Elisha Caguiat | My Journey with Team Warwick Aikido
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Can you tell us about your journey into your sport and what inspired you to get involved with Team Warwick?
My journey into sport started like many others: with my parents encouraging me to try a little bit of everything. I dabbled in tennis, ballet, competitive swimming, and lifesaving and spent a few years in karate, my only previous martial arts experience.
I first found a real connection through college volleyball, where I loved the teamwork and camaraderie. Of course, national competitions were exciting, but I really enjoyed the sense of connection I felt with peers who shared the same passion. It was a feeling I wanted to continue at university.
Starting fresh at Warwick, I decided to try something new. Aikido focuses on connection, growth, and mindfulness. I was drawn in by its emphasis on fluidity, awareness, and calm strength, and by the supportive community and alumni network.
Looking back, Aikido has given me confidence, a greater awareness of my body, movement and presence, and a community I love. My journey from beginner to club President has been incredibly rewarding, and I plan to keep training beyond university.
What does your typical week look like as part of Team Warwick?
Like most students, I balance training around lectures and social life. Warwick Aikido trains twice a week, Monday and Wednesday evenings with our Sensei, Tim Sullivan.
Aikido has a rich culture and history. To honour this, before each training starts, we set up a 'kamiza', a special place in the dojo, to honour our club's lineage and to say thank you to our teachers. Sessions begin with stretches and rolling practice, followed by technique demonstrations and partner work.
On Fridays, On Fridays, we have free training for senior members and occasionally hold weapons classes. Particularly in term 3, the weapons class focuses on Iaido techniques, which are super fun and a great change of pace. We train three weapons: bokken (sword), jo (staff) and tanto (knife), so there's a good variety in each weapons class.
Outside Aikido, I love attending a few Rock Up & Play sessions throughout the week. My personal favourites are volleyball and badminton. I think they're a great way to socialise and meet new friends!
How do you balance your academic commitments with training and competitions?
We host Annual Aikido Seminars at least twice a term, which are full days of training led by visiting Senseis and alumni. To prepare, our exec has dedicated team meeting hours to balance our time dedicated to running these events and our own studies. Personally, I finish my assignments early in the week so I can fully enjoy the Seminars.
It helps that our Sensei is also a Warwick professor, so he understands the balance between study and sport. I think finding a good balance and understanding priorities is important in university, especially when university life can get so busy.
For support, I know I can consult Wellbeing and Student Support and discuss with the Sensei and peers in similar situations.
What kind of support have you received through Team Warwick and what difference has it made to your experience?
I think the greatest support I have received is through facilitating training and organising events. The Team Warwick staff are readily available for support and advice on any enquiries and issues the club has. The biggest help has been from our VP Sport and Club Development Officers.
What has been the biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome it?
My upcoming term as club President will be my biggest challenge yet, ensuring sessions run smoothly and that every member has the chance to train and grow. On a personal level, building stamina has been tough. Regular training has helped enormously. I can now comfortably train for a full session, something that once felt impossible.
How has Team Warwick helped you develop professionally and what opportunities has it given you?
Being part of running the club alongside Team Warwick has helped me become a more well-rounded and employable person by teaching me skills that are crucial in any career.
It's given me hands-on experience in managing the club, working closely with other members, developing my leadership skills and taking responsibility. I've learned how to troubleshoot problems and maintain a calm and level head when things don't go as planned.
It takes great courage to lead a club and find the people you need to go to when things get rough. So being part of the process is a confidence booster.
What role have your team mates, coaches, or support staff played in your journey?
The biggest impact has been my training partners and club members. I feel like my personal style of Aikido has been moulded by every single person who has trained with me. That feeling of collaboration is what I love most about the experience. Learning and growing alongside them is the absolute best part of training.
Of course, there would be no training without our club's Sensei. Having started with no experience of Aikido, he has taught me everything, from falling properly to correct footwork and techniques.
All the Senseis who have come to teach sessions are invaluable to my journey and the rest of the club. We learn through their demonstrations and decades of experience. They are part of the history and culture of the club and play a major role in each member's individual growth.
How has your sporting experience shaped your wellbeing and sense of belonging at the University of Warwick?
Joining Aikido gave me a whole new group of friends I can rely on for more than just training. People I know I'll stay connected with for a very long time, even beyond university.
This is true for all sports; there's a high level of trust and teamwork. You must be able to trust that your training partners and team mates will keep you safe, have your back and give their best so that you all get the most out of the experience. That builds a unique type of connection and belonging.
Sport has always been great for my mental health. Particularly with Aikido, the focus and silence are a welcome change from the usual student rush, and I find it very calming. It helps me feel more balanced and present, which is something every student needs.
What are your current sporting goals and how are you being supported in reaching them?
For Aikido, my main goals are focused on maintaining continuous growth and overcoming any sticking points in my techniques. I’m also preparing for my Aikido gradings and working on demonstrating techniques to beginners in a clearer, simpler way.
On a personal level, my biggest goal is to build more stamina. I want to have a more active and motivated lifestyle. My training partners and the senior students in the club are a huge help with this. They always offer constant encouragement and push me to improve so that every session is an opportunity for growth. This supportive environment makes sure I stay on track to achieve what I have been aiming for.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining a club, performance team, or applying for a scholarship at Warwick?
University is all about trying new things and living freely to learn whatever your interests are. It's a time to discover new passions and step outside of your comfort zone and try anything that sparks even the slightest of interest. Being open to change enables you to create space for personal growth and enjoy a more fulfilling experience. My best advice is simply to explore, and be open, to the opportunities that come your way.
Charlie Nova Content Contributor, Warwick Sport
Charlie is passionate about fitness, health, and wellbeing. He enjoys climbing, lifting, running, football, and is always eager to try new sports.
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