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About The Following Blog

The following blog has been written purely for those wanting a first hand knowledge of what it is like to step into the dojo for the first time as a complete beginner as a Martial Artist. Through practising a Martial Art, you will gain many things such as self-confidence, self-respect and life-long and good friends. I hope this helps you to see into an amazing world of which you have never seen before and that I have had the privilege of belonging to and knowing.
Although I have not put my name or any name to this blog, it does deserve a dedication- a dedication to those who help people to train, who teach, reassure and most important of all- those who never give up, no matter how many times they hit the ground or a mental brick wall, with themselves or others. But above all- those who are ready to begin their own journey, it begins with one step….

https://twitter.com/Aikilass

Sunday 4 February 2007

Chapter 3: The first grading…the be all or end all of my sanity

I did have doubts about my suitability for this art, particularly in the run –up to my first grading. I mean, all my techniques went to complete pot; all the terminology and principles of Aikido just disappeared. You know, I felt a bit like David being fed to the lions, that it was an impossible feat, me actually doing my first grading! In front of the whole club! But I got up there (heaven knows how- I was shaking like a leaf) and I did it! I actually graded! I was a bit sorry to go home really.
One of the most amazing things about Aikido is the way it can take one scrawny person and change them into something that’s well, interesting, like they can take on the whole world, at least that’s how I felt after my first grading to white belt-a bit like walking on air out of the dojo.

3 comments:

Scott Zrubek said...

Congratulations! In my two demonstrations I've felt my techniques have disappeared. Thankfully, in my dojo, the demonstration sees to be icing. They've pretty much determined that you deserve the belt but they want to make you sweat for it.

During my last demonstration, for sankyu, I was told that I didn't breathe during my first seven techniques. I might pass out next time if I'm not careful.

Scott Sorley said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Scott Sorley said...

Great post - applies to all martial arts but beautifully sums it up.

Found a link to your post at OZcombat

sorry about deleting the previous comment - I hate typos :)