Today, I’m speaking with Marcus Suarez, 6th Kyu
Weiner Sensei: What led you to Aikido?
Marcus-san: I have been boxing on my own for several years, and while I love the physical aspect I wanted to find something that would also incorporate a mental discipline. When I discovered O’Sensei’s teachings and philosophies I knew Aikido was what I was looking for.
Weiner Sensei: How would you describe class at our dojo?
Marcus-san: The best way I can think to describe our classes is cooperative. One aspect of the Aikido tradition is that each student trains with every other student, no matter the experience level. This creates a wonderfully interactive way of learning, teaching, and getting to know those training with you.
Weiner Sensei: What are your short term goals as a student?
Marcus-san: In the short term I would like to develop my ukemi. Physically I would like to learn breakfalls and focus on smooth transitions into and out of my rolls and falls. I also hope to better understand what is expected of me as uke in the commitment, connection, and flexibility of the attack so that I might best serve nage.
Weiner Sensei: What are your long term goals as a student?
Marcus-san: It may sound strange in an activity that ranks progression, but I can honestly say that I don’t have any long term goals other than to keep actively participating in class as much as possible. I find that I learn so much from everyone I train with individually that the next opportunity to do so as a dedicated participant is somewhat of a goal in itself.
Weiner Sensei: What does it take to be a committed student?
Marcus-san: Being a committed student entails participating in class as much as possible as that is the only way to really learn the techinques. However, as someone whose work frequently intereferes with my ability to participate I think commitment is also in how one trains during class. A focused mind and determined effort on the mat yeild the best results. Personally, I believe commitment to the principles of Aikido in everyday life are also of utmost importance.
For more Student Spotlights like “I’m speaking with Marcus Suarez, 6th Kyu” check back to our blog regularly.
5 Questions with our Chief Instructor – Part 2
5 Questions with our Chief Instructor – Part 2 Jared Heintz: Aikido is often praised for its applicability in self-defense situations. Could you discuss how Aikido techniques can be adapted to real-world scenarios, and what mindset one should cultivate in such situations? Weiner Sensei: As I approach 25 years of Aikido practice, I’ve realized that…
Rank Testing Bowing Reiho – Advanced
Rank Testing Bowing Reiho – Advanced Andy Demko Shihan likes to say, “The little things don’t mean a lot, they mean everything”. Everyone who has practiced in our dojo or visited has seen that we take Reiho (Etiquette) pretty seriously. In all that we do, practice. Bowing. Addressing each other & more. I learned a…
Sensei
Sensei 先生 The two characters that make up the term can be directly translated as “born before,” and imply one who teaches based on wisdom gained from age and experience. In general usage, it is used, with proper form, after a person’s name and means “teacher.” In Japan, the word is also used as a…