Aikido -- the Path?

[Adam]

So... do you think of aikido as a path, or a road map or compass to help you along
"The Path ^TM?"

Perhaps aikido is just your walking stick?

No wrong answers here. Heck, you may not even be on a path. You may just like aikido for its own sake.

[Your humble admin just checking with the membership]

[J. Nachtrab]

Heck, you may not even be on a path. You may just like aikido for its own sake.

I would have to go with that approach.  I don't think of aikido as the central focus in my life, nor is it the primary vehicle for self-improvement or growth as a person.  That said, it is a large influence on the rest of my life.  Aikido training has always been a very successful way for me to push the boundaries of what I think I can and can't do.  

It's also a very balancing and calming influence that helps me keep perspective.  I once tried to explain it to someone like this:  when you learn to control the immediate physical conflict and danger around you, the rest of life's social and mental pressures seem a lot less daunting.

[Adam]

Jason referring to aikido:

That said, it is a large influence on the rest of my life.

Jason, you kinda beat me to the punch. I was going to add that my path involves being as good a father as I can be, and then, [insert your quote here]. Aikido is one of my main tools to help me along this important path.

Of course, I wouldn't mind making a few side trips into the land of wealth, but that's for another forum.

thanks,
Adam

[RickB]

"The path."  I guess I think of it more as "a" path (or "way") . . . to union with ki.    I truly do believe the art was appropriately and wisely named.

By the way, what is this "TM" supposed to mean?  Are you (or someone else) claiming this as intellectual property?    Legal minds need to know.  

[Adam]

By the way, what is this "TM" supposed to mean?  Are you (or someone else) claiming this as intellectual property?    Legal minds need to know.  

The Path ™ cannot be property, can it? However, you can use a Trademark without legally claiming ownership, as I understand it. Not to be confused with The One True Way^®.

[fallen angel]

personally no I disagree it is not the only way I belive any martial arts can be used such as for me muy thai or my own style which is amix of muy thai shotan karate and street fighting

[missionsix]

I think of it not as the path, but the way through the path. New aikidoka here and feel that after 37 years without spirituality, I have found it in my (life) training.