People come to a martial arts class for the first time with many preconceptions and a number of personal reasons. For some, it is the commencement of a lifelong ambition to study something esoteric, different, practical, maybe even useful; for others it is another activity ticked off their list of 'things to try', before flitting off to 'play' something else. A sort of fast food outlook on life, a quick fix.
Martial arts pride themselves on bringing people together from all walks of life and all professions - all equal under the roof of the dojo. It is a sobering feeling for some, who are high flyers in their chosen profession, to be as equal as the person from a more humble background who lines up with them in front of their teacher. In fact, often the teacher themselves are from the humblest of backgrounds but have the skill and dedication in their art that ensures a steady stream of students willing to learn from them.
I have often said that the ideal notice to place above the dojo door would simply say, "All are Welcome, Please Leave your Ego at the Door." Most students manage to do just that, however, there are others for whom, leaving one's ego behind, is like letting others peer into their soul, like stripping away a layer of protection that serves them in everyday life.
The reason I often use the word 'study' when referring to aikido practice and not 'training', is because I believe that you cannot just turn up and complete your class like an automaton and then leave it in a box until next time. I truly believe that aikido is an experience, something shared, a living, breathing entity that develops over time. You can never master aikido, merely strive to improve each day both your physical technique and your internal understanding of it. You can never stop learning and in fact I live by the mantra that 'everyday I learn or discover something new'. Your ego should never be such that you cannot accept learning something from someone newer to the Path than you. Beginners can remind experienced students of their flaws and inconsistancies by giving the seniors a window back into their own early training.
Aikido is more than just a pastime, it is a way of life. Unbeknown to some, you live aikido in your daily routines, from avoiding conflict to making rational decisions that effect everyone around you. It is a force for good.
Many people come into aikido believing that they can master it the same way that they perform their professional working life. When they find out that it does not work like that they often leave as quickly as they arrived. Aikido is a prolonged and joyous experience, it is like looking into a mirror to your soul. Some can do this, many cannot.
Aikido is a calling and not a 'fast food' option.
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