Exercise is not just for physical health, but also for spiritual cultivation, which is why I chose to learn Aikido.
In the past, I have explored various martial arts styles, including Taekwondo and Wing Chun, which improved my physical fitness and skills but lacked space for spiritual growth. I felt the need to find a form of exercise that trained my body and honed my character. Thus, I found three options for spiritual cultivation in Eastern sports: Tai Chi in China, yoga in India, and Aikido in Japan. After further research, I decided to devote myself to the practice of Aikido.
Since starting to learn Aikido, I gradually realized that the training methods of martial arts routines that I had learned in previous years were highly limited, and could even be considered as just gymnastics. When I joined Aikido, my teacher asked me if I had ever practised gymnastics. Perhaps, my previous training direction was not correct. Although routine training can improve body coordination, flexibility, and some combat skills, many critical elements such as distance, entry, strength, and timing are difficult to master in practical applications.
I highly praise Aikido's training approach. Aikido does not have routines but rather focuses on mastering various techniques one by one. From the beginner's white belt to the advanced black belt, students of different levels practice the same moves simultaneously, with varying proficiency levels. Each practice session is with a partner, with both parties throwing each other down, emphasizing cooperation and mutual progress.
Additionally, Aikido's spiritual aspect also has invaluable value. First, Aikido is one of the few martial arts that do not hold competitions. On the one hand, this is because the style contains a lot of joint locks, and going all-out in a fight could lead to joint damage. On the other hand, not using full force cannot reflect the true essence of Aikido. More importantly, Aikido promotes peace and emphasizes a defensive mindset and using an opponent's strength against them, aiming to subdue rather than harm the opponent. Of course, to reach this level of proficiency where one can yield and attack appropriately, one's skill must be two or three levels higher than the opponent's.
As an Aikido enthusiast, I am happy to promote this martial art and hope to increase its popularity. It is also my responsibility and mission as a fan.
