So why Aikido?
It was March 1996 and I was fast approaching 30, my football legs were already ageing and I was contemplating what I could do instead. Around that time a friend suggested going to the cinema to watch a film called Nico starring Steven Seagal. I was impressed with what I saw and wanted to know more so went to the local library (no internet etc. in those days). I discovered what I had seen was Aikido and I was determined to learn more. Having done some research I started at an Aikikai club in Worcester, it looked ok watching but between the Japanese commands and my slow ability to pick up the techniques, I was totally at sea when it came to the practice.
I was lost and disillusioned and so went back to playing football, then after one of the sessions I went into a local newsagent to buy a soft drink, whilst in there my attention was drawn to an advert for something called ‘Ki Aikido’. The club met locally in Kidderminster taught by Sensei Barry Macrow. I went along to watch and immediately I was hooked, this is what I had been looking for and I couldn’t wait to get on the mat. Well that was 28 years ago and I am still here having never looked back!
So what’s special about Ki Aikido
The benefits of Aikido are many of course but for me personally it has been the social side, a great bunch of people, Aikido itself has instilled me with confidence, calmness and helped to diminish my ego. Initially all that seemed important was achieving belts, but shortly after achieving my 1st Dan this all fell away. I realised this was the least important part and I was at least consciously unconscious and humble.
I now believe that what you learn on the mat you can apply in general life, the Aikido spirit pervades life itself, not least in interacting with people and solving life’s issues.
I think for me one of the most interesting points of Aikido is you may think that you know something, but later on you discover that you only know it to a certain level and everything is relative. I now appreciate despite my many years of practice that there is always more to learn but that is what makes it so interesting.
One of the stand out moments of my time in Aikido was at headquarters on a course led by Sensei Williams – My partner and I were struggling with 11th form Kokyunage and I said so, to which sensei replied ‘I like your honesty son, watch this’. He then proceeded to throw both my partner and myself, the strange thing was it did not look or feel like he touched us in any way. However the result was I felt like a thunderbolt had just thrown me to the floor, my glasses shot across the mat and I thought to myself ‘wow this is Ki’ but at a level way above my understanding!!
Time moves on and things change.
After Sensei Barry retired I continued to practice under Sensei Ian Drew who has now been teaching me for 17 years – gosh time flies when you’re enjoying yourself.
Then around six years ago I was outside practising a Jo kata in my back garden using the reflection in a window to check my body and arm positions. I noticed that my right arm wasn’t moving as freely as my left, initially I didn’t think too much about it but then continued to notice it whenever I could see myself in the window or mirror. As time went on I became aware that I was occasionally spilling drinks and struggling to do my shirt buttons up, so I decided to see my GP. She wasn’t sure what it was but decided (fortunately) to refer me to a neurologist who I later found out had 35 years of experience. Expecting a long series of tests I proceeded to my appointment, on arrival I knocked on his door –
“Come in and take a seat” he said –
“Stand up and walk to the door” he instructed me –
Then as I took my seat again he suddenly announced “you’ve got Parkinson’s!”
Just like that I came to realise my life would never quite be the same.
In short having Parkinson’s means chiefly having tremors in various parts of the body. Initially it affects only one side of the body but later due to its degenerative nature it affects both sides. It also causes slow movement or bradykinesia, and stiffening of the joints. Another long term effect is constant tiredness due to the body constantly shaking; it simply burns up your energy reserves.
On return to my club I told Sensei Ian of my diagnosis and he was of course very understanding, allowing me to modify my Aikido practice to fit in with everyone else. Fortunately the nature of Ki is such that these factors do not seem to inhibit its flow, therefore I am still able to practice and enjoy my Aikido, and in fact I think it has made me more appreciative of the joy of Aikido. Far from hindering me I find Aikido the most a beneficial exercise being good for cardio, balance and when I really immerse myself it almost stops my shakes. There is however an irony at the start of a class, during the Ki development Sensei does the shaking hands exercise to help release tension within the body. I often smile to myself at this point and say to Sensei ‘I’ve spent all day trying to stop shaking!’
I doubt whether I will be around for another 28 years practice but I do intend to carry on as long as possible enjoying this wonderful art, (until I can’t move any more) and so I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks.
To Sensei K Williams, Sensei Margaret, Sensei Barry Macrow and Sensei Ian Drew for all their dedicated years of teaching, also to all Ki Federation members past and present for their practice and finally to the art of Ki Aikido itself for enriching my life.
Martin Brandt 4th Dan
Cradley Ki Aikido Club