Why practice Aikido

Aikido allows you to answer the question: What am I searching for? People come to us for many reasons and often find that what they get out of aikido is something they didn't even know they were searching for.

Benefits of Aikido (Based on comments made by our students)

Physical	Social	Mental	Spiritual
Improved health, flexibility, balance, stamina & endurance Weight loss, increased lung and heart capacity More energy - more of a feeling of being alive Develop gracefulness and agility that can carry over into life activities	Participate with your family, spouse or friend Improved relationships at home and work Community of friends Meet people with common interests Friendships Social event A place for fun and play Peaceful atmosphere	Better self-discipline Increased ability to see other people's perspective Greater sense of composure and calmness throughout the day Increased self-confidence and sense of control Sense of structure in life Reduced anger and other aggressive feelings Calm under attack (both physical and verbal) Relearning how to learn Great way to reduce stress (leave your worries off the mat). Non-competitive atmosphere	Well-rounded path of self-development Spiritual path consistent with one's core beliefs Teaches us to bring ourselves into harmony with our own energy, and with the energy of the world around us A source of learning that is never exhausted

Summary

Aikido does not rely on size or strength for its effectiveness, but rather uses timing, body dynamics, and centered movement. Moving from the centre, creates relaxed posture, physical and mental balance.

Training harmonizes body, mind, and spirit and enables the student to encounter stressful circumstances without being thrown off kilter. It also creates a resiliency of the body and an openness of the mind — qualities needed in our society, and our daily lives.

Students start Aikido for physical fitness, for self-defence, or because they are fascinated by the philosophy. Any reason to start is a good one. They often find, as they continue to practice, that they are enjoying themselves, because Aikido is fun.

Amost for any other sport activity there is a limit for how long you can practice. Can you imagine playing football or practice boxing at the age of 70 and be as good as you were 20 years ago? The miracle of Aikido is that you can practice your entire life without having your skills degraded.