This weekend I tested and received my blackbelt (“shodan”- “begining dan”) in Aikido. I started Aikido back in August of 1997. Almost ten years of practice three to five times a week have resulted in this accomplishment. Aikido informs much of my life. I greatly appreciate what I have learned along the way; In a way, too, Aikido is the inspiration behind my startup Enterprise Teaming. The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, also referred to as “Osensei” (great teacher) called Aikido “The Budo (martial art) of Love”. The following quote from Osensei sums this up:
“Aiki is not a technique to fight with or defeat the enemy. It is the way to reconcile the world and make human beings one family.”
I look to the future of a lifetime of Aikido practice. Although it has been ten years brining me to this point of my training, I can see several decades of practice in front of me. Thank you to all of my Aikido training partners who have supported me to this point in my training. I look forward to learning the way of Aikido and harmonizing our human family together.
Congratulations Kevin. WHile a long time coming, I commend you and your drive.
Isn’t it interesting that great accomplishments often seem to take 10 years? What’s not common is someone making that 10 year commitment. Commitments. Ah, I think I get it now.
Thanks Tom, thanks KStraw. Yeah- commitments take time. Someone told me the metaphor about building a building… it might take a year to build a building that can be torn down in a day with a wrecking ball. Thank you for both of you being a strong part of the building community that I greatly appreciate having in my life. Thanks.