What state is Aikido in today?
Some people in the world of Aikido seem to think that the art has went downhill from some bygone golden age.
It’s common for people to view the past with “rose tinted glasses”.
People seem to view all sorts of things as having got worse in general.
But there is a lot of evidence that things just keep getting better around the world.
For example:
- poverty around the world has dropped hugely
- child mortality rates have plummeted
- global literacy rates have soared
- many once devastating diseases have been eradicated
These are just 4 things but we can find many more.
These pieces of evidence can go against negative narratives that can sometimes prevail in our culture.
When it comes to Aikido, like any other subject, we can hear the great stories of the practitioners of the past and view them with great romance.
Just like stories of retired sportsmen, we hear that the practitioners were much tougher, better trained and even did much tougher secret training methods that led them to superhero powers (while not passing those training on, weirdly enough).
The truth is that it is likely that the world of Aikido is in better shape than it ever has been.
Facilities are better, there are more classes, more seminars and more opportunity to train. Due to increased living standards, more people have the time and money to train. Travelling abroad is a more realistic reality for more people who want to broaden their experience.
The internet allows for Aikidoka around the world to contact others, create forums, share ideas and create online content and education for the public.
In short, there has never been a better time to start training.
If you are looking to learn more feel free to come along tonight. We have some spaces left for our next beginner’s programme starting very soon. You are welcome to come along and learn more. Alternatively, message me INFO to learn more.
We train tonight at 7.30pm to 8.30pm at the Palace Of Art in Glasgow.
Keep Extending Ki
Sensei Ronnie Smith
Aikido For Glasgow 