Daruma
by Alan Terakawa
The daruma is a traditional toy that kids get in Japan.
Basically, it's a decapitated doll head shaped like an egg. Its size makes it look as
though it was laid by an
ostrich. Parents give this toy to kids to teach them perseverance. The doll is weighted on
the bottom, so every attempt to knock it over results in it rolling right back up again.
Although I am two generations away from any connection to the land of the rising sun, my
mother told me she remembers playing with a daruma as a youngster. I suppose,
this toy supplied endless hours of fascination for kids who didn't grow up with video
games.
I thought about learning aikido fifteen years ago and took the time to watch classes at several dojos. I didn't start until thirteen years later. I managed to finish my first test a couple of years ago and then ended up taking a hiatus because of time constraints caused by work (that thing we have to do to make money to pay for big stuff like houses and cars). I started taking classes again about a year ago but only lasted a couple of months. I finally stopped because of lack of time. Now, I've come back once more. I like to think of this as "the daruma effect!"
It's great being back and seeing old friends who have all moved up a kyu or two, and
it's inspiring to see the advanced students wearing hakamas. It's a pleasure to be taking
lessons with Fran. I hope to be able to stick to it a little longer this time, but even if I
disappear again, it won't be forever.
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