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<blogEntries>
<blogEntry id="2557">
	<title><![CDATA[Back after a long stint away from aikido]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well I am back after a very long and tiresome time away from Aikido.
I was super sick for a while and am on new meds which making being in public very hard and very tiresome. So today after a week or so making myself mentally prepared for class I went!
It was nice to see all the old faces there and also to get some nice practice there as well.
Rene is staying at our place so we met at the dojo, super nice as well to see him there as well.

So the lesson started with us doing the usual warm up, René took this and Brent Sensei kept on stopping him and telling him where he was going wrong, this was super strange as he never stops the warm up, but any way this is who it went.

We then did kihon dosa again. this time he went to Rene and told him where he was going wrong right up until we had stopped doing all of the techniques.
We then went on to do the five techniques of which I forget the name of them.
But it was
1 - turn nikajo and then ikajo
2 - turn yonkajo
3 - shihonage
4 - sankajo
5 - hijiate

We did this in a group where one man stood in the middle and we all went at him.
Was ok but Gerald and Gihme had such ego it was pretty off putting and made me feel a little uncomfortable also Rene as he was also complaining about this after the class as well.

Was an ok class but I was a little upset about the ego's.

tiyler]]></body>
	<date>03-24-2006</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="2013">
	<title><![CDATA[my blogs are now private.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey everyone,

Well from now on I will be putting the blogs as private!
I have received a few mails over the last few months saying that the way people read these as either offensive or as rude!

This is a little depressing to me, as I do nothing but give and give heart and soul into Aikido and I want to advance so this is why I give. I blog so I can remember how the l see the lessons are and how I felt in this lesson weather it be good or bad happy or sad!
 
Yet people read these blogs and take offence or construed it as rude, they take the blogs and place me in horrible situations that do not allow me to write anything!
 
My blogs are like this for example!
 
Three people looking at a loaf of bread:

A banker a fisherman and a tramp!

The banker looks at a loaf of bread and thinks if I slice this really thin I can get quite a lot of money from this.

The fisherman thinks if I take a small pinch of bread and catch a fish I can then put the fish into two thick slices and have a hearty meal!

The tramp thinks I can live from this loaf of bread for around two weeks!!
 
Things can be read either way and these are my private thoughts yet people are now seeing this as something else something more than the truly are, just thoughts on how I perceive the sport I put so much into!
 
So from now on the blogs will be placed as private and of you would like to read them then I am sorry...

]]></body>
	<date>08-09-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1902">
	<title><![CDATA[Back after a troublesome time.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

 

Well I have not posted in a while but I am back.

Was in class last night after last week training three times as Sensei had a French student over for a lot of intense training. Training with Sensei in a private lesson and being his Uke is very nice and I also learn a lot more as you learn to Ukemi better so as not to lose a limb or injure yourself.

 

Saturday was a tough training as it was intense and I was with the French guy again doing ashi sabaki over and over until I felt like I wanted to throw up!

 

But nothing I think could compare to Tuesday's class. I arrived Tuesday and the bell was working, which is always a nice sign!

I got changed and noticed the G-man was back after a while away, this meant I had to mentally prepare myself for some hard throws (and I was correct). I waited for Rene or Paddy but Sempai joss arrived and I knew that I would be doing some advanced techniques coupled with some damn hard throws from great heights.

 

Well we warmed up quite quickly and this was easy to do as it was sauna hot in the dojo last night and we where then reminded that we have a demonstration to do and this must be prepared for quickly (as we like the 7 P's Prior Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance).

We then started the lesson with a nice technique where Uke attacks with a shomen uchi strike. You cut it, quickly turn the opponent and then throw (I forget the name). This was done over and over, I found it difficult, as I cannot correctly use my hips yet, and I actually noticed I am very bad at Aikido!!

 

We then did a variation of this where you do the same movement and then throw them over your shoulder. This was super hard as I could not get low enough, and also coupled with being very bad at aikido did not work!

 

We then did the eight techniques 3 times each person and I was finished!!

 

Great lesson but very hard on the cardio side and coupled with the realization that you are very bad at something was kind of hard!


T_D]]></body>
	<date>06-22-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1747">
	<title><![CDATA[Ninja German lesson.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

 

Well I arrived a little later then usual last night and was greeted at the door by Joss who was super happy to see me. We chatted about the weather and got changed. We chatted about why we where doing Aikido and what we expect and then went in to the dojo.

 

One of the Jiu Jutsu guys had bust his nose and was bleeding on the benches, the rest where wrestling on the mats and placing each other in painful looking arm locks and other unusual positions.

 

We waited on Gerald getting ready and started our class. We did the usual communal warm up and then rolling and tumbling from one end of the mat to the other when Paddy arrived and also the little German chick.

We had a full house and where ready to train.

 

We started with soft cross wrist grab techniques. (Turn Nikajo then Turn Yonkajo, Sankajo, shihunage and then Hijiate). This was super amazing as I learned that all I had to do was wither turn and keep my hands at my head and the technique was dynamite. I could really throw Gerald about like a rag doll if and only if I got it just right. We did this over and over until I felt really good about what I was doing. Gerald really threw me some doing his techniques as we where training mainly on the feel and timing.

