Confession time

[catalyst2]

Madness struck me about 5 weeks ago - I have started martial arts again.

I haven't gone back to Krav Maga, largely because of the distance and time involved. Instead, I am doing Kokikai Aikido. Given my present state of health and injury, it is probably far better for me than any other style with a local dojo that I can find.

So far so good although the hip spasms (courtesy of a serious hip injury two years ago and then the same hip muscle torn last Xmas) returned for a few weeks but now seem to be gone again. It has been great to get back into a form of exercise that makes me think and respond again. Going to the gym, walking and running simply drive me batty after a while because of the repetitiveness.

Comments

[ixzist.livejournal.com]

That's funny. I used to study Aikido, and recently have been shopping around for someone new to try. It turns out that there is a Krav Maga studio near my house, and I am somewhat interested in what it offers.

[catalyst2.livejournal.com]

I loved Krav Maga - it certainly takes a no-nonsense approach to things! Mind you, at 45 years old, the full contact sparring certainly got to me pretty quickly! I just couldn't afford the 3-hour 200 km round trip three times a week any more!

Aikido seems to take a very different approach and I'm enjoying that too. The 10 minute 10 km round trip is also attractive!

[ixzist.livejournal.com]

I love Aikido. It did a lot for my sense of self and balance; it helped me to deal better with edgy situations.

[catalyst2.livejournal.com]

The sensei is one one of those guys that you can just see the equilibrium, both physical and mental, flowing through. I am more impressed by how he walks and talks than by all the amazing throws and joint locks that he can do. Even though I've only been going for a short time, I'm already getting a feeling of calm, just walking into the dojo.

[ixzist.livejournal.com]

One of my Sensei told us a story once about a would-be attacker with a knife that ran away from him just because he stood relaxed and looked him right in the eyes.

[catalyst2.livejournal.com]

Now that I could believe, having seen my current sensei in action. He may be relaxed but there's also this air of utter confidence around him too - not in an arrogant way, just in a very calm yet utterly implacable way.