Martial Arts Essay Brian Thomas Hockenmaier

I was born the second child in a family of four, with one older brother, and for all of my life I have been either the shortest or one of the shortest kids in my class. Thus, it naturally follows that I have been picked on and would want to be able to "fend for myself." For this reason and because I felt I needed another source of athletic conditioning, I took up the study of a martial art called Aikido a little over a year ago. My training has since done more for me that I would have even hoped, both in body and mind.

Aikido is a martial art that focuses not on the practitioner's strength and size but on the manipulation of his subject's strength. Through my training I have learned a great deal not only about the art in general, but also about other areas of my life. I have improved my ability to become serious when necessary and to keep from getting too excited or angry over everyday issues. Some may say Aikido has made me more "easygoing," but I would say it has simply improved my overall temperament. Truly, the practice of Aikido has benefited my body and my soul.

I believe the experience of my training in Aikido would bring a great aspect of diversity to any college community in which I join. In...