Chapter 79: Student, Kohai, Senpai, Coach, Sensei - The many different roles you fulfil over time in a dojo

My inspiration for this post came from reflecting on how my role at my club has changed, especially over the last year.

Two years ago, I was just a student who assisted with a little bit of administration and made sure that leaflets advertising the club were always at the front desk of the sports centre where we train. My biggest worry/concern each week was merely whether or not the endometriosis would cut me some slack this week to train followed by if the bus for once, would be on time for me to get to class.

Now what is my role? Well, I'm now usually the second highest (or at least the third highest) grade in attendance on the mat each week. That was the first change. And it was a big one. Whereas before I received direction, suddenly I had to direct lower grades. If Sensei was talking to a parent after the Juniors class, it was now suddenly my responsibility as a higher grade to start the warm up and basic drills to prepare the adults class so that we were ready for Sensei to start teaching. As a result of me having to lead, I guess I began to earn the respect of the lower grades. So much so, that I was started to be addressed as 'Senpai'. I have never insisted that I was and am to be addressed as such, just my first name is fine by me. But there are a few lower grades who wish to show me that respect, therefore I have to accept that they wish to demonstrate their respect in this way. I found this quite hard at first. I still do not feel that I have fully earned the title of 'Senpai', it is not something that sits well with me. But as the weeks have gone by, I feel that I am starting to 'grow' into the role of a Senior student. Perhaps this is the natural order of things - who knows?

The next big change was when I qualified as a coach. I skipped quite happily back to my club full of enthusiasm and positivity. But be warned, the one thing that the coaching course did not quite prepare me for was the psychological side of coaching, especially children and disruptive ones at that. But I am learning what makes each of the Junior students 'tick' about their Aikido. Some like just to be shown once and left to practice. Some like to 'walk' or 'mirror' me through a technique, then practice. Others like to have the technical aspects broken down and shown bit by bit first, then left to work on it. Every student is different. One thing that both children and adults have in common is that they like to feel that they are listened to and that their opinions as club members are valued. So I think I am getting the hang of coaching slowly but surely.

The next big change would be for me to have my own club I guess. It has been discussed. But I am not sure if that is the next step for me once I achieve 1st Dan. I still feel that I am growing in my role as a coach, and there will be a transition period of where I 'grow' into feeling comfortable as a 1st Dan. So we shall see. At the moment I am quite enjoying teaching. I might not be the one to win gold medals at the next Championships but I can coach and I do coach well. I think I have finally found my niche in Aikido.

Chapter 78: Ten Years on, How the Time Flies....

So here we are - at my 10th Anniversary of starting Aikido tomorrow. My first Aikido lesson was 4th January 2006. How time flies.

What have I learnt from Aikido? How has it changed me? How has it developed me as a person? Over the last 10 years I have lost count of the number of people who exclaim in disbelief 'Martial arts - You!' Proof that you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover and that still quiet waters really do run deep.

So here are 10 things I have learnt from Aikido and martial arts in general:

1. The most scariest looking person on the mat is usually the nicest, gentlest person you will ever know and they are likely to become a friend for life.
2. Once you get your Gi and pass your first grading you really feel part of the club.
3. Your club mates very quickly become your second family, and most of your mobile texts and Facebook posts revolve around Aikido or whichever martial art you practice.
4. If you relax things really do hurt alot less! Yes, really!
5. You become very fit over time, but only have to have a couple of weeks away from training to feel like you're back at square one when you do return.
6. Whenever there is someone new, you look at them and wonder 'Was I that scared too?'
7. You develop muscle mass which is not accommodated by most clothing stores.
8.  You can differentiate between what sort of pain is a 'Its ok, keep going but be careful' pain and that which is 'Ow! Stop Right now!' pain.
9. The best Christmas/Birthday presents are usually in the form of first aid such as muscle balms, and ice spray.
10. Nothing short of Armageddon stops you from coming to training. Even if you're injured you come to 'watch' and still end up on the mat helping some of the junior grades since they needed help and you weren't doing anything anyway. 

So how has Aikido developed me as a person? Let's see:

1. I am now more confident at asserting myself around people
2. I am physically stronger and fitter than I was- I can nearly touch my toes!
3. I am quite good at explaining complex concepts to people - Well, Aikido can get complicated!
4. I have good awareness, well not so much about not tripping up over things - more about certain situations and how people will react.
5. I can 'scare' people with just one look. That can be quite fun at times.

So there you have it. 10 years on, I'm a 1st Kyu and Assistant Coach. Not bad for someone who wanted to run away before she had even got through the Dojo door!