Sensei Berry on Aikido

Many, when making a choice, would consider choosing a very casual endeavor. Few, if any, realize how far-reaching their decisions can be. When you choose, you make a statement. You make a declaration to the universe. For instance, I receive phone call after phone call from people wishing to gain martial skills with no real understanding of the commitment required. They see movies of men and women using impressive techniques after only rudimentary training cycles, showing time chopped into days and weeks. They think that black belt equals expert and in ten easy lessons. Well, to be honest, maybe they really believe it will take five or six months. Or they want me to transform their undisciplined child into an amazing example of the youngest black belt in history.

People fail to realize that black belt does not signify the end, it is the end of the beginning. It means the beginning of serious study. When you enter a traditional dojo, two choices must be made, not one. The choice to pursue a pastime endeavor is what usually happens at first, but then comes the choice to change their way of thinking, the choice of participating in a life-altering experience. Or the choice of dropping out when the realization hits that choices are no easy task.

There are no chance encounters. Real choice was asked for long ago, it just may have been forgotten. How long ago?

I forgot.