How long have you been practising?
I have been practising Ki Aikido for almost two years now, and I have the intention of practising for another three hundred years.
What made you want to try Ki Aikido?
I’m a naturally peaceful person who, as a kid, when asked what I wanted to become when I grew up, would always say superhero. I tried other martial arts before, but found them too aggressive – the instructors were always encouraging force rather than helping each other and promoting peacefulness. When I discovered Ki Aikido I knew it was perfect for my philosophy. Plus, I have to admit, the outfit looked pretty cool too!
What do you like about Ki Aikido?
There are several things I like about Ki Aikido. What I love most is using your mind and energy – your ki – to redirect your partner’s energy rather than fighting against it. It feels like magic – like I have superpowers. I also love that you don’t have an opponent, you have a partner, which aligns perfectly with the peacefulness and helping each other.
Beyond the philosophy, it’s also a great physical workout that improves your flexibility – it doesn’t feel like intense exercise while you’re practising, but I often wake up sore the next day which shows how much work your body is actually doing! Additionally, I love belonging to a community that shares the same peaceful values. What’s more, these techniques can actually be applied in real-life situations – for example, learning to stay calm and redirect negative energy when facing challenging moments in daily life.
What hobbies do you have outside of Aikido?
I have several passions outside the dojo. I’m learning how to sing and was previously in a band – I’m actually looking to join another band soon. I’m also deeply committed to studying and self-improvement, constantly listening to books and learning new things. Anything related to personal development really appeals to me.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’d like to share how Ki Aikido has helped me in real-world situations. I work in what I would call a stressful environment, and honestly, I don’t think I would have been able to manage it without Ki Aikido. The practice has taught me how to stay calm in difficult situations and redirect negative energy rather than absorb it. This has helped me not just survive but actually handle challenging workplace dynamics with a sense of peace and control I never had before.
What started as a hobby has become an essential part of who I am. This art has genuinely improved me as a person and strengthened my character in ways I never expected.