Comments on: Time to leave?

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:16:42 +0000

We grow old ,we get wiser.
One philosopher said the more you know the lonelier you get.
Maybe a little time of self reflection or a short vacation would help.

By: Mark Yerger

Mark Yerger — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:06:58 +0000

Sensei (a name I will always associate with you)
Your words were exactly what was in my mind when I took my hiatus, which is still going on.
The enthusiasm was gone. I dreaded walking up the stairs. I caught myself numerous times looking at the clock, saying to myself “30 more minutes”. I was usually the first one out of the door.

Aikido is something that entrenches itself into you. You live and breathe it every day.

I have moved onto other things, if they are more fulfilling to me than Aikido…only time will tell.

However, I am still on a path, trying to figure out my destination

By: Steve Voelker

Steve Voelker — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:02:28 +0000

Although I have not set foot in your dojo in almost ten years, I still consider myself your student. Just last night I spent an hour extolling the virtues of Aikido and your unique approach and unparalleled teaching ability ability to a friend of mine who is interested in starting martial arts training.

Know that your impact on people’s lives extends well beyond the dojo walls. No matter your decision, your presence will live on in the hearts and minds of many.

Thank you.

By: Nick O.

Nick O. — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:05:24 +0000

Sensei,

I am sincerely hoping that you understand at this moment that you are not merely a teacher, but also a friend who is deeply cared about by many of his students. I cannot speak for others, but I believe based on my own understanding that those who care about you as a person will always encourage the decisions that will be best for you.

I cannot provide you with insight, but I give you what I have: my earnest wish that your decision will bring you happiness.

Nick Orlov

By: Myriam

Myriam — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:42:34 +0000

It takes courage to share this…. Thank you so much!.

By: yoko

yoko — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:32:51 +0000

Sensei,

This post touched me very deeply. You may remember that I had written about this very subject about a year ago, and you and I had talked about this as well. I firmly believe that you have the answers in your heart (and soul and mind) and that you will soon see the direction you want to take.

By: Karl Farbman

Karl Farbman — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:57:05 +0000

Nobody likes a quitter.

By: Judy Warner

Judy Warner — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:46:25 +0000

Rick, You were one of the first faces I looked for yesterday – so much still to learn from you. I was looking forward to leaning on your advice. Leon is, of course, correct but it would be great to talk sometime, hopefully before your final decision.

By: Ron Ragusa

Ron Ragusa — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:39:27 +0000

Hi Rick -

Perhaps the time has come for you to forge your own Aikido path. It sounds to me like you’ve reached the same point I did nine years ago. Instead of leaving Aikido I chose to let my Aikido out and flourish.

It pained me greatly to leave Kokikai, knowing as I did, that Sensei would not understand despite my very detailed and respectful letter of resignation. However, my growth in Aikido as one of his students had reached an end.

Your choice will, I suspect, be no easier than was mine. But I think that life altering decisions are not meant to be easy; that the very difficulties they present hold within them the greatest rewards.

Let me know if you ever plan to be out our way here in the Berkshires. Mary and I would enjoy having you practice with us. Dinner’s on us.

All the Best,

Ron

By: Dave Shevitz

Dave Shevitz — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:00:16 +0000

Sensei,

I respect whatever decision you choose is best for you, and I am inspired by the strength of character it takes to write something like this.

Regardless of the path you take, I hope you will still consider visiting us in the Northwest sometime this year.

Sincerely,

Dave Shevitz