 

We then did the attacks from Shomen (head cut). The techniques where (Kotageshi,Shihomage, Hijiate, kokyunage and Iriminage) all from a chop to the head. I did this with Paddy who got a little flustered with himself as he kept forgetting how to do Shihonage for some reason yet when he did remember it he truly threw me like a rag doll. This was fun.

 

Then we did five thrusting attacks to the stomach (Ski) the techniques where (Kotageshi, hijiate,sokumen, Shomen irimi and then Ushironage - pull down from behind -) I did this with little Ninja German and let me tell you she has dynamite technique! I tried to hit her and she did the most amazing Kotageshi I have ever experienced to date, truly amazing as I hit the mat! She also has an amazing hijiate to match. She threw me all over with a little smile and a giggle. Yet when it came to my turn I could not throw her in Shomen irimi as I kept losing her, she would disappear under my arms or something. This was truly frustrating, yet understandable as she is so small.

 

In all a huge learning experience, yet super fun.


T_D]]></body>
	<date>04-27-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1730">
	<title><![CDATA[Jost training day.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

I was at work and received a mail from Gerald who said that he had prior agreements and could not help out with today's training?
I was a little confused and scrolled down the e-mail to see what he was talking about and saw that our sensei was on holiday in Spain for one week? I had no idea what was going on and was a little shocked that I did not know about this before hand but I can also understand that every one needs a holiday so it was ok.

Gerald has stated in his mail that Jiu Jutsu was a little more aggressive and met his needs as a Man and that Aikido was a little more for the more feminine of the  male species and that he could not help us out. This I knew would create a little more split in both groups yet this does not bother me in the least as I know how good I am at Aikido now and I know that Jiu Jutsu is truly not for me at all.

Jost arrived and me, Rene and Jost got changed whilst the Jiu Jutsu class finished up and we had the mats.
We went through the usual warm up and then on to Tai sabaki Ichi and Ni then Hiriki no sei ichi, ni and then Ushiro mawari ichi, ni.

We then did Tai sabaki ichi, ni and also touched on san which was very nice indeed.

We did Kihon waza Sankajo,kotageshi and hijiate.

We also did some other nice stuff which I cannot remember the name's of but in all a totally great lesson which I liked a lot even though there was no Sensei and only three people.

One thing I did notice was that the black belt for the shinkendo group only put away one mat at the end of the class. This is a little shit as every one in Shinkendo cannot start class until the mats are away, so basically the quickly they are away the quicker they start! Yet he hung around and did nothing until the class had all the mats away then he grabbed one!!!!

A bit of a shit start but a good lesson none the less.

T_D]]></body>
	<date>04-22-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1722">
	<title><![CDATA[return of the German Chick]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well I was running late and the weather in Holland was super bad yesterday so I had to take the tram to class instead of the bike. I arrived way before time which was unexpected and was met at the door by Mrs Brent Sensei. We chatted and I got changed. Rene arrived and then Joss who had not been at lesson in a while.I also found out that his next grade is for Black belt!!

We also had a watcher in class who is interested in Aikibuken.
Then arrived little German chick who had taken one year off, for reason I have no idea and who brought a little calmness to the lesson yet also was super weak and feeble and I found that training with her was super weird as I was used to blokeys throwing each other to the ground with adrenaline and testosterone.

We did the usual warm up and then into rolls etc...
We then did five throws one after another, Ikajo,sankajo,yonkajo,shihonage, hijiate.
Then into a different form. Sokomen,something I can't remember,shihonage,something and my brain gave up thinorning.

We then did JO staff work again. I worked with Rene first on the usual throws from "Holding my little stick" the flag pole move, I forget the name and then nikajo.
We then did work with the sword. We did shihonage and irirminage. 

Was a weird lesson as I trained with the chick who had tiny wrists and no power, she was kind of a fifth wheel yet I hope she picks her game up and gets better.

Not nice to say yet this is what I felt from the start.

T_D]]></body>
	<date>04-20-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1699">
	<title><![CDATA[Lessons getting weirder]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well just back from lesson and Had a super lesson.
I arrived a little later than usual and was greeted at the door by Rene who had also just arrived,wich was nice.
We got changed together and chatted about stuff. We went into the dojo and looked at todays quite huge lesson adn where impressed by the super turn out for Jiu Jutsu. Paddy arrived and we all watched on as they rolled around the floor placing each other in strange positions and rather nasty looking holds.

our lesson started with Brent Sensei telling us that we should focus on the Aiki way yet also not limit ourselfs to this by not trying new things, such as Jiu Jutsu!

The lesson started with the usual warm up and the rolls etc, then on to attacks from a sword. We did Shihunage, hijiate and also the same version of throws as Tuesday.

It does seem that our lessons have gone up a notch and are becoming more and more tecnical and it is not just me who is noticing this.

Any hoo great lesson, well enjoyable.

T_D]]></body>
	<date>04-14-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1691">
	<title><![CDATA[Strangle Lesson.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

I arrived at class and was met by Mrs. Brent sensei who had to leave early as she had a prior engagement to attend. I went in and got changed and saw that the Jiu Jutsu class was huge with around seven people there all ready and willing to be placed in certain positions that humans would not usually be in.

