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So why am I bothering to post this? I'm not sure, but just because nothing serious came up doesn't mean I didn't learn anything. I got to work with the "silent partner" again, one of those who doesn't like to tell you what's going on, but shows you. I love that, and he's the only one in our Dojo who is consistently like that. We did some more fun techniques today, along with the old standbys. I have no idea what they're called, but one was a bear-hug breakaway from behind. I was shocked at how well it worked if the timing was right on. We also worked on a shoulder grab technique that was slightly unusual. I've worked on it before, but when I was VERY VERY green, not just VERY green. Tonight was one of those nights that felt comfortable, fun, and left me feeling great. Not to say that it was an easier time, actually as our techniques were simpler and there was only one of the newer people there it was more technique and less explanation. I noticed that our instructor was doing less of the play-by-play technique slow-mo before we tried it, so we did more tonight than we have in some time. One thing was a bit different, we don't have a "traditional" style Dojo, it's the second story of an old schoolhouse turned gymnasium that was then turned into the Karate, Judo, and Aikido Dojo that it is today. Anyway, on Thursday there are alwasy children's gymnastics going on downstairs, upstairs, or both. The funny bit was that tonight someone was playing rather loud polka or something during our warm-ups. It was one of those -you know you shouldn't laugh but can't help it- moments, and we all just busted out laughing half-way through the breathing exercises. I don't know how most Dojos are, and it appears from the board that there's a wide variety, but I'm glad ours is a bit more friendly than some of those that I've heard of. I think we play hard, but we don't go crazy with a martial atmosphere at all. Just a note, not a criticism. Sometimes I wonder if there was a Yoshinkan Dojo, maybe I would go for a while to cultivate that seriousness.
05-01-2003 08:56 PM 