Self Improvement and Cooperation

The path toward self-improvement must begin somewhere. Aikido can help.

Rockford Aikido isn't for everyone, though. In fact, we don't want just anyone, or everyone. If you don't have the proper attitude, look elsewhere. Technical proficiency in a martial art is an easier goal to attain than that of personal growth and improvement. We are interested in those seeking both.

Although both of these goals require a lifetime of commitment, it is considerably easier to make the sort of sacrifices and efforts required for technical skill in aikido than it is to make the sacrifices and efforts required for substantive personal improvement.

Someone may have superb technical ability and yet be viewed by others as a self-centered and inconsiderate bully. If you take seriously the notion that part of your aikido training should aim towards self-improvement, remember to consider how you will be viewed by others.

At Rockford Aikikai we work together through cooperation for both technical and self improvement!

A cooperative attitude in training maintains a regard for the safety and wellbeing of your partners. This attitude of concern for others can then be extended to other situations outside of the practice of aikido. In other words, a cooperative mindset in aikido practice can reach directly into self-improvement in your daily life.

Cooperative training also facilitates the abandonment of a competitive mind-set.