Rene arrived and then Paddy and we all chatted and got changed.
We went into the dojo and worked on the punch bag and did certain kata's and watched the crazy Jiu Jutsu people get hurt.

Brent Sensei asked us to join in on the Jiu Jutsu group as we needed to learn choke holds, shivers ran up and down my spine with the thought of passing out and involuntary urination and defecation as I walked on to the mat.

The first three where using the GI and different ways and this was done on me by Rene who took pleasure in this witch was a little scary with a man on top of you with a huge grin strangling you until you choke.
Brent Sensei came over and showed how it was to be done and instantly stopped me breathing which was shocking and scary. He said that when you got real good you can grapple with some one without them knowing that they are being choked out, until its too late.

After this we did bare hand chokes and then the lesson ended and we started with Aikibuken.
We needed no warm up and we went straight into So Tai B where you needed to dodge a swinging sword.
I now know A and B yet I need to brush up on my sword skills as this was my weakest point. This was pretty cool and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Then we did techniques from holding a staff, witch was kind of strange as I am only getting used to using empty hand and then I have a staff in my hand's was really hard to do, surprisingly!

This was another kind of lesson, a very different lesson as it felt more technical and it was as if we where al part of a more elite group and Brent sensei was rewarding us for this. Nice but strange!

T_D]]></body>
	<date>04-14-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1669">
	<title><![CDATA[Day after grading.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

well for my first grading I think this was the most painful experience any one has to go through, ever!
To stand up in front of your class and have to show different techniques as they are shouted out to you was a little intimidating and also a little off putting in some parts.

I arrived at the dojo well in advance and helped Brent Sensei get things ready for the grading. We chatted about how we thought at that time and how things would go ok and not to worry yet I had been with Rene the day before and done everything we needed to know over and over and over again.

I put the stools away and I swept the floor and then put the mats out.
Gerald arrived and he was full of good spirits and high hopes for the grading, he was super ready for this as Gerald is not a stupid guy he is quite clever and knows what he is talking about and also knows his Aikido very much. He and Brent sensei worked together on a few techniques. Rene arrived and then followed by Paddy and Bart. We all worked on our forward rolls and backward rolls on the mat as we waited for Joss. Joss was a little late and then we started.

We all bowed and Brent Sensei said that this should be how we show him what we know and what we have!

* Suddenly my brain went dead *

The warm up was good and then we did Tai no Henko ichi and San then hiriki no sei ichi and ni followed by Mae mawari Kaiten and Ushiro mawari Kaiten. This Rene and I had done the night before so I was ok with this.

Then we did So Tai A - B - C <- My Brain gave up the will to live at this point and I stood there like a wet potato waiting to be stood on!

We then did the thing witch I forget the name but we move out of the way of the sword, this I was super focused on as I did not want to get hit at all! I did very well on this and was proud of my self for the concentration I put into this.

We then did Sanbon Kumite A Rene and I where great at this also as we had practiced. Then was the five techniques which Every one said we knew to the max and where very good at!

The four kokyunage we easy as I know I know that! and then we did jiu waza!
I was great at Jiu waza as I was playing with René and wanted him here, so I threw him here. I wanted Rene over there so I moved him over there!

All in all I am only upset about my beginning, I was very upset with myself for losing it completely there and I knew that this will not what I wanted as I kind of knew the technique yet I let myself down.
I now know what to expect and this is great to have the experience but at the end of the day I am still a little upset but I know I did good at the end and showed my skill to Brent Sensei when it mattered most.

T_D]]></body>
	<date>04-08-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1663">
	<title><![CDATA[6th Kyu test today.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Basics	Etiquette
	Ukemi (Migi/Hidari Ukemi)
	Ashi-Sabaki (Tai no Henko Ichi, Tai no Henko Ni, Hiriki no Yosei Ichi, Hiriki no Yosei, Mae Mawari Kaiten, Ushiro Mawari Kaiten)
	So Tai A
	


	
Combinations	Four Kokyunage (go under arm; turn 180; step back and pivot 180)
	Sanbon Kumite A (Sankajo; Hijiate; Turn = Ikkajo)
	
	
Kihon Waza-Ikkajo, Nikajo, Shihonage (one version)

	
Freestyle - Ryotemochi
]]></body>
	<date>04-07-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1659">
	<title><![CDATA[Last lesson before the test.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

I arrived at the dojo well before time as usual and was met by Brent. I was happy to see him as I had missed one lesson as I was sick this weekend yet am still not 100%, but that is irrelevant as I need to train before the test.
Brent had accidentally head butted the big guy who he was training with and was very upset that this had happened and was talking to the guy and making sure that he was ok and every thing was fine. The big guy had a huge bump on his head and was ok but still wanted to go home as he was not good.

I gave in my test form and slowly got changed. The bell rang and I opened the door and was met with a new guy who was called Alex and he will now be a regular training with us. He is ex Aikikai so I kind of knew the barriers he would com up against and how he will feel changing styles of Aikido so late in the game, but I also admire this as well as this is a big step for someone to take. We chatted and waited for more to arrive. Rene followed by Paddy.

