Hi, my name is Shelly. I’m a bit introverted. I have a bubble; I like my bubble. I don’t like people touching me. I am not athletic, and that suits me just fine. Keep these things in mind as I tell you my husband, with his charming smile and twinkling blue-green eyes, announced he wanted to visit a martial arts dojo. That he wanted me to go with him. Oh, and we needed to leave, “…right now,” to get there in time. Can you feel my insides cringing? My stomach sinking? The horror?
What if they have some serious ego issues and like to beat up on other people? Flash backs to elementary school -- I do not think this is going to turn out well. But he has those twinkling eyes, pools of eagerness and excitement. I know Zach wants me to do this with him. I love my husband, and I hate telling him no. Okay… I admittedly think it’s good to try new things. Besides we’d just be watching. If I didn’t like it, I could sit in the car and never go back.
Well – I didn’t like it, I LOVED IT.
We were pulled aside for Day One. It was delightfully pragmatic. There was no abuse. We were invited to ask questions and say when we disagreed. There was discussion and application. I think one of my favorite moments was seeing Zach pinned to the floor with two pinkies, completely unable to free himself from their tiny, but absolute, lock. Then it was my turn. I think I laughed almost the entire time. It was amazing. We talked about balance, and discovered the very real lack of balance looming just around the corner. We learned a whole lot about how we move, walk, and breath. Things I take for granted. (Except during allergy season when I’m suddenly acutely aware of breathing.) It fascinates me to learn about how the human body works.
We decided to keep trying it out. What can I say, I have commitment issues. But eventually we started going every week, and then twice a week. Now we’re studying Tomiki Aikido at the Full Circle Aikido Club in Killeen, TX most Sunday afternoons, as well as Wednesday and Friday evenings.
Not only do I enjoy the mechanics of aikido, I also like the people. They want to share what they know, and learn more. They are honest and sassy. They challenge and encourage us. They are our teachers, and our friends. If you were ever interested in learning a practical* martial art I highly recommend Tomiki Aikido. If you’re near Fort Hood, TX, I recommend The Full Circle Aikido Club in Killeen.
* - Practical being define as something that works regardless of how big and strong, male or female, tall or small, young or old, when applied correctly.