Today, I’m speaking with Jim Hyde, 2nd Dan.
Weiner Sensei: What led you to Aikido?
Jim-san: I always wanted to do marital arts. When I got out of college, I did research into what style I was interested in and Aikido was at the top of the list, because it had a reputation of being challenging and it was not style that relied on competition for advancement, such as Judo, Jiu-Jutsu, etc. Everything I read, though, said that the most important decision factor was the quality of the dojo and the instructors and Aikido of Charlotte impressed me at the time in both aspects.
Weiner Sensei: How would you describe class at our dojo?
Jim-san: Class is a combination of light-hearted and serious. Everyone takes their training seriously and tries to work hard through techniques, getting the repetitions in they need. However, everyone is enjoying themselves at the same time. Class needs to be fun for people to enjoy learning and I think that we excel at fostering that atmosphere.
Weiner Sensei: What are your short term goals as a student?
Jim-san: Make it to class three days a week, every week.
Weiner Sensei: What are your long term goals as a student?
Jim-san: Improve my teaching ability and prepare to test for 3rd Dan.
Weiner Sensei: What does it take to be a committed student?
Jim-san: It takes goals, whether that’s the next rank, perfecting ukemi, improving throws, etc. and understanding the level and frequency of practice that’s required to meet those goals. It also takes trust that your instructors and sempai are there to help lead you to success in your goals and then a level of selflessness that involves helping your kohai achieve their goals.
For more Student Spotlights like “Today, I’m speaking with Jim Hyde, 2nd Dan” 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…