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Over the last year, I’ve been thinking about how my posture affects my mental focus — and how something so simple can bring me back to a more centred feeling. I first noticed this in my Aikido practice. If I lean too far forwards, it not only affects my balance but also reveals something subtle inside — an intention to throw my partner from a dualistic state of me versus you , rather than moving in space as one. When intention becomes too strong, I tip forward mentally and ph

When I look back on my Aikido journey, one moment stands out — and not for the reasons you might expect. It wasn’t a triumph, a breakthrough, or a beautiful technique. It was the moment I passed my black belt grading. After a long week of training at summer school, my body was broken. My knee had gone completely, strapped up and aching with every movement. I was in so much pain for my grading and adding to my discomfort was my Uke who was unforgiving. The judging panel expect

There’s an endless debate online about whether Aikido is “effective.” People continually ask: Does it work on the streets? Could it hold up in a real fight? I sometimes wonder if the question itself needs reframing. Instead of asking whether it works in a fight, perhaps we should ask: “Can I bring my Aikido practice into daily life?” And, most importantly: “Can I live in a way where conflict no longer arises?” I believe the essence of Aikido lies in carrying lessons from the

When I first started Aikido, I was drawn to the idea of training with weapons. The thought of owning my own Japanese samurai sword and being someone who could swoosh it around looking like a hard nut – I’m embarrassed to say – had a certain appeal. As my understanding of Aikido’s principles developed, I came to see weapons practice as a tool to help refine my form and apply the movements to taijutsu  (empty-handed practice). And in many ways, that’s exactly how it works for l

As my Aikido practice has deepened, I’ve had time to reflect on the initial thoughts and preconceptions that first drew me to the art. When I started, I immersed myself in reading about O’Sensei and watching as many videos of him as I could find. I noticed something striking - O’Sensei moved differently to all of his students, he seemed to embody something beyond form and technique. My understanding is that he never spoke of Aikido in terms of form or self-defence; for him, i

A Journey Into Aikido: From Health Goals To Lifelong Practice Upon turning 30, I realised that I was at the point in my life where I needed to take control of my health. I didn’t want to reach 40 or 50 and find myself so unhealthy that it affected my quality of life. I felt that if I made changes now, perhaps I could maintain the good health that I had so far taken for granted. I had never been particularly sporty, but I remembered enjoying martial arts as a child. I briefly