The importance of showing up even if I really don't want to...
Hi, my name is Zach. I am 13 years old, and I have been practicing Aikido since I was 4 at Aikido of South Brooklyn. Aikido has taught me a lot throughout my life. The practice has not only taught me aikido. It has also taught me self-confidence.
Conversely, it has also taught me humility. Aikido has pushed me through some of the most challenging times of my life. For example, when I was young, I was constantly bullied. Aikido taught me how to escape that pit. For anyone with young children, I would suggest giving your kid classes at AOSB.
For me, aikido taught me confidence, humility, empathy, discipline, balance, and a good work ethic. Through the worst times, it lifted me up. When I was in the clouds, it brought me down. It gave me compassion for anyone, even an attacker. It taught me that even though one could hurt an attacker, that does not mean one should. It turned a 7-year-old unruly kid into a slightly less rowdy 13-year-old. As for balance, there is no moral connotation there: I just now literally have really good balance.
Aikido also taught me the importance of showing up even if I really don't want to. I can not come close to putting into words what Aikido has taught and given to me even for all that I said. The only thing I can really say is to try it yourself, see what you think. I bet you will like it.