I found aikido at a time when I was looking to balance my busy working life with more time for exercise, creativity and mindfulness. I’ve tried a number of martial arts in the past, but aikido is the only one I’ve found that meets all of these criteria.

I started aikido when I was quite young – eleven maybe? – so I don’t really remember why out of all the things I could have done I did this, but I’ll tell you for free that I’m so glad I did. It’s invigorating, it’s calming; it really keeps me going. Aikido has done so much for me over the years and I’m so grateful.

Recently I migrated to New Zealand, I was very excited to see Aikido in Wellington and decided to join in after a year or so when I’ve settled but just couldn’t resist the first free classes at Riai Aikido.

I started my Aikido journey over 16 months ago. In this time I have found a significant improvement in both my mental and physical state.

Physically, I have found that I have increased my balance and flexibility.

Mentally, I feel that I have found a better balance in my life, leading to a sense of calmness and relaxation.

The club is a great group of people – welcoming and genuine. Only after 16 months, I know that I am hooked and will be practicing the art for the rest of my life (or as long as physically able).

I liked the idea of doing a martial art but not an aggressive one, as I felt I wasn’t a particularly strong woman. Aikido appealed to me because from what I’d read, age, gender and size didn’t matter and I liked the idea of flowing movements.

With a young family, life is hectic but I love the clear-headed feeling I get from aikido and the positive way aikido offers in dealing with conflict.

When you really think about it, there is no ‘winner’ in a physical confrontation. Even if you are the guy still standing where is the long term payoff in injuring someone else? Of course, you don’t want to be the loser. But the cool thing about Aikido is that it provides a path for defending yourself while keeping the actual conflict to a minimum.