Why do you practice?

Is that referring to anything you want to accomplish, like singing, guitar practicing, piano, baseball, sports, etc. I am not into Akido, but I am into singing, and whatever sports or art you practice, it is to be better than you were, and if the opportunity arises in which someone wants a demonstration of your skill, you do not fall flat on your face. Sometimes there is only one chance for an opportunity and you do not want to miss it.

I have terrible physical coordination, I smoke until I'm out of breathe, my stamina is pitiful, my temper gets ahead of me all the time. I didn't learn aikido to be able to fight since I'm not afraid of a fight, to me, it's just a matter of getting the other guy first. But ever since I started practicing aikido, I knew I didn't even have to fight at all. Also, I want something I can practice until I grow old, not like the other martial arts where the younger guys will beat you up eventually. And lastly, I'm determined to wear that hakama...

At first I started learning Aikido because I wanted to be good in martial arts. I was enticed with the martial arts concept and felt that I should also learn how to do it. But when I learned the ideals of Aikido I realized that these way of thinking is not what this art teaches. Aikido is a way of life and it's primary ideal is harmony and avoiding conflict. It also teaches humility, discipline, and respect. This is what I always keep in my mind whenever I step into the mats.

i train because i want to get fit. keep active and feel good about my self and of course to learn self defence

I practice to become better. I practice many things, my favorites are Aikido, and relationship building. The more you practice the better you become. As you grow, you become closer to the world, and begin to understand yourself better. This is why I practice.