To learn Aikido it is necessary to have good instructors, of course. But it is also very important to have fine training partners. I have been fortunate to have many of both.
One partner who stands out for me is Frank Burlingham. Frank started training in England. He came to live in Canada and trained at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre dojo for several years before returning home to Lowestoft.
Frank and I were born in the same year and have very similar builds, hair color, and complexions. In fact, he always introduced me as his twin, who was so ugly that I had to be shipped off to the colonies.
Because we are so well-matched physically and were only in our thirties when we trained together, we were able to push each other to levels of endeavor that neither of us might have reached otherwise. We would stay after class or go to the dojo outside of regular hours and routinely thrash each other. Exhortations such as, “Get up again, you quivering Canuck!” or, “Find some energy, you slimy Limey!” were challenges that only good friends and mutually respectful training partners could endure.
Today, decades later, we remain friends and correspond regularly even though we see each other rarely.
Find good training partners and treasure them.
