Understanding My Own Body

It has only been three weeks since starting Yoshinkan Aikido and already I am beginning to understand that I am so ignorant about my own body. The Kihon Dosa, the basic set of stances and movements, are designed to improve posture and develop proper body weight distribution. Strength is not the aim of Aikido but rather the correct distribution of body weight applied through maintaining a strong centre line through the alignment of hips and shoulders. It is this alignment of hips and shoulders and centring of the body that is so difficult as a novice. The angle of the feet, the width of the stance and the distribution of body weight in a forward direction through the centre line are all crucial. These movements are painful for the person, like myself, not accustomed to them. Yet they will bear fruit further into my training and indeed Kamae and the Kihon Dosa are the basis of all Yoshinkan Waza. I am happy to practise and drill these basic movements as I know and can already see in my sensei that they will produce a strong core and foundation for my Aikido journey. A journey of self development and discovery.