Seminar

Today we had a great seminar by Grady Lane Sensei of Brevard Aikikai, a well known and respected 6th dan shidoin. Lane Sensei teaches in a slow, precise, and technically proficient manner. He had us practice some techniques I have never seen before, as well as some familiar techniques.

We had several techniques from yokomenuchi strikes. One was a shihonage from a more direct irimi opening. Another was a sumi-otoshi/ maki-otoshi with an irimi tenkan opening. Morotetori and ryotetori techniques were also included in the repertoire. I can remember nikkyo from morotetori and a "kokyu-nage" and nikkyo from ryotetori. Katetori saw some irimi-nage and kokyu-nage action as well.

I skipped the second class since I wasn't feeling all that great. I got that awful phlegm in my nose and throat. In between chess moves, I saw some jo and *drum roll* bokken stuff a-goin' on. I recall kokyu-nage and shiho-nage, unfortunately, I have no recollection on how it was done. Bad phlegm. Bad.

It was a great seminar; thank you Lane Sensei!

-gHopper

Fresh from the mint

I tested for 4th kyu Saturday. :) It was a good test; I found some things to work on.

1. Posture- Stop bending over for throwing and pins.
2. Speed- Mine arch-enemy. SLOW DOWN!
3. Pace- I got tired after the third or fourth technique
4. Finish- Finishes needed to be more crisp.
5. Refine footwork and body placement
6. Tight pin- They don't call 'em pins fer nuthin'.
7. Precise pin- Wrist, elbow, wrist, elbow...
8. Nikkyo transition- I can't stand these. I will get them yet!

All in all, it wasn't bad. I found that I was more confident this time around despite not vigorously training for it. But I think I want some vigorous training when 3rd kyu rolls around (no pun intended).

Before closing, I'd like to congratulate my dojo mates who passed their 5th and 1st kyu tests. They were great!

-gHopper

"Runned-away" Randori

Today served another reminder to me to SLOW DOWN. There is a delicate balance between good speed and rush hour in randori. I tend to barrel away through poor ukes.

I find that when I go too fast, I lose entrance and technique opportunities. Another problem of mine is aggression, and I think it is one of the results of my spectacular speed. I end up throwing mini-punches that borderline innocent atemis and karate sucker punches. Good thing 2nd kyu is a century away.

-gHopper

Tenchi-nage

Never before have I seen so many versions of tenchi-nage. My Sensei went to a seminar hosted by Grady Lane featuring Robert Zimmerman and came back with about four versions of what I thought was one of the simplest technique of our time.

It wasn't too bad I guess. Two of them required you to step back, and two of them emphasized exxagerated hip turns. I'm sure I missed some. Oh well.

-gHopper