Scott Bush

When I was in college I studied Butokukan karate for nearly three years. It was an excellent experience and I was in the best shape of my life. Other than a brief iaido class in 2004 and an even briefer stint at a very informal kung-fu class in 2002, I’ve not studied a martial art for nearly ten years. Years of intermittent yoga classes have kept me limber, but it’s not the same as the training, discipline, and—truth be told—occasional injuries of karate. And aikido… it’s incredible. As much mental as physical, this is an art that has amazing potential.

Karate

My wife and I began classes at the NW Martial Arts dojo in Bothell at the end of August, less than a month after it opened. We’d been walking around the area after dinner and saw students training and, to my surprise, Crystal grabbed a pamphlet from the board outside. A week later we were in our first class, clad in my old, ripped gis and excited to train.

It was encouraging that my body “remembered” so much of my earlier training: keep your hands up at all times; kicking consists of four parts (leg up, out, back, and down); punch with your first two knuckles, and twist as you make contact; keep your head the same height as you move and kick, etc.

There’s a nice mix of people in the class. After a month of classes twice a week, I’d say there’s an average of five or six students to the two instructors; a very good ratio. Some students are new to karate but practice aikido. Others have trained for years, and some—like my wife—are new to martial arts. It’s a good atmosphere, too. Everyone is there to learn and get a work out rather than show off or actually beat up on someone. Plus, our friend Dylan enrolled, too!

Aikido

It’s going to be hard to describe aikido if you’re not familiar with it. It’s called “the way of peace” by its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, and it is amazing. Here’s a brief description from NW Martial Arts website:

Aikido consists of throwing and restraining techniques derived from ancient battlefield arts. Our system of Aikido, known as Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, utilizes the power of calm relaxation in its techniques. Emphasis is placed on natural movements and timing. Students can expect to learn not only unarmed techniques against attacks, but basic swordsmanship, staff, meditation, mind and body coordination training, and disarming techniques. Aikido focuses on neutralizing aggression by redirecting the power of an attack, thus avoiding injury to the opponent.

So far I am enthralled with this art. Its peaceful nature really appeals to me, as does the ability to effortlessly defend myself if grabbed or shoved. I’ve also borrowed some aikido books from another aikidoka (aikido student) and friend and am learning about the other aspects of the art. There’s a strong philosophical side to its practice, though that is not emphasized in the class I’m taking. Essentially it’s a defensive, peaceful art in which you strive to not be hurt by your attacker, yet also not hurt them.

I’ll write more on this topic as I learn fascinating new techniques and insights. Right now I’m just back from class and need to stretch my wrists back out after a session of sankyo, or “third technique.”

I heard this morning that the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a new record: 14,111. Is it just me, or are you confused, too. I thought we were likely to head into a recession? Didn’t Alan Greenspan say so about two weeks ago? Okay, to be fair, he said we had greater than a “one in three,” but “less than 50%” chance, but still. And what is going on with diary prices? I buy organic milk so I’m used to paying an exorbitant amount for a quart but it’s still  not good news. Oh, and since I work for a homebuilder I know first-hand about the falloff in new housing starts. Throw it all in a pot, stir in some unease about global warming, add a pinch of worry about terrorist plots, and you’ve got yourself a nice hot cup of economic uncertainty.

Hmmm. Guess I’ve been thinking about the economy when I’ve not been thinking about Cammoflauge Back Massage.