Learning has no end (part 1)

March 2025

At the end of last year, two students, both aged 66, started classes at roughly the same time. One had previous Aikido experience, so did not have much difficulty adjusting. The other student was overcoming an illness and moving itself was not so easy. Despite this, though his class was only once a week, he made sure to practice everyday. Now, he is unrecognizable in his agility and physical understanding compared to when he first started.  

While physical recovery (regeneration) and becoming healthier in general is not the main goal, it is a definite side effect, regardless of age, when we practice Hapkiyusul. Stiff becomes flexible, delicate and shaky turns into strength and stability. Through this practice, our skin and bone density gets higher and our joints and ligaments become stronger and more resilient.

It’s not just the physical aspect, however.  Personalities can change. A timid one can find courage and confidence and a forceful one can become gentler.