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8/3/04
We are working up to test time again. It does not seem possible that it should be happening so fast. It is interesting to look at the process after having completed my first test. The testing process itself is a big part of mastery of the art in our Dojo. The intense focus on the techniques that are to be demonstrated on the test, drive them deeper into your unconscious and into muscle memory. I worked on Tenchi Nage for the entire class this morning. Starting off with Candice, and then working with Noel. (WOW that was great, he is wonderful!) As this was a new technique to me it was very interesting to work on it focus on it for that long. Both Noel and Candice who are not testing this round spent most of the time Ukeing for me even though I asked several times if there was not something that I could serve up for them. They smiled said no, and kept serving up Yokemans. After class I worked on Tenchi Nage some more with Julia, specifically on keeping my hands in front of me, and trying to stay centered when working with a uke smaller than I am, also Julia's technique involved more hip action than did the others, so I worked on integrating a little of that into my technique.
The two step blend into the technique is a little different for me, but I am working on it.
Candice thinks that I should test for 4th kyu this time around. Rick has stated in the past that he thought so too. I am not sure if I will have the days in before the test, but I might go for it, both Candice and Rick offered good advice on that last time around.
Evening class.
Again test practice.
Sensei started the class with some work on our Tai No Henko. Which he said means change of body. He had me extend more, and work hard on keeping my hands in front of my center. This made a huge difference in how well the technique worked.
Worked with Doug, and Krista. It amazes me that we have an art that we practice with one another. Although we know when we are in practice within certain parameters what happens when, how to fall, and what good technique feels like, it is still amazing the differences between people and in ourselves each time we try a technique.
Worked on Shoman Uchi Shiho Nage with Krista. It was good, There are elements that are the same as Kata Dori Shiho Nage, but the blend is really different (obviously). It was a good class, not quite as good as the morning, but it was because I was less focused.
08-04-2004 10:56 AM 