From the edge of the mat
by Claire F. Wootten
Aikido has been a part of my life for almost 15 years. For a while, it seemed as though everyone around me—spouse, friends, acquaintances—were all practicing aikidoists. Everyone, that is, except me. I briefly entertained the idea of joining the ranks, but my body was already deeply resentful of the pounding it was encountering as a professional dancer and teacher. After long, sweaty hours in a studio, the idea of spending personal time moving seemed positively absurd. My lack of direct personal contact with aikido has not precluded a lasting impression. I have observed many classes and tests over the years and could always relate to the choreographic nature of this art. The trace forms created by its flowing, circular style are fascinating. It is beautiful.
Now I find myself with a nine-year-old daughter who studies at the Bloor Valley Club branch of Aikido Shugyo Dojo. It started innocently enough. Taylor had become too old for the daycare on Saturday mornings, while her mother went on a ritual quest for her personal Holy Grail—her abdominals! Being familiar with aikido, I had no qualms about enrolling her. She was a relatively easy sell as she had, by this time, spent numerous hours at her father's dojo. For quite some time, Taylor was the only regular attendee. Naturally, she loved all the personal attention given by Amir and Kate and, as a result, showed considerable improvement. This month she will be testing for 7th kyu. Taylor is a "senior" in the children's class and continues to think of aikido as fun.
As a parent, I have become aware of benefits that reach far beyond my original expectations. The study of aikido has given my daughter a knowledge of her body, a sense of pride and achievement, self-discipline and exposure to non-Western culture. My hope is that she will sail through her teen years and into adulthood with a well-developed sense of self, a healthy body image and a respect for people and cultures unfamiliar. These are attributes that I could not have fostered in Taylor on my own. Fun? Absolutely—and so much more!
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