Gerald was already there training so we had quite a full crew today, yet there was a certain fear looming there.
Paddy was taking notes Rene was taking notes I am pretty confident yet I know where my weaknesses lie and this is ok as I just need to iron them out through more training as this is my first test and I am pretty good so I don't think I will fail. I know that Paddy will have a few issues yet this is only for filth Kyu so he will pass none the less yet when he gets to Black belt he will certainly have issues. Gerald is very good so I know he will pass easy with nothing more than a sweat on his brow.

The lesson consisted of Rene and I doing four Kokyonage ichi and Ni then Gihon Waza (Ikajo, Nikajo, Shihonage).
Then we followed this by doing all five basic techniques (Ikajo, nikajo, sanajo, Gokajo, rokajo).

Great lesson.]]></body>
	<date>04-06-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1640">
	<title><![CDATA[Strange Training.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well I arrived at the dojo in time and gave Brent Sensei my fee for the coming month and also a nice Magazine I got in Germany with some interesting stuff in it.
I got changed and then arrived Bas and Jos and I did a little warm up and tried to get mentally ready for class.
We where all brought onto the mat as Bas told us about an incident that happened with his friend in town who was attacked by five guys and beat up with bike locks and stuff.

We then did some training with ground work. I was pared with Bas who was pretty good on the floor and did very well and then it was my turn. Bas was showing off by doing high kicks to the head and though this funny to taunt me by saying I was not doing well so I explained that I did not want to hurt him, yet he carried on and said it was ok for me to do something so I waited for his next high show off high kick and swept the leg from him and he dropped like a sack of shit!
He rolled on the floor like a girl and I sat by watching him.

We then started our class and Bas took the warm up. This is allways fun to see as he is super stiff and super weird to watch.

We then did forward ukemi and backwards ukemi. this was followed by shihonage. We did shihonage with each other and this was super nice to do with Jos as he is a great Uke and moves so nice, I hope to be like that one day.
We then did Koyonage with I have done before in another style of Aikido and this was fun to do with Brent sensei who said it was fun to throw me as I am so long it takes ages for me to fall and hit the ground.

We then did (Four Kokyunage) the Kata I need to know. This is super easy for me to do now and I like doing it. We then did Four kokyo nage advanced where the Uke attacks and you do the first and second technique from the four and then Hijate....

We did Jiu waza on Jos but we beat him up!!

Great lesson

T_D]]></body>
	<date>03-31-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1631">
	<title><![CDATA[Back after Easter Break]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well I returned yesterday to Aikido after five days of holiday in Germany with the In-laws.
I was very apprehensive for some reason and I was not quite in the correct frame of mind yet I went anyway.
I was met at the door by Rene and a big smile. We got changed and chatted about stuff and then Joss arrived and he was back after two weeks in Cyprus. We went inside and worked out on the bag for a while and did a little Kata training so we feel a little better for the grading.

Mrs. Brent Sensei was in Jiu Jutsu and so was sword guy wearing a white belt witch was weird to see but good none the less. Brent wanted us to clean the mats so we got buckets of water and rags and cleaned the Aikido mats, witch was nice.

We chatted about a few things and then Rene took the warm up. We then did rolling and the usual normal warm up stuff. We then did ten rolls on each side and more after that. We then did Yonkajo over and over until we knew how to do it.

I felt not myself in this lesson and could not concentrate for some reason and felt a little tired and I think this was due to the break I had and over doing it a little on my break, we will see on Thursday if this is the case.

Thanks
T_D
]]></body>
	<date>03-30-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1609">
	<title><![CDATA[Last session before Easter.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well today it rained so I got soaked on the bike going to class and was still ok with it though.
I was greeted at the door by Brent Sensei who asked me about the Komoto drummers yet I had already got my girlfriend to leave a message on his answering machine. But I don’t think he has listened to the message yet.

I greeted the Jiu Jutsu class with a usual smile and then noticed that he had Mrs. Brent Sensei there this time. I was really taken back by this as I know how hard this must be to train your own woman in a class, this takes strength and courage and nerves of steel!!

I got myself changed and waited to see who would turn up and Rene arrived and was also shocked to see Mrs. Brent Sensei there. We both agreed that Brent is super master as this is super hard to train your woman. We chatted and got changed and went into the dojo.

Paddy turned up and also got ready and was then followed by Curly who was last in as Rene and I joined in the Jiu Jutsu training. This was the (irikie no sei ichi) witch we all know and then the 90 – 180 turning kata witch we all know but the Jiu Jutsu class don’t so we shone like stars at this.

Then the class stopped and Aikido began. The warm up was taken by Curly who was really not good at this as he is very stiff and needs to calm down and relax a little. Paddy was his mirror and was supposed to help him, yet the strangest thing happened through this I saw Paddy looking over to me checking weather he had it right or not. This was a super boost to my ego yet a little hard as I needed to stop my ego from popping out and exploding all over the place, yet I managed.

