Hustle

I was reminded yet again of the great importance of openings.

We had a small group of three for a class, and Sensei decided that the tanto would get the limelight for weapons evening. Uke attacked shomen, as nage entered omote, irmi-ed, kaiten-ed, and tenshin-ed, bringing the arm down in the process.

I got frustrated after several futile attempts to bring uke's arm all the way down to the mat. Frustrating, I say. After doing some examination and thinking, it hit me--my entrance stunk. So, after a few modifications to timing (and thanks to a very patient uke), I finally got it right. Tally ho.

-gHopper