Joe started regular aikido practice in 1989 when a friend returned from Japan with some Aikido experience. For the next 6 years, Joe bounced around different aikido schools attracted to the philosophy but finding the classes contradictory and painful. After traveling to over 40 Aikido schools around the country, Joe was introduced to Henry Kono in 1996 by his friend Matt. From the first class, Henry explained what to do to yourself rather than what to do to the other person. Over time, as Joe's self-awareness increased, he was able to recognize in himself those qualities that Terry Dobson warned about. Joe is grateful to Henry for showing a way that opened him up to tolerance, flexibility, generosity, and patience.
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