Brent got me up and We did the five techniques that we had only touched on Thursday and this was good yet quite easy!
We then did this over and over until we had to stop as the class was about to finish but before we did he said we would do a little (Yonkajo) the most painful technique I have ever experienced.
Brent Sensei had me up again ( Witch was surprising as Paddy should have been the one as he is my Sempai) and did the technique and said that there is usually only 60% of the people who this works on and then as he did the technique he threw me on tot the floor and I farted. I was super embarrassed yet Brent Sensei was ok with it saying that this happens some times, witch made me feel ok about it I guess. So then we did it on each other.

We finished up and this was a super hard class but very good and I guess the fart thing was also my fault as I felt ego in the class.

Thanks 
T_D
]]></body>
	<date>03-23-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1600">
	<title><![CDATA[Grades draw closer]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well I arrived at class and took off my shoes and saw Gerald who laughingly said “There’s nasty Terry” and I looked a little confused and went inside.
I slowly got myself changed and watched the Bojutsu class go through their paces and Katas.

This morning he had Tonfa and Kama katas over and over and over.
Brent Sensei asked if I would like to join in but I really do not want to do weapons at this time so I declined and watched from the side until I could get the mats out for Aikido.

Brent then asked that every one help with the mats and we all worked together putting them out and making it ready for class.
This time we had one guy from Germany with us who, some knew him yet some did not, I was one of them. We started by the usual warm up taken by the German guy who was embarrassed and a little confused as to what we where supposed to do and then we did the Kata’s that the 6th and 5th Kyu’s should know for their grades.
I had to then take the other kata which I knew yet got wrong with one piece of foot work. Then we did this with swords where you had to dodge the sword coming at your head. This was fun yet I am not into that as it is not what I class as Aikido.
We then did a weird Kata where you move with movements that are a little too exaggerated.

We then did the five techniques over and over from a grab and then on to the five from a turn.

Super class.
]]></body>
	<date>03-21-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1591">
	<title><![CDATA[Keep training.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well I arrived a little too early to training and was greeted at the door by Brent sensei.
He Greeted me with the thing we where chatting about in mails during the morning (We where talking about the Kototama and how it may or may not benefit your training).

I entered and started to slowly get changed and looked into the dojo to see only Gerald and another guy training in Jiu Jutsu witch is a shame as there seem to not be too many training just recently for some reason.

I got changed and waited on who would turn up and of course René arrived and we chatted then Paddy turned up and we knew that four training is good.

We went into the dojo and tried a few punches etc on the bag and started class.
Rene had the privilege f taking the warm up (Iirkie nose ichi <-spelt wrong).
Then on to NI and then I was to take the rolling thing we do now witch is basically pretty easy I just needed to learn terms.

We started with the five throws and then onto a couple more witch are more complicated and then we stopped and did jump ukemi witch I am pretty good at from the right side it is only on my left where I get confused and I don’t know why. It seems like my brain only likes the right side and nothing more for some reason. I am kind of getting a little upset with this but I know after about a year I will be ok with left and right I just need to sick to it.

Rene has some issues with ukemi and I can’t figure this out as he was very good in the Aikikai style and his rolls and falls where coming along in leaps and bounds there yet in this type of style he is failing some what but I also know that he is not too bothered about this.

I on the other hand are really trying my best at the moment, I am turning into the Aikido geek…
Most of my time is spent on reading and writing all I can along with my usual duties in life like work and learning German but in the front and foremost of my mind is Aikido.
I know that I may succeed in what I have in mind for the long term I just hope I make it in time or before I die..

Time will tell....

T_D
]]></body>
	<date>03-18-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1582">
	<title><![CDATA[MTV and fainting.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

well I turned up to class and was surprised by who many people turned up for Bojutsu practice!
I entered the dojo and saw about 6 people sitting with cameras and photo cameras all filming what was going on with the Sai against Bo.
I looked over and saw skinny guy and asked and he had no clue what was going on so I got changed and waited for class.
We got the mats out and I over heard that it was MTV filming out dojo and it will be made into a cartoon or anime thing, sounds cool.

So lesson was once again super evil as this lesson was only falling and rolling, falling and rolling and doing over and over the four sets of movement!

I figured out (Thanks Gerald) that I am doing the first movement wrong as I step first and don't do it correct. I need to only open then step thought. Super nice of Gerald to tell me this as I knew I was doing something wrong.
I also need to relax a little more in Jiu Waza as I know I can do more techniques just I could not this time and I know it was because MTV was filming, spoilt my lesson!

Then at the end i had to do Jiu waza with stiff new guy and also had to take it easy with him as I am too hard.He was super stiff and never moved real good for me so I could only throw hard as I needed to break his balance!

Then when Paddy did Jiu waza with skinny guy he fainted as Paddy was a little rough on him. His eyes rolled and then his colour went and that was it he could no longer go on and fell to his knees. I once again had to take over from him with Paddy who could no longer do much as his head was a little rocked because of this.

Super cool lesson.

T_D
]]></body>
	<date>03-15-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1575">
	<title><![CDATA[Pin and Badge day]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

well lesson was super hard last night.
I turned up to class and dropped off Brent Sensei's book on Zen training (Good read by the way and also very well written).
I got changed and Joost (Brown belt) turned up followed by Rene and Paddy, there was also Gerald and Weak Wrists (Spanish dude) training in Jiu Jutsu so this was to be a large class.

