Growing and Changing with Aikido

by Tracy Olive

The walls of Nippon Kan have seen me pass through many life changes; and I hope it will see many more. My journey in Aikido started 8 years ago when I was a single gal, just out of college. I joined the beginner’s class because I wanted to try a martial art without having to break boards. I learned how to fall, do some resemblance of kotogaishi and iriminage. I really enjoyed the movement of Aikido, and the interaction with the other members of the dojo. I also met new friends; one of whom became my boyfriend.

After taking a couple of months off, I decided I really missed Aikido. So I returned, and committed a lot of time and energy into my practice; six to 10 practices per week. It was then that I started becoming more engaged in the Nippon Kan community service aspect of Aikido training. I helped to organize and lead the community service projects and I was a consistent member of the team that would serve meals to the homeless once a month. I learned how to organize and cook Japanese curry for 250. So now, along with koshinage and rondori, Nippon Kan was giving me experience in planning and organizing events and groups of people.

In my personal life, my boyfriend became my husband. Aikido was something that we did for ourselves as individuals, but shared as a couple. It added a unique dimension to our relationship, both on and off of the mat.

Next came the building of the new dojo. Here was the chance to help put sweat into the dojo in a unique way: by building it. Time was spent hanging drywall, laying carpet, polishing wood and sewing curtains. It was a wonderful transformation to watch happen, and an even better accomplishment knowing that I was an active part of it.

In 1998, my husband and I were chosen by Homma Sensei to become part of the cultural exchange program of Nippon Kan. We were selected to spend 6 months in a village called Higashi Naruse Mura in northern Japan. It was a wonderful experience that expanded my horizons, and made the world a smaller place. I spent 6 months learning the Japanese language and culture, cooking and Taiko (Japanese drumming). I did get to practice Aikido a few times; but the main Aikido that I was doing was observing, and trying to learn and move with a culture that is completely different from my own.

After returning from Japan, I continued to build my life and relationships, and practice my Aikido. I was given the opportunity to be a technical instructor at Nippon Kan—seeing an Aikido class from a different perspective. About a year ago, I found out I was carrying a life inside of me. I continued my relationship with the dojo, but learned how to continue my Aikido practice in a different way. I continued to be a part of the activities of the dojo; volunteer projects, activities, creating t-shirts, watching seminars. In May I became the mom of a beautiful baby girl.

My baby girl saw her first Aikido practice at 2 weeks of age. Now she sits on the side of the mat, in her car seat and watches mom and dad once a week during technical class. At times she coos her input on the technique that is being taught. I sometimes have to excuse myself from the mat to return a binki to her mouth. It is wonderful to be practicing Aikido, surrounded by my husband, my daughter, and wonderful friends.

My daughter has already been to her first Spring Volunteer workday, on July 15 at City Park. It is important to me and my husband to teach our daughter the importance of community service and volunteer work.

I hope in the future to see my baby girl crawling on the mat, toddling around the dojo, continuing to be at the volunteer days, and eventually participating in the kid’s class. It is a wonderful feeling to know that Aikido training continues through the changes of life.