Attitude in Aikido

I recently was just raring to learn new techniques and new moves ... Little did i realise that in drilling my "old" techniques and basics as Sensei had mentioned time and time again i am refining and rediscovering hidden treasures so easily overlooked. Frustration has become my friend. I am frustrated because i'm passionate about learning new things in Aikido and if i don't improve upon practise - i get dismayed. Then again perseverence and determination comes in. I remember an old Samurai code: between talent, skill and determination - always choose determination. So determined that i should persist regardless of failure, regardless of countless frustrations, regardless of outcome. ... because the process of perserverence is the forging of the human character - the forging of a martial artist's quest to be one with the cosmic breath.

And then behold ... recently in a class Sensei reminded us that any technique, dug deeply enough to make it a "root technique" after drills and countless drills again and again ... explored and studied deeply ... how ever basic or simple will blossom into the profound and advanced movements of "feel, connection and no technique" all together. From simple to complicated and full of intricacies. From pure to mysterious. Osu ...

Keep going to the classes. Keep practising at home. Keep at it. Keep on digging and ...never ... never, ever give up (how do you think Sensei did it?)