We started class by climbing the ropes and then into the warm up (Paddy took this one).
We then did the rolling thing, over and over until you feel sick and want to just sit down for a second, that is until he calls your name to count the rolls for the class.

We then did a type of Kata, names escape me so I cannot tell you which one. Joost took the left side and Weak wrists took the right.
Then we went on to the four directional throws and then the second version where you turn in the end.
Then we did  a third version and then on to Jiu waza. This was taken first by Brent Sensei and Joost. I like to watch Brent take Jiu Waza as this gives you a nice taste of just how good some one can get and also how Beautiful and devastating Aikido can be. The Brent attacked Joost, this is also nice to watch as Brent can fall so well and it is almost like watching a human bubble float and land..
Then it was Gerald and Paddy...
Then Rene and myself.

My girlfriend wants to join and Brent said that he would really like her to as the Dojo is only male testosterone filled at the moment and we need a female presence there as this would calm things down a little.

We all received a Shinkendo Aikibujutsu Badge for our dogi's and a welcome letter and a pin, which was nice and we then all went home super happy.

T_D]]></body>
	<date>03-11-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1570">
	<title><![CDATA[Punishment through sitting]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well My fiancé had maid all of the sword bags that Brent sensei had requested and I took them with me to class.
I arrived and went into the dojo witch was much warmer then usual. I got changed and felt different, I could not put my finger on what it was but everything felt weird some how.
I got changed and Rene arrived earlier than usual and we idle chit chatted and then I went into the main dojo and we watched the Jiu Jutsu class.

Earlier that day I received an email from Brent announcing that there was Grading and Rene and I had to go for our first grade, Rene does not think that he is ready but I know he is as the first grade is allways the easiest grade to go for anyway!
I had printed up what we need to know and also had Brent Sensei mark out what we need so this was not an issue at all.

The class started with Brent asking me to take the warm up and as usual I felt that I was not fast enough so Brent kind of took over! I think this is a training for voice and command but I cannot put my finger on what it is I am lacking in this.

We then did a Grade type warm up witch consists of rolling and things witch we did to almost exhaustion.
We immediately all sat and Brent Sensei was talking about Bushido and the Hagakure?
He talked about Loosing the ego and why we train and our conduct in training. He said that this was for Rene and I could only imagine that Rene had asked a question, that was until he talked about Yawning in class,I then knew this was punishment as my legs fell asleep and I could no longer sit in Seiza.

We then did the usual entering movements and the basics that we need to know for the grading.

I am now looking forward to this as I feel super ready for my first grade and I hope I will do good (Yet I feel that I will anyway).

TD

]]></body>
	<date>03-09-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1553">
	<title><![CDATA[Confidence rising]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well this lesson I took along JP (New Dutch friend/person my GF and I are getting to know)and I set off in the snow to pick him up.
I was surprised when I met Maaike who asked (Quite abruptly)"Will he come home alone?" which kind of meant "Do not come back with him as I do not want you here". But that is ok you get that all the time, yet sometimes it is a little disturbing.

I arrived with loads of time and talked a little with JP and introduced him to every one in the Jiu Jutsu class.
I got changed and unfortunately there was only Brown belt (Joss) Rene and myself training this time but I was asked to take the warm up again which made me very happy this time as i feel that Brent Sensei is showing me the little attention that I need and this also boosts my confidence to no end!

We did turning throws this lesson which consisted of ikajo movement but in the floor lock it was Sankajo.
Then from a attack we did Sankajo to a throw.

I was super positive all lesson and super happy.

Great lesson, roll on Thursday!

T_D]]></body>
	<date>03-02-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1547">
	<title><![CDATA[Koshi nage]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well as I was feeling a lot better I also went on Thursday and arrived nice and early as usual and rang the bell and waited for the door to open.
The little Jui Jutsu guy opened the door for me and I went in and got changed.
The Jiu Jutsu class has grown quite a lot and I am surprised as this is not for me but I guess i am 100% Aikido all the way and do not get the feel for Jiu Jutsu.
I got changed and waited to see who would turn up for Aikido and was met by Paddy (Welsh Guy) Brown Belt (Jos) and René did not turn up as he had a neck injury from the last class (Old Basket ball injury?).

We played around with some break boards that Brent had brought and I demonstrated the "Wing Chung one inch punch" on the black break board just to show that it can work!

So Brent asked that I take the warm up, to my horror as I cannot for the life of me remember it! Don't know why!
He then went on to say we where doing "Koshi nage" as this is one of his favourites and we need it as grading is coming up!

The first technique is from a Push and you turn, enter and throw from the hips. I thought it was ok and kind of got the jist of what I was "Supposed" to do and how it should be done!
Then the second was from the pull, same kind of principal! yet you step in!

I remembered a saying "Soft controls hard, hard controls soft.If pulled push, if push turn"

We did this all lesson and also i noticed why some techniques don't work and that is that I am 6" 4 inches tall and when I do techniques with some one smaller I need to adjust to their size as my techniques won't work on smaller guys!!

