Escalator warnings. Noted.

 You know back when your parents told you if you cross your eyes, your face would get stuck that way but you secretly knew it would never happen? Well, don't make that mistake with escalator safety. It is not in fact like that...

After the escalator was stopped and before a band of security
guards came to cut my skirt out of the escalator
with craft scissors.

The escalator at the National Library of Singapore: 1

My skirt: -4 inches off the bottom 

But you can see why it could get confusing:

So, lesson learned. 

Aikid-you not.

My vision for my first day of Aikido: 

Reality: 

Martial Arts is no walk in the park. After trying several different traditions, I have officially become a deshi (student) of Aikido. I was so moved by what it stood for, the Sensei (teacher) at my Bishan Community Centre dojo (training centre), and the hearts of the Aikidokas (practitioners of Aikido) and so here we go. 

Let's talk Aikido (Eye-key-doe)

Ai = harmony, Ki = spirit, Do = The Way or Path
(For more vocab)

Aikido (合気道) is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba and is often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy” or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury. Aikido focuses on using the attackers' negative force against him/her--to not push back but to pull when an attacker pushes, to use the attacker's momentum to disarm.

Sensei Kelly Tan with Steven Seagal

To the right is my Sensei (Kelly Tan) doing a demo in Singapore

My teacher, Sensei Kelly Tan always stresses taking care of each other during practice and creates an atmosphere where the Yundanshas (Black belt holders) guide the kohais (junior students...me). They are so patient with me, the only ang mo in the class. The only trouble is it's a bit hard to blend in when I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing. My "ginger hair" usually lands me a spot in front...obvious rookie. 

 I was so impressed with Sensei Kelly on my first visit because he talked about the importance of Aikido being about centering yourself on love while being firm and purposeful. Oh, and did I mention he's friends with Steven Seagal? He is an incredible teacher and even connected me with one of his students in Singapore who is from Atlanta, GA! He just exudes composure and patience but I also know he had me face to the mat in 3 seconds using only one hand on my elbow. Wax on, wax off. 

What a rookie. #can'tevenlookintimidating.

The biggest thing I have learned so far from Aikido is that you can't fight negative energy with negative energy, on the dojo (the practice area for Aikido) or in your life. People will always out power you in negativity or force but when you learn to neutralize that energy through directing its path, you exert minimal energy and you have protected yourself and the other person-even the haters. 

Just don't go ninja'ing nobody who don't need ninja'ing...

I'm SINGing: Mortal Kombat Theme Song