Sensei Carl Myers of the Brighton and Shoreham Ki Aikido Club, now 57, gives us his experience of studying Aikido.
When did you start, and what made you want to try aikido?
I started Aikido when I was a student, back in 1991. A good friend introduced it to me saying she thought it was a good fit with my outlook on life and that she practiced on Sunday mornings and found it cured a hangover. The first thing turned out to be true – not so sure about the second, but it did get me interested.
What do you enjoy most about practice?
From the get-go, Aikido felt like ticket to ride on the positivity train. It’s a fun way to interact with people and learn useful skills. There are some counter-intuitive aspects that can be hard to get your head round at first, like how relaxation and using your mind and body together can be more powerful than tension and physical force – that still fascinates me and makes me smile when I see it happen!
How do you benefit from it off the mat?
I used to think I was a super relaxed and positive person, but after a while I realised I’d just had a really easy life! Aikido helped me keep some of that by regularly practising techniques to stay calm, relaxed and positive in response to gradually increasing challenges. I find that really helps when life throws you a proper curveball, as it does from time to time.
Anything you’d like to add?
Did I mention it’s a fun thing to do and I’ve made some great friends along the way!
Sensei Carl Myers
Brighton and Shoreham Ki Aikido Club