Randori stuff

A few principles I've heard regarding randori:

1. DON'T FREAK OUT
2. Once you make contact with one uke, immediately shift your focus to another.
3. Use quick and easy techniques.
   
4. Move with uke; don't clash. It's aikido randori, not a jousting tournament.
5. If all else fails, scream, cry, and run away try, try, try again.

Oh, how can something so fun be so daunting? *sighs and looks at the sky*

-gHopper

Ode to...

Well, well, well. Today I received good advice on a tenkan version of kokyu-nage. This kind soul of a shodan pointed out that if I move diagonally through uke, it would make for a more proficient technique. It was most gratefully received, as this particular kokyu-nage tends to be on of my many "blegh" techniques. I suspect it may be due to lack of extension, as my arms tend to be shorter than most. But now - NOW - thanks to this sympathetic shodan, I am on the mend. Thanks, Jerry!

-gHopper

Through the valley

Have you ever felt that you've been stuck in a training rut for so long, and then you finally break through and realize you're a lot more proficient than you were a month (or two, or three) ago? Yeah. You know what I'm talking about. I'm in the rut stage right now. I can't wait 'till I break through and see the light. Well, I take that back. I can wait, but do I want to? Nope. See, that's why you're supposed to be careful when asking God to give you patience. He'll make you work for it. Ah. Just keep on rolling...

-gHopper

Element

Have you ever had one of those classes that you would just love to have again? I had one the other day. Everyone but Sensei, Patrick and I had left after the first class, and Sensei broke into the unopened can of techniques, so to speak. We really dug into juji-nage and examined its corresponding ma-ai, extension, timing, and so forth for about a third of the hour.

We then played with kotegeashi from tsuki. I learned about the timing of the tenkan and its importance in the projection aspect of kotegeashi. Patrick and I had a little fun with it; he tried to get me airborne enough to land me on my feet (which we almost accomplished).

To top it all off, we demolished a large heaping of yokomenuchi udekime-nage redirection. As uke strikes, nage irimis in (apologies to Japanese verb tense) and brings the arm in. Just before the throw is complete, nage launches uke into a roll. I learned a lot as far as ukemi goes; I was uke for a lot of the time. Boy do I love thrashings. Boy do I love aikido. Suffice it to say, it was AWESOME.

-gHopper

Little Deeper

I enjoy learning about the different aspects of techniques, such as their counter-points, purposes, and so forth. I worked with a hardcore nidan today who really knows his stuff. He showed me a few things about tenchi-nage. It's kind of hard explaining in words, but here goes.

• Good ma-ai and extension are crucial for this one.
• You have to synchronize the entire side that you step in on. For example, if I am in left hanmi, when I step in with my right foot, the hip movement has to match the step, as well as my right hand's movement.
• The reason you step back and twist towards nage is because you are trying to stand back up and counter, since you as uke know what he is going to do. At least, that was the daito-ryu/aiki-jutsu mindset I think.

Yep. That's if for now.

-gHopper

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