Colleen does Aikido!

I don’t just passionately admire Japanese Samurai culture, the power of martial arts, and gorgeously lethal sword play, I believe in the Bushido way of life and practice Aikido myself.⁣

Above is a draft of custom ‘Samurai Parents’ being created for my offerings. The woman is pregnant and it’s so badass looking! Artwork by Dylan Tate, Rochester NY tattoo artist (he also did the lioness tattoo on my thigh).

I began aikido about 18 months ago and due to my torn meniscus, I’ve trained mostly in weapon classes, which, makes me happy as a clam! I wanted to train in a martial art that had a weapon component. 🗡 Yup, I honestly want to KNOW how to slay. ⁣🔥
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I also needed a challenge to my brain and body that was completely different from weight lifting. 🏋️‍♀️After doing it for half my life, my body needed a massive change for sustainability and health longevity. I want to be able to walk when I’m 92! 🚶🏻‍♀️

The dojo I belong to, San Diego Aikikai, is home to the kindest, most fierce, funny humans and Sensei that I’ve ever met. I couldn’t have asked for a more welcoming group. ❤️ Their kids program is also awesome, highly recommend for all those tikes with unlimited energy out there! 😆

Check out the cool infographic below on how to implement Bushido principals in daily life. Thanks invalueable.com!