This week I talked two people out of resigning from our programme, and they joined my current study group to keep up with the pace. That's five in total. Not gonna lie, this place is hard, and it goes double for competitive types (i.e. nearly everyone), but that doesn't mean we don't have each other's back. nowaypablo's comments about life/attitudes at WP didn't go amiss. I hope you're doing well! Yesterday I delivered a presentation about my research project to a mock symposium composed mostly of senior staff and other students. After q&a, I had to do the only proper thing: approach the professors who asked all of those measurement-oriented questions and get them to explain what I messed up. That took most of yesterday and today, and I was invited to see a similar setup next week. It was a lot of fun and it always takes me by surprise just how most of the seniors here are eager to teach. Didn't happen much outside of studies/research, unfortunately. The girl I mentioned last time fizzled out, but at least I can honestly say it's for the better. Aikido is a lot of fun, though, at some point, I hope to learn something beyond hitting the floor safely. Gonna give it a few months more and see where it goes from there. Barely had the time to even lurk around here, and I miss you all.
Wow what a throwback. I resent that anything I say on Hubski is held to any regard, but I appreciate it. I'm 6 months away from snatching my diploma and commission and getting out of here. How did the follow-up mock symposium go? I wonder if you improved on the feedback or overthink and oversell like I do. Aikido is such a cool martial art especially for its philosophy. Much respect. Luckily you have a mat so the harder you hit the ground, the more bounce you get on your way back up. edit: hijacking your conversation with applewood, you should seriously hop in for an hour or two at that Sambo spot. And report back. I hope to learn something beyond hitting the floor safely.
We didn't do a follow-up. I went for their help because it annoyed the hell out of me for not having even considered those kinds of questions (e.g. how the hell would I confirm my theory). Symposium was to familiarise us with the format, and for staff to get the gist of what us PhD freshmen could do on our own in two months/how are we handling it. This week, I spent all of my free time in the experimentalists building trying to get myself up to speed with their methodologies. The gap between theoretical and experimental physics is almost comically wide in some respects, and I definitely should be putting more effort to bridge it. We already got new assignments, though. I'll get to see if I improve/learn my lesson in February. As I said, we shall see about Sambo. I'm not a fan of sparring with guys who likely have my entire bodyweight in muscle, but the interest both of you showed makes me intrigued enough to try it at some point.
Unless the gym spars at a real high intensity, you shouldn't have an issue because people will take your size and weight into consideration. If the gym does spar at a real high intensity, especially frequently, that's a big red flag that the gym is an unsafe environment because that alone greatly increases the risk of injury. When it comes to things like learning techniques and running drills, you can easily work with people who have twenty to fifty pounds on you, because the focus shouldn't be on overcoming the person working opposite from you, but learning the body motions and the theories behind the techniques. Case in point? One class I had a judo partner who was over a foot taller than me and had me by at least fifty pounds, if not more, and they worked with me so well and were so helpful, I didn't even notice the size difference. No pressure though. You gotta do and worry about what feels safe and comfortable for you.I'm not a fan of sparring with guys who likely have my entire bodyweight in muscle, but the interest both of you showed makes me intrigued enough to try it at some point.
Are you just looking for staying healthy or do you have self defense in mind? Have you considered giving Judo or Wrestling a shot? I ask, because Aikido is great if you're curious or just looking to stay active, but if you're looking to martial arts with the additional goal of finding a style that is practical and effective for self defense, competitive sports, etc., Judo and Wrestling benefit both from having not only a more cohesive and straightforward vocabulary of techniques, but the additional ability to practice competitively also allows you to develop familiarity and confidence in both the techniques as well as your own body. You live a lot closer to the region than I do, so while it was never an option for me, Sambo might be worth looking into as well, for the same reasons stated above. Personally, I did Karate growing up, a little Judo in college, and finally Boxing as an adult, but that was disastrously short lived, which is a shame because I fell in love with it. If I had a chance to do it all over again, I would have stuck with Judo. Also, this goes without saying, but please don't fight fight. We're all too good for that. :)Aikido
Mostly self-confidence and it's a decent group activity. I hadn't worked out with other people in quite a long while. My choice of aikido was predicated on already having some exposure to it and not hating it. The 'landing on the floor' part was a bit tongue-in-cheek, though it does begin to feel samey despite the fact I know it's one of the pillars of this high-mobility sport. Time will tell. Judo isn't taught anywhere where I'd be willing to commute after work, and that goes quintuple for wrestling. Sambo is viable, there's even a place for it close to where I TA, but I'd rather stick to what I have now rather than switch one intro for another. Really, I think that part of the problem is that I'm not passionate about it. My last homework gave me more of a rush than any martial art or fight done so far, so it's a bit hollow but better than not doing anything.