At the end of the class I was asked to bring in a passport photo as I need this for my licence!
I thought about this all weekend (As I am filling this out on Monday) and I am confused!
I pay Brent Sensei 50 Euros a month to train me three times a week (Expensive I know but he is a good teacher for me)
Yet I also pay on top of that around 80 Euros a year to pay into the Shinkendo Federation? Why? What do I get from this?
I ALSO have to pay to get graded which is from 20 - 35 Euros depending on what I grade for! Why as I Pay the federation this, no ?

I am seriously thinking about NEVER Grading as I do not understand what I pay for!!!

Peace, love.

TD]]></body>
	<date>02-28-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1525">
	<title><![CDATA[First day back after 3 weeks sick.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well for the last three weeks I have been super ill but even though I still have a chest infection I had to train as I was missing out of some great training time!
I arrived at the new dojo location which is nice, bigger and we now have the added benefit of using the equipment there which is nice.
I got changed in the change room and waited on people arriving. Rene came and then Brown belt and we chatted about things and then went into the hall.
We did a few rolls and then joined in with the Jiu Jutsu class to do some mad locks and throws.
The class finished and we started Aikido where Brent Sensei had a little amnesia and forgot the warm-up and stuff, this was nice to see that even Sensei can lose it some times,still human...
We then did the technique where you catch the arm,turn and throw them because the elbow is locked (Forgot the name but it hurts a lot).
We did that and then Sensei placed on into the middle of the mat and we all attacked him then each one was in the middle getting attacked by every one.
I wheezed my way through that and then we did the infamous cross your arms in front of you and then lay on your chest so you can't breath technique where I almost died!
Then Brent Sensei asked that we do 30 rolls one after another, but I managed 15 before I almost threw up.
Was a nice first lesson back, I missed it ...a lot!!

T ]]></body>
	<date>02-23-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1521">
	<title><![CDATA[Dojo Party]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

well On Saturday evening I was invited to the first dojo party of 2005.
We all received an e-mail with the directions and also sensei's mobile number.
We where all to arrive at 19:30 or earlier if you had plans, I arrived at 19:30 as I had no plans and kept my calendar open for this evening.
When we arrived (Me and my woman) we where met by Huge guy and his Japanese woman, little Asian guy, Brent Sensei and two cats.
Anette immediately joined in making the sushi as she is the best at it and I gave my resects to Sensei and looked around the flat.
To my suprise it was not as how I expected it at all, no shoji screens nor any swords on the walls, which I expected to see.
The flat was more of an office and nothing more yet one whole wall was Martial arts books and the other was Samurai movies and Shinkendo DvD's...
I was in heaven and then found out that you could borrow books and movies I almost peed in my pants.
We all sat around and watched a Euro sports martial arts demo and then a nice Shinkendo video and chatted away about the dojo and experiences, this was so much fun for me as I have never felt so much a part of something since the army and this was very nice indeed.
Then Brent Sensei sat down with us and toasted so we then all had a nice little shot of Sake.
Then another, then another, then another.
I had to stop as I was feeling kind of drunk and this is truly not my style.
So I calmed and went into the other room where Brent Sensei was showing his sword collection.
He has one that is 450 years old, this could have killed someone!! cool!
We chatted some more and then it was time for us to leave and we got ready and I borrowed 2 books and we went home.

This was a super nice evening and I enjoyed it a lot.
T ]]></body>
	<date>02-22-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1431">
	<title><![CDATA[Sick Sensei Day]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well as usual I arrived early to see what was going on with Jiu Jutsu and I think the best thing about going to lesson is walking up to the room and hearing the slaps and falling noises emanating around the empty corridors, so nice.

I arrived and saw something strange, two blue belts showing how a technique should be done and Brent Sensei sitting back and letting them do so?
I bowed to the class and then Brent and he then told me that he was super sick and could do really nothing!
So I passed my condolences and carried on getting changed and watching the class.
Every one arrived and we had two new students come one from last week Thursday and the other came on recommendation from a existing class member.
We all got on the mat and warmed up and then did some basic movements which was fun as Joss took this and was really good! Then on to the techniques.
We did Shomen irimi nage again my most favourite technique in the world. I did this with little dangerous guy and did it quite well and we also did some reversals which I did in front of the class with Joss!
It was a strange class but well worth it.

The class also started with Brent giving another speech on how Aikido is a family with no competition and we are all one and if one doesn't work then we all don't and that how getting a black belt is not the "Be all and end all" of it!

Nice
T ]]></body>
	<date>01-21-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1425">
	<title><![CDATA[Learning day]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,
 
Well it was class and I arrived early as usual and was met with a huge Jiu Jutsu class with about six or more people and one of who I noticed was a brand newbie wearing jeans and all.
I got changed as slow as possible as I did not want to get in the middle of what was going on (Some nasty and painful looking leg locks, not for me today thanks guys).
I waited for some one to arrive and eventually Joss arrived and saved me.We chatted about the usual chit chat and then we where asked to join the mat for a nice technique which I could do real easy and did not half break my arm in the process.
Class finished and it was only the three of us again me, Joss and Jerald.
Brent Sensei asked what I thought was Jerald to take the warm up but it was me, SHOCK HORROR!!!
I for got every thing and how it goes! My voice was not loud enough and it was a mess...
We then did some nice Kata which was nice and easy and I knew that no problem. I followed that quite easy!
We then went on to one of my favourite Technique's Irimi nage!
I truly showed how nice that was for me and I beasted Jerome so bad for his nasty Jiu Waza on Saturday.
At the end I noticed I had hurt me back that hard that it hurts when I breath, but I will carry on regardless...
 
