Better Late than Never - Graham Noble
If this collection of is directed at anyone, then it's the individual who looks
and quickly discards the thought of attempting a martial art; having arrived at a time
in their lives when conventional thinking seems to dictate far more sedentary outlet
for their energies. It's for those who remember Accrington Stanley winning!
Wolverhampton Wanderers playing Moscow Dynamos; being sent down to the grocer
for your mother to buy half a pound of broken biscuits - perhaps I exaggerate
just a little.
Having been reasonably active sport-wise in my long ago youth, I naturally encouraged my
children, at each and every opportunity, to participate in all sporting activities which
took their interest, and as you might guess passed on my endless knowledge to guarantee their
route to success.
One such opportunity took me to the Bath Sports Centre and while they ran, jumped or whatever,
I strolled over to a room which was being used by a somewhat motley group of individuals whose
main object appeared at first glance to be falling down and getting up. Closer inspection
confirmed this diagnosis, but let's be honest, to their credit they did find time for a smile
or two, and the age range of those participating was just wide enough to encourage me to think -
could this be for me!
As previously mentioned, I was nearly Olympic standard in all the sport I had previously tried
or that's what I told the children, but time was indeed dictating a gentle slide into the world
of skittles, village cricket, and the occasional game of cards. But hold on, what about a
martial art. Think of all the experience I could bring to it and looking at those involved in
falling down and getting up - well it could not take me long to grab it by the throat and
became an expert.
I determined to give it twelve months, for good or evil, and approached a certain Mr Paul
Mitton, advising him of my generous decision to donate my body and mind to Aikido for this
extensive period. I could see he was impressed, and underneath probably wondering how he
and Aikido had been so lucky to attract my attention.
"Why not" said Paul "I would very much appreciate having someone older than myself in the
club". He could, I'm sure, see at a glance my potential.
Let's face it my introduction was pretty ordinary. The reception was great and all seemed
to go out of their way to make me welcome. However, to describe my progress as slow would
be an understatement. What had looked at first glance nothing too difficult for an Olympic
standard athlete took on the mantle of impossibility. My body just did not want to get into
the position required and needless to say it was 'one small step' forward, followed by
one 'giant step' backwards. Aches and pains became the order of the day and the first hint
of a few self doubts began to creep in as to the wisdom of embarking on 'The Way of Harmony'.
However, after some five or six lessons I was just about able to keep up with the warm up
sessions and on top of all this occasionally raise a smile rather than a grimace.
As the weeks progressed it was more helpful to see other newcomers struggle with the same
aspect I had found impossible; what's more, when they were younger than me (and let's be
honest that was always the case) it was an immense bonus, making me entertain the prospect
that progress had indeed been made.
Reflecting now, I can honestly say I've been met with kindness and consideration all the way
and hope in some small way it has made me more considerate to the feelings of new members and
the importance of making them welcome. It costs very little.
Four years down the track I can without reservation say I enjoy each and every lesson and have
began to come to terms with the impossibility of attaining perfection which Aikido sometimes
appears to demand.
What have I learnt? Perhaps not too much on the technique side of things -I may not even achieve
Olympic standard -but I do hope I've learnt not to take myself too seriously and concentrate
on the challenge rather than myself.
Other benefits have included a wider circle of friends, an enhanced physical and mental
flexibility together with a challenge which, in my heart of hearts, I know is endless yet
still offers just sufficient to keep on trying.
I consider the instruction I have had to have been inspirational, with expectations being
made on me far in excess of my own sometimes conceived abilities. Just the thing for someone
about to give in to conventional thinking.
There it is then -a collection of some thoughts which, who knows, may not been too far
removed from your own, that is if you remember Accrington Stanley winning. I can only
recommend you come in and test the water. You have very little to lose, save a little
dignity whilst struggling to achieve the seemingly impossible.
No priceless wisdom to sign off with, but how about considering "lighten up", "cheer up"
and keep getting up.