Oh, I think I failed to mention that back in November I passed my 1st Kyu test in Aikido. So about 2 years until Shodan (black belt) test.

That will be 10 years of practice. Seems like a long time, but aikido is a difficult art, and the United States Aikido Federation doesn’t just sell belts like some bullshit organizations do. When you reach Shodan in USAF, you have accomplished something.