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Aikido: The Way of Budo

                Aikido, the way of peace as stated by the Founder Morihei Ueshiba is a martial art of the warrior or presently known as The Way of Budo.

                I have been involved in the martial arts since 1999. I started training in Ki-Aikido under Talag sensei of KIAI (Ki Aikido Institute) I think they have changed the name of their organization. Unfortunately, I trained in their branches located in gyms (EXCEL gym), which were only populated during the summer months when parents would look for summer activities or classes for their children. After the summer, I would be the only one left and it I would be asked by the gym to continue my training elsewhere since there was no market in maintaining a single student. Then, I found a Traditional Aikido (Aikikai) dojo in a gym near UST (University of Santo Tomas) and I quickly signed up. From there I felt a different kind of training which was a real shock to me (training in Ki Aikido emphasized more on KI for beginners which involved KI testing, breathing, etc.). Aikikai training was more physical for me in the sense that it focused on the basic techniques and my sensei (Rodel Parilla) said that it would later evolve to higher forms of training (KI development). I quickly embraced this kind of Aikido for 3 months but I had to stop since I was restrained by my schedule because I was doing my thesis since I was a graduating student at that time. But in that short time, I felt that Aikido was the martial art for me.

                I continued my Ki Aikido training in the satellite branch of KIAI at SM MegaMall where I had more regularity of practice, but it was quite far to travel and the fees for practice became too much for me. I was training under the KIAI for almost a year before I became interested in the Gentle Way of Judo. Looking for a judo dojo was even more difficult than looking for a taekwondo, karate of aikido dojo. I was advised to go to PAJA (Philippine Amateur Judo Association) where I was warmly welcomed by Sir Emir P. Reyes. For a while I felt relaxed and contented in my Judo training, I adopted a healthy life style (diet, weightlifting) in order to run with the others, I made friends and I especially enjoyed the training, eventhough the dojo was far from home.

                But, things were not to be as I took up my diploma in Computer Studies, I had to cut short my Judo training which lasted a year. Since martial arts have been a lifestyle for me, I became interested in Kendo or Way of the Sword. I visited the Manila Kendo Club and even attended a single session. Eventhough I didn't formally started training in Kendo, I enjoyed my short visit and training, but again unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. As I felt outcasted by fellow filipino kendo practitioners (ironic), the more welcoming and willing to teach where the foreigners (japanese, australian.. etc). I really became disappointed since it showed arrogance and colonial mentality of the Filipino.

                I took a short break from martial arts and became focused on my studies but occasionally I would drop by the Judo dojo whenever I had the time. Then came that fateful day when my Father asked me if I still practiced Aikido. I said that I had difficulty in my schedule attending practice and he said that someone was putting up an aikido dojo in the Philippine Heart Center. I went to Philippine Heart Center the following week and finally, I found home. From then on I knew that I would strive to reach blackbelt and I fully embraced the Way, not only on the mats but also outside the dojo doors. I met the greatest sensei (Cris Buenaseda) and made real friends, I improved socially and physically and then I truly felt and understood what the Founder Morihei Ueshiba said that Aikido helps one to be a good person.

                I was awarded Shodan (1^st degree blackbelt) on February 8, 2005 by Shigeru Sugawara Shihan from Hombu Dojo, and presently I'm still very much involved in my Aikido training, eventhough I'm still recovering from an injury.

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