From my perspective, aikido is not just a martial art; it's also a vigorous path to gaining or regaining one's self discipline. The study and practice of aikido has left some impressions that I have predicted to gain, yet it has also established a few insights that I have never thought I would learn.
             The class was a lot more than I had first expected. There was so much focus used to learn and to practice a technique repeatedly, which was something that I was not very used to. Although it may seem that the techniques would be the most difficult thing to learn, the more advanced basic movements were most difficult to me. At the start of every class I find myself deeply focused on doing the movements slowly with proper form so that I would be able to correct myself of any mistakes. I am glad that these movements require a lot of focus because I believe that life also requires much focus. The strong focus in aikido reminds me that I shouldn't sit around and watch TV or play video games all day like I used to in the summer. My days would fly by over summer and seemed even appealing then because I was lazy, which didn't require much focus, although I remember feeling like I didn't accomplish anything at all. Putting more focus into the basic movements has helped me to take a step into concentrating on the more important aspects of my life.
             Back break falls. I revere the word because it reminds me of what training and discipline is all about. I have not felt so motivated to complete something in a long time. The feeling that I get after completing a whole set of the falls in proper technique is rewarding and such an accomplishment. Although it may be seen as only a small accomplishment, completing all of them every night up until now is a big accomplishment to me because it requires discipline, determination, and perseverance. Back break falls are little reminders for me that the road to achievement may be lon...