I have been training in the martial arts for about 40 years. I trained in various martial arts but mainly Karate and also Judo-Kyokoshinkai (full contact) Dan 3, Today I am a Sei Shihan (Dan 6) in Seido Karate. Aikido attracted me because of its philosophy and idea that "before you attack you have already lost", and also in its fluency, harmony which teaches you not to be against but rather to flow with your opponent. It's true that this goes against the principles of other martial arts, but the very idea is not to feel only victorious but to change it to "Aiki", where the peace comes not from one of a position of strength but rather of reconcilation through being calm and brave, that allows you to confront any danger. The moment that you take control of yourself, you then have the strength to choose whether to harm the opponent or to protect him. In Aikido the choice is to protect him. The most important element for me, in Aikido, is to learn "Aiki" and to use this idea in daily life. I started to learn Aikido in 1982 with Sensei Eitan Ben Meir. We are still in regular contact today. I was promoted to Dan 1,2 and 3 by Seki Sensei, Aikikai, Hombu dojo. I was promoted to 4th Dan by Frank Doran Sensei. The Ra'anana Dojo was founded 30 years ago and I have been teaching Aikido there for 15 years.

My most Memorable Aikido Experience
I have recently returned from a trip to Japan (my second trip there). This time however I was able to train at Iwama Dojo, Ibaraki Kan. To train on the same tatami that O-Sensei trained on; to be an Uchi Deshi there, was a most special and spiritual experience. I also managed to travel to Tanabe,the birth place of O-Sensei and visited his grave there.