Jennifer
Riai Aikido, Learning Centre AucklandI 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. It took some courage to come along initially but with friendly, encouraging teachers and members, it soon became something I looked forward to, especially once I learnt to roll! I’m now a second dan blackbelt (something I never imagined happening!). 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.