Sunday, July 20, 2008 Aikido kids making waves By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
MINDANAO takes pride in six young guns who recently became new shodans or black belt holders in aikido, a Japanese martial art anchored on self-defense.
The six kids represent the first batch of young aikido blackbelts from the Ateneo de Davao Aikido Club headed by Ma. Lourdes "Marielle" Macapawa. They are 17-year-old Felix Lorenzo Sato II, and 16-year-olds Sheldon Walter Wong, Leandro Victor Arcena, Kevin Joshua Ian Abella, Johndon Edd Magallanes, and Nina Margarita Castrillo.
Sato and company earned their title after participating in the Davao Mid-Year Aikido Seminar and First Dan Examinations held at the Matina Town Square last July 6. The examinations were conducted by aikido masters Jun Nomoto Sensei, a 7th Dan, and Reggie Cinches, a 1st Dan.
The kids were joined by their parents during the successful examinations and were ecstatic on their new designations as aikido students.
"What I like most about aikido is the harmonious way of dealing with everything and how the techniques help me protect myself without putting all my strength into it, but instead using my opponent's strength and returning it to him," said Sato, a first year nursing student at the San Pedro College.
"I can apply aikido's principles in my day-to-day activities. Aikido shows me that violence is not an answer," added Sato, who is also the vice president of the Ateneo de Davao Aikido Club.
Arcena is a BS Biology student of the Ateneo de Manila University in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
"It's fulfilling to practice aikido. It has made my life enjoyable," said Arcena, who likes basketball and running. He also plays the guitar.
Abella is a first year Accountancy student at the Ateneo de Davao University and says that aikido serves as his training ground for self-defense, peace and harmony. "Aikido is a huge part of my life right now because by practicing this kind of martial art, I learn how to be myself and be a better person," he said.
Wong is a fourth year student at the Ateneo de Davao High School. A consistent honor student, he is the president of the Ateneo de Davao Aikido Club and the vice president of the Ateneo Student Executive Council. He is often sent to interschool competitions in Math and Science.
"What made me stay in aikido was the experience, the discipline, the lessons, and the classmates, my good friends," Wong said.
Magallanes is a first year engineering student at the San Carlos University in Cebu City, while Castrillo is a third year student at the Davao City National High School.
"I love aikido. I learned how to protect myself. I gained a lot of confidence. Aikido is crafty and artistic," Magallanes said.
"I love aikido because it doesn't promote fighting but peace and harmony. Aikido is like a part of me now. I learned how to make friends and how to act like myself and not to be afraid of whatever other people think, especially when I make mistakes," said Castrillo, an honor student.
Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba, who is often referred to by his title "O Sensei" or "Great Teacher."
Aikido is based on the principles of non-violence and non-resistance. It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement.
Makes one not to wonder why the kids fell in love with this kind of art, and no less than Macapawa, their chief instructor, is so inspired to develop their skills.
To her, aikido teaches practical everyday skills that will help children stay clear-headed and focused at school, during sports, and in social and emotional situations.
"Children learn respect for themselves and their classmates, self-discipline, focus, coordination, and confidence. Aikido teaches them to deal with conflict in a calm, centered, balanced and non-aggressive way," Macapawa said.
And with Macapawa successfully instilling good values to them, the kids are grateful to their Marielle Sensei.
"She instilled discipline in us, and is part of the reason why we stayed in aikido for so long. But at the same time, she still maintained her motherly demeanor towards us," Wong said.
