Interview

The Gallagher family is leaving Reno for new adventures. It has been great training with and getting to know the whole family, parents Jamieson and Rachael, and children Kathrin, age 17, Caroline, age 15, and Regan, age 9. We will miss all of you. Best wishes!

What do you like best about Aikido? 

Kathrin: I really like the people that Aikido brings in. Whether someone has been training for 2 years or 2 days, Aikido helps to bring out the best in someone. Training seems to add a shine or radiance to people. It gives them a sense of self-confidence and helps them be who they are.

How has training in Aikido affected your life?  

Kathrin: I feel that Aikido has helped me to come out of my shell. When I first started training I wouldn't talk unless necessary and wouldn't look anyone in the eye. I was pretty shy. But Aikido gave me confidence in myself. When I finally realized this it made me feel strong and really good about myself. So the next time I went and trained I had this wacky grin on my face and was shouting as loud as I could. Now, no matter where I am, I can look a complete stranger in the face and talk to them. I'm no longer afraid to let people see me as myself. 

What will you miss most about Aikido of Reno? 

Kathrin: Again, I have to say the people. I have never had so many friends before in my life. There are so many amazing people at the Reno Dojo. For me, the dojo is like a family. It feels like I have so many Aunts and Uncles, Brothers and Sisters to support me. I love having so many wonderful people in my life and will miss them all very much.

Rachael: I have driven my kids to everything from dance class, soccer, bowling league, trombone lessons - just to name a few.  But Aikido is the one activity that has held their interest year after year.  I know that aikido has made them more self confident, more able to calmly handle stressful situations, and more respectful and tolerant of others.  I have seen first hand how they use the principles of aikido in everyday life, and I am so very proud of my kids!  

When we came to Reno, we were going to be here for 11 months. That was over 2 years ago!  Jamieson's company just kept extending us, and we all considered it a blessing. The people of this dojo welcomed us like family, and we've celebrated Christmas and Hanukah with you, had Japanese lessons around the kitchen table, sleepovers, cook-outs, and fly fishing in the backyard.  Reno has become our home, and we will miss it.  But life is continual change, and so we change with it.  For now we leave Nevada, but next year....who knows?  

Best wishes to everyone at Aikido of Reno!