How did you get into martial arts?
As with many people my age, I grew up watching Karate Kid, however, I kept on joining swimming clubs instead of taking martial arts. After seeing The Last Samurai I have decided it was time to revisit my martial arts interest. When I have moved to Edinburgh in 2010, Edinburgh Aikido Club was just 5min away from my University so I joined and have never left.

What do you enjoy most about it?
The most enjoyable factor of taking Aikido is the fact you are so focused on the practice, your mind is only thinks of that. Not only does it keep me fit and healthy but I have developed long lasting friendships over the decade I have been there.

How does martial art benefit your wellbeing?
Aikido gives me structure, somewhere I need to be, it keeps me active after being sat at my computer all day and since my sister moved to Canada with her family it gave me a distraction to forget about the sadness of being so far from them. Aikido club is a constant in my life, I can change houses or jobs but the club is always there for me.

Why do you recommend taking up martial arts?
Aikido developes confidence and also shapes you. You grow as a person, it makes you respect others and develops others. Martial Arts helps with mobility, coordination, and mentally, gives you a break from the outside world.

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