How does Aikido and Aikido of San Antonio improve the community?

People want to improve themselves and are constantly looking for a way, method or system to do it.  Parents are always looking for a way to give their children discipline but are turned off by the aggressive nature and competition-oriented of some martial art schools.

Aikido is a unique solution because it offers a martial art system which teaches how to become more at peace ourselves and others while offering a system of self-defense.   In addition, competitions in Aikido are forbidden so individuals improve themselves without the requirement of belittling others.

Given that Aikido provides a life enriching experience for those who practice it, the community and society naturally benefit.

What do you get from learning Aikido?

What you get out of Aikido depends on what you put into it.   But for those who put in their most sincere effort learn:

• a non-violent approach to conflict resolution
  It has been said "If the only tool you have is a hammer, all the problems in the world will look like nails."  This is truly the problem with many adults and children that grow up under violent conditions.  If the only thing they know is violence then how can they solve their problems without violence?
  The non-aggressive, cooperative approach to Aikido imbue the student with a sense of peace.  Knowing that Aikido techniques, while powerful and effective, can neutralize and attack while minimizing injury shows individuals that there are alternatives to violence and aggression.
• about their self-worth increasing their self esteem
  Due to the introspective nature of Aikido, students learn how to improve themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually through the practice of the principles of non-violence and meditative introspection.  Students must strive continually to overcome difficulties while practicing Aikido.  Studying a martial discipline that emphasizes principles of non-aggression while also be physically demanding leads to the evolution of the human spirit.  Students realize their own self worth as well as the worth of others.
• How to develop "centeredness."
  Centeredness. is a description of keeping calm and maintaining clear thinking during stressful situations.  This comes from constant practice of the physical techniques and meditation techniques.  Being centered also has a positive affect on people around you.  By learning to stay calm and focused you are able to increase overall well-being, react and deal with a variety situations peacefully.  This is definitely an improvement to the way many of us live our lives.
• How to truly concentrate
  Students learn how to concentrate their mind in a profoundly different way than just thinking hard about something.  This improves their physical being as well as improves their ability to perform in daily life with grace and simplicity.

How does Aikido change people fundamentally?

As a martial art, Aikido changes people because of its complete approach to mind, body discipline, and its fundamental principles are based on concepts of peace and harmony.

Many people in our community want a way, a method or a system of  bettering themselves.  Our visitors log shows that many people enter the dojo looking for the following reasons:

• to learn to relax and stay calm, even under stressful conditions
• to become more at peace
• to better themselves
• to protect themselves and their family in a non-aggressive manner

We recognize that people are mostly looking for a way to cultivate conditions of peacefulness and tranquility, but they also want a method to improve their physical health and to learn how to protect themselves.  In addition, people recognize there is inherent good in a disciplined life:  Living a life with discipline is to enjoy life more fully, not less.

Our society, unfortunately, doesn't readily cultivate conditions of peace and tranquility.  Instead mass media fills our brains with messages of revenge, hate and violence.   
Aikido fills the need for many people that they can't find anywhere else.  Aikido is a martial art requiring commitment, sacrifice, endurance, patience, humility and openness.  These virtues are cultivated through the physical practice of Aikido techniques.  Over time, the physical attributes play less of a critical role in a developing Aikidoist.  In order to further understand the principles of Aikido, they must spend more time being introspective of their own limitations, attitudes and temperament.

Through the introspective process we begin to see ourselves and others in a more unified sense.  We develop a sense of peace and understanding with the world around us.  Specifically, we start to develop wisdom which is the beginning of the transformative process that Aikido can bring about.  Ultimately wisdom gives birth to true compassion.  This is a virtue that is undeniably needed in our society.