Reflections

I thought as the year nears its end to reflect about progression and why newcomers could be rare.

Aikido is a journey, not a sprint. Anyone who's trained can find around 3rd to 4th Kyu and 2nd Kyu to 1st Kyu for more than 24 months are likely bumped into a plateau where techniques suddenly stop working the way they used to — even ones you thought you knew well. It's a bit like climbing a mountain: just when you think you've reached the top, another slope appears ahead. This isn't failure — it's the way learning in our art works.

However saying its not a sprint conveys the wrong sense you should be working to build the quality of the demonstrated move but not at a snail's pace or come to a full stop because you are chatting.

Repetition isn't about doing the same thing mindlessly the November course theme of "Meaningful attacks"  It's about encountering the same challenge enough times to build a reliable response. That doesn't just improve technique — it builds confidence, timing, and body awareness. Sincere attacks help to understand timing and connection.   Mucha Sensei used to remind us that practice, practice, practice was required. There's wisdom in that.

We have a Grading Review Group (GRG): consisting of experienced seniors who observe, assess and provide guidance to student's Club Leaders preparing for gradings and a moderation with Club Leaders of the standards required:

• It gives you eyes from outside your usual circle.. 
• It may highlight gaps or misunderstandings in the movement.
• They assess on a continuous basis usually at courses so there is a importance to course attendance. Training once a fortnight compared to those practising every week – progression to the grading standard is different in time frame.

Making the Most of Training it's worthwhile:

• Training with different partners of varied sizes/levels.
• Attending our courses when possible.  2026 calendar of dates are on the website
• Taking opportunities to train outside your Club – you will be welcomed by the other Clubs.

In my club I have been pondering about two areas where we may be putting off new starters before they get to us and I share with you :-

• For someone sitting on the couch / sofa deciding an activity to take up having classes longer than a gym class may be to bigger an ask at least till they get use to the club.
• How we present Aikido we will often will showcase advanced rolling and technique. While impressive may unintentionally signal that Aikido is only for the young ones. Many adults who are middle aged or older they may well be put off rolling about.

Solutions advertise a 1 hour class for a beginner but no change for the existing member, Video clips that show other benefits such as improving flexibility, confidence and balance.

Andrew
Head of Association

 

 

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