There are many ways to help yourself improve in Aikido.
Keeping a notebook or journal is one way that I’ve found
helpful over the years. Later in this newsletter, I talk in
more detail about what a notebook or journal might look
like, but for now I’d like to share what I put inside my
journal. I’m the kind of person who needs to write things
down in order to remember it, so a journal-type notebook
makes sense for me. Yours can take whatever form you
want it to.
As a student, I recorded what techniques we did in class
and usually included my own pictures and phrases that
would help me remember what was done. Stick figures
work great for this. I’d also wrote down questions I had
when I was reviewing my notes or practicing on my own,
especially when preparing for a test. I wrote the answers
next to the questions so I could review them when needed.
My notebook was also the place I kept all Aikido related
papers (test criteria, handouts from Sensei, etc.).
As an instructor, my journal became a lesson plan book and
a notebook in which I record my plans, goals, ideas for
teaching as well as ideas for the dojo. I record things I
need to do, questions I have (I still record the answers next
to the questions), notes on student progress or something
the students need to work on. I also write notes from books
I read or ideas I have on my own and want to share with
students. Sometimes I just write about what’s important to
me concerning Aikido ideas just to get the ideas out of my
head and down on paper. There are many ways to utilize a
notebook or journal that will help you grow and understand
Aikido.
If you want to get more out of your Aikido training, think
about starting a notebook or journal. Make it work for you
and use it often. I would be happy to help you at any time.
Remember that this is YOUR journal/notebook, spelling
doesn’t count:) Whatever form or method you find that
works for you, I wish you the best in your Aikido training
on and off the mat.
Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful holiday season.
Thank you for all your hard work and training this year.
You are the reason Aikido of Phoenix is such a special
dojo. Enjoy your break and we’ll see you in the new year!There are many ways to help yourself improve in Aikido.

Keeping a notebook or journal is one way that I’ve found

helpful over the years. Later in this newsletter, I talk in more detail about what a notebook or journal might look

like, but for now I’d like to share what I put inside my

journal. I’m the kind of person who needs to write things

down in order to remember it, so a journal-type notebook

makes sense for me. Yours can take whatever form you

want it to.

As a student, I recorded what techniques we did in class

and usually included my own pictures and phrases that

would help me remember what was done. Stick figures

work great for this. I’d also wrote down questions I had

when I was reviewing my notes or practicing on my own,

especially when preparing for a test. I wrote the answers

next to the questions so I could review them when needed.

My notebook was also the place I kept all Aikido related

papers (test criteria, handouts from Sensei, etc.).

As an instructor, my journal became a lesson plan book and

a notebook in which I record my plans, goals, ideas for

teaching as well as ideas for the dojo. I record things I

need to do, questions I have (I still record the answers next to the questions), notes on student progress or something the students need to work on. I also write notes from books I read or ideas I have on my own and want to share with students. Sometimes I just write about what’s important to me concerning Aikido ideas just to get the ideas out of my head and down on paper. There are many ways to utilize a notebook or journal that will help you grow and understand Aikido.

If you want to get more out of your Aikido training, think

about starting a notebook or journal. Make it work for you

and use it often. I would be happy to help you at any time.

Remember that this is YOUR journal/notebook, spelling

doesn’t count:) Whatever form or method you find that

works for you, I wish you the best in your Aikido training

on and off the mat.

Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful holiday season.

Thank you for all your hard work and training this year.

You are the reason Aikido of Phoenix is such a special

dojo. Enjoy your break and we’ll see you in the new year!