Just a beginning
by Remi Lugand
It all started last September. As I was going to have plenty of free time, I decided I was going to learn a new sport. When I signed up for an aikido course, it wasn't a random choice. I had already heard about it in France. As far as I knew, it was a non-violent martial art based on using the strength of one's opponent. Men and women alike could practice it together, whatever their size, weight or age. I also had a picture of wooden sticks and swords.
I started, as a number of us did, with the course offered by the Toronto Board of Education. My first sensei was Oleg. Among the many questions on my mind when I came out of the first class was: "How can someone who practices aikido show so much energy, calm, self-control?" With the passing of weeks, I sensed there was probably something else behind the tireless repetition of movements.
I became aware that I still had a long way to go when I attended Fran's class. Aikido is probably about humility. I felt this especially in the seminar dedicated to Sam Shahin. Fran, who had seemed to have all the answers, was a student again. She was listening and asking herself questions about the techniques taught by Obata Sensei. The day after, she humbly told us what she had seen and understood. Alongside with us, she was looking for the path that leads to the perfect technique.
Writing about my beginnings in Aikido has made me think about what I've learnt so far and what I get out of aikido. I am fascinated by all the things I still have to learn.
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