be a class at your home dojo, a seminar, or anything else, you need to keep a blank slate. I honestly believe this is the only way you can learn.
“Those who seek to study Aikido should open their minds, listen to the sincerity of the kami through Aikido, and practice it. You should understand the great ablution of Aiki, practice it and improve without hinderance. Willingly begin the cultivation of your spirit.” - O Sensei
The moral of this post: WE. ALL. SUCK.
I hear it a lot. Though being told I suck isn't anyone being malicious, or cruel, or any form of ill intent. It's to kill ego, it's to make myself, and any other aikidoka try their hardest to NOT suck so badly. No one can understand this art overnight. I've been discouraged, upset, angry, and frustrated by my progress. I've also been proud, and happy over my progress. Yet, when you step foot on the mat, and give that bow of respect to the shomen... you have to change something inside yourself.
I've heard the words from my Sensei many times: “You have to keep your glass empty.”
This is so true. We are all vessels, but we have to realize that you can never learn enough. You can never improve enough. It's a neverending path, and it's very rewarding.
O Sensei said “Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.”
I believe this can be applied in many different aspects of life. However, when you are training, you should come into the situation, whether it be a class at your home dojo, a seminar, or anything else, you need to keep a blank slate. I honestly believe this is the only way you can learn.
“Those who seek to study Aikido should open their minds, listen to the sincerity of the kami through Aikido, and practice it. You should understand the great ablution of Aiki, practice it and improve without hinderance. Willingly begin the cultivation of your spirit.” - O Sensei