So, a few days into the New Year, I hope that it is going well for you so far.
Statistically Monday 21st January is the bluest Monday of the year. I want to help you make sure that it is not.
There is no better time to come back to or to start Aikido. Full stop. Let me tell you why.
If you are thinking of trying Aikido for the first time you wont be alone. We have a core of new starters so we are spending a lot of time covering the basics which means that much of the teaching is really simple and accessible. The new starters have of course been made very welcome in the club and are already part of the team.
Make this year the one where you achieve that long term goal of reaching the next grade or level of proficiency. Maybe that elusive Shodan? We now have 6 black belt instructors in the club and a number of students who will be preparing to go for thier black belt test this year. Last year those going for thier Shodan were so keen that they did regular Saturday morning sessions at our new venue, Christie Miller Sports Centre in Melksham to prepare. And it worked, they passed with flying colours!
Taking up a new activity that engages and energises the body, mind and spirit will improve and enthuse all areas of your life. Pebbles in the pond. You will be amazed how the smallest changes reap big rewards over time. As the old saying goes, ‘Sowing an act creates a habit, sowing a habit creates a character and sowing a character creates a destiny.‘ Just the small one act of taking up a wholesome, healthy activity, with like minded companionship will reap rewards that are felt way beyond the walls of the dojo. Create the habit which has changed the lives of so many over the years.
Health is Wealth and exercise is the catalyst. As Jack Lalane said, ‘that’s what makes everything happen, your digestion, your elimination, your sex life, your skin, hair, everything about you depends on circulation. And how do you increase circulation? – Fun Exercise.
Martial Arts training is a fun and beneficial way to reap the benefits of exercise without the boredom of a gym or plodding the streets. According to Dr. Steven Blair of the University of South Carolina, just 30 minutes of exercise every day will garner all of the physical activity necessary to reduce your mortality rate by 50%.
According to Dr. Blair its not obesity that is shortening our lives, but lack of physical activity. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day will do this (think suburi, kettlebells, stretching, walking) and the evening is one of the best times to do this. Research shows that moderate exercise after a meal high in fat and calories can help immediately lower harmful levels of blood triglycerides.
And, you will be meeting regularly with some of the nicest, most genuine and helpful people you will ever have the pleasure to meet. I am immeasurably proud of the members of our club. They are always there for each other in support and friendship both on and off the mat. They are a very special group of people.
If you want to give yourself the best start to 2013 click here to sign up or sign back up and give yourself the energy, enthusiasm and motivation to make 2013 your best year yet. Monthly payments mean classes now start from as little as (£4.80 per session)
Still unsure – read what people are saying about training:
“Thank you Aikido, for welcoming me back on the mat after a year, for allowing me – for the small price of wearing the most unfetching outfit, trimming my nails down to nothing and bruising my arms to bits – to feel once again the magical flowing great buzz of beautiful aiki harmony, to throw great blackbelt men across the room again, and to experience that utterly exhausted sense of blissful peace at the end of the class.”
Miriam Zaccarelli
“Some of the most challenging and exciting moments of my life are connected to Seend Aikido club. I am thinking not only of Sensei Matt’s weekly classes but also his Woodland courses, Uchi Deshis, his amazing Aikido session amongst the megaliths of Stonehenge and last but not least my nail-biting shodan test. Until it actually happened, being awarded my black belt seemed very much like an impossible dream. When I look back on those unforgettable and truly life-changing moments, it is obvious that none of it would have happened without Sensei Matt’s inspiring teaching and vision. “Possibly the best Aikido dojo in the world” might sound like I am gushing but it is my sincere opinion.”
Isabelle Vinet
“The dojo is where we stand.” This commonly used quote in aikido truly represents Matt Hill’s ability to lead structured, safe and inspiring woodland courses. Matts skills lie in empowering the individual to look within and find that centre, the point of truth which connects us all to the universe”
Karl Durrant Templegate Aikido
“I first met Matt several years ago at an Aikido Seminar he organised, since then I have attended many Seminars, training sessions and Uchi Deshi experiences organised and run by Matt. I have found the experiences to be rewarding on many levels. Matt is an inspirational person, his welcoming friendly exterior belies an individual of immense character, determination and knowledge. On a practical level his seminars, events and training are all planned with military thoroughness, no detail is too small to ensure the smooth running of any endeavour. On a personal level no matter how big or complex the situation, Matt endeavours to ensure that each and every person is given the opportunity to grow and learn from the experience. I would heartily recommend anyone to grasp with both hands any opportunity to learn from such a gifted Teacher and communicator as Matt whether it be Aikido related or wild adventure themed. I for one have benefited greatly from Matt’s company and knowledge and fully intend to continue attending further courses and events as part of my own personal development journey.”
Phil Murrow
“My name is Paul Sparks and I attended Matt’s woodland Aikido course three years ago. I found it life changing for me as I confronted some personal fears, overcame them and went on to change my direction in life. I now have a successful organisation, www.lancashirebushcraft.co.uk , teach outdoor courses and activities regularly and become a permanent Aikido student of Matt. Matt is an inspirational teacher with lots to give to anyone who wishes to learn”
Paul Sparks
“Just wanted to thank you for a fantastic day on Saturday, really enjoyed it and took away some pretty profound realisations about my Aikido, my training and my general wellbeing. Truly inspired. Hope to see you again soon.”
Brian Murray.
Read more testimonials on the website here