Ukemi Evolution

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[Nick]

As some of you know, I am an Aikido beginner, having been one for 7 months (has it been that long?). However, I have noticed something about my ukemi.

My dojo does ukemi, every class. Starts with basic stuff, than slightly more complicated (jumping roll with hands on gi, etc). While doing these, I can feel my ukemi getting better while uke. One time (Tuesday night, actually) we were 'congratulating' someone on their birthday (a yonkyu), and we did so by extensive ryo-kata randori. I ran at him, as the others did, but when he moved and blended, he grabbed onto one sleeve of my gi and did not let go. Without being able to roll, I landed in (what I consider) almost a perfect sutemi. Now, why is this odd? Because my dojo very rarely does sutemi practice, and this was my first one.

Odd how things snap when it comes down to the line. If I had tried to roll out of that, I would have hurt myself and perhaps nage.

It changed my perspective on Aikido a great deal.

Thought I'd share,

-Nick

[Tim Haffner]

Congratulations Nick! It might be said that you've had an Aiki moment. This is a clear sign that you're internalizing your training and are developing an inutitive sense. Keep training wholeheartedly and you'll have more of these realizations.

[BC]

Nick:

I had almost the exact thing happen to me after I had been practicing 7 months! I totally surprised myself, and even nage was left slack-jawed! Definitely one of those aiki moments. May you have many more!

-BC

[Nick]

my nage didn't have time to be slack jawed (he was rushed almost immediately after dropping me) but one of my sensei noticed it and smiled. Indeed, that was an aiki moment.

Kanpai,

-Nick