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Aiki-Log -- Class #16
Wednesday, September 23, 2004 -- 7:30pm
John Sensei was back today! He pulled a "Norbert" and let us practice the entire class on test techniques. I worked with the "details don't matter that much" 8th kyu guy . Luckily, Sensei came by often and kept saying things to my partner like "it's all about the details." Things got better after a few demonstrations of why they matter.
GET A GRIP!
One of the things I'm trying to "come to grips with" (groan) is the struggle I have with using a STRONG grip, but not using STRENGTH to muscle through my techniques. I find that I tend to use a firm grip, but not a strong grip. The difference is extremely evident in the results it has on uke. A strong grip makes the entire technique work better. However, when I focus on strengthening my grip I naturally tighten my wrists / forearms / elbows / shoulders / torso / legs / etc., which has the effect of breaking the technique.
I think if I can grip uke the same way I grip my bokken (very tight grip, supple wrists) then I'll be a long way toward finding the happy medium between the two. Does anyone have any "tricks" to figure this out?
09-27-2004 01:28 PM 
. Luckily, Sensei came by often and kept saying things to my partner like "it's all about the details." Things got better after a few demonstrations of why they matter.