Misconceptions about Aikido
When I mention to others that I teach aikido I get a variety of reactions, most of which are based on misconceptions. Some seem very confused, as if they can't put this idea together with the person they know. Perhaps it's because most people think of martial artists as young, muscular, and male, and I am none of these. Yet I have been practicing Kokikai Aikido for over 16 years and have been teaching for 8 years. Misconception 1 . I bet you could kick my ass. Reality: It would never occur to me. In practicing aikido I have learned not to react to anything that is not a threat. Misconception 2 . It doesn't make sense for a person who is committed to more peaceful interaction to be involved in a martial art. Reality: Aikido is an ethical form of self-defense. In Kokikai Aikido, we practice that the greater the threat, the more we relax. This enables us an infinite amount of flexibility, even right in the middle of the response to an attack. I've heard this story...