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Writer's pictureAnn O'Brien

Ganbatte, or Good Luck?

We’ve had a series of tests lately in our Aikido program, with more to come. And at these occasions, in the U.S. we tend to say, “Good luck.”


The Japanese have a different expression here, “Ganbatte.” Loosely translated as “Do your best,” it reflects more the Aikido spirit.


You will not succeed at your test simply because of luck. Luck implies that something outside of you will magically appear and give you what you want. Whereas ganbatte reminds you of what’s inside of you, but that you must work hard to express and make manifest.


Ganbatte calls forth your full presence and sincere effort. Each time we step onto the mat, we have an opportunity to affirm this choice.

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