When I arrived home I had time to reflect on this and I realise that even though I I want to reach black belt and want my own Dojo I am nothing but a real beginner who has a long way to go. I truly have a long hard and laborious path ahead of me, yet I really want to make this work. Just taking the warm up made me realise how tough it must be to actually take a class and also to teach people. This I want and this I will reach even if it takes me all my my lifetime to do!
 
T
 
 ]]></body>
	<date>01-20-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1408">
	<title><![CDATA[Saturday Lesson]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Once again I set off in the cold Holland weather to the second place that Brent has foe Shinkendo.
Put side of the door was a tramp listening to the morning news on a radio he must have found or been given by some one.
I said "Hello and good Morning" to him and he replied by giving me some type of animal grunting noise which was comforting as I knew he was alive and drunk which meant he was happy and alive.I went up the stairs and took of my shoes before I entered and was met by the clacking of wooden tonfa and bo staffs.
My most favourite thing in the world is opening them doors as it is like opening the doors to an old Japanese dojo and seeing the people training hard and the noise is super nice.
I went over to Joss and the other guy and got my self changed and then started to get the mats out and all.
We started off with some basic movements and some kind of Kata and then set off to do the first set of movements which I kind of know how to do but not really in Jiu waza which I know I must do but I am finding I have Jiu Waza block at the moment and I know why but cannot stop it.
The class was nice and at the end there was more Jiu Waza and this time I was asked to do it with Jerald who had last week broken me, this week he managed to only really exhaust me and not hurt me as much.
What I did notice was that the reason why I get so damaged feet is that I fall wrongly and not in the Yoshinkan way but only in the Aikikai way and so my ankles and feet get right royally messed up.
This I know will change in time so I am not too bothered about it but I am a little upset about getting my technique better.

Tiyler
 ]]></body>
	<date>01-17-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1387">
	<title><![CDATA[Keiko Hajime!]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey All,

Well it is 2005 nad I received this mail:
Greetings and a very happy new year to all of you!
 I hope your New Year’s celebrations have been everything and more of what you were hoping for and that you are all looking forward to what will surely be a great new year for our dojo and our training together.

 Tomorrow will be our first training of the year, which is traditionally known as keiko hajime (the beginning or our training for the year). 

 As many of you know the space that we use on the Postjesweg is only temporary and has not been without its problems. I have been looking for a new studio or space that we can rent permanently. Although I will continue looking for another space, I have found a very nice studio near the XXXXXXXX that we may start using in February. At least for the month of January we will continue using the XXXXXXXXXXX space for our dojo.

 Starting tomorrow, all classes will be taking place at their normal times at the XXXXXXXX and the XXXXXXXXXXX-Plein.

 I take great heart and honor in being a part of our dojo and the community that has developed around it. I am grateful for the commitment and support of all of you for being there to make it what it has and is becoming. Let’s take our training together seriously in what is the beginning of the 6th year of the dojo. 

 I look forward to seeing you all soon!

 Gambatte Kudasai,

I was super charged and ready for some real training so I went to the Thursday class which was super nice and we received a great motivational speech from Brent Sensei and how we should try and strive to be not just "Not bad" but Good!
The Thursday class was nice yet turned out to be a little more Jiu Jutsu than Aikido which was ok and I liked it a lot.The end of the lesson Brent gave out a Junior instructor licence to Jos and Long haired guy which was really very nice and Super well timed!
I then decided that this year I step up my Aikido and train three times a week, so I decided to train on Saturday as this was the year for me.
I arrived at the dojo very early as usual yet i could not get in so I waited for someone to arrive.The long haired guy came and let me in and I was met by a hug class all training in different weapons.Some training with Bo staff,some Sai forks and some Tonfa.Very cool to see and kind of surprising as I have never seen this before.
I was super hyper and this got my juices flowing for class. The lesson ended and we then got the mats out and warmed up in front of a huge mirror. We then did loads of throws and jumps ad flying stuff whic tired me out no end even though I was training through the holidays, quite a lot yet it seems not enough!
We trained in some pretty strange and nasty techniques and after that we did Jiuwaza.
I was put infront of "Sweaty guy" and was told to attack him.
Well I started out very nice and easy an was thrown in ways I could handle very well.Then I was thrown IN crazy ways with my arms crossed in front of me and mad stuff.
I ended up bleeding from my ankles and landing on my head and hurting my shoulder really badly. Then it was my turn to get him back but I was so exhausted that the only think I could think of was to keep him on the floor so every time he tried to get up I put him back down, fast with the use of one technique, but I think I did well and was told this as well. I have great control.

Any hoo untill next time.

 ]]></body>
	<date>01-10-2005</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1321">
	<title><![CDATA[Last calss for 2004]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey All,

Well i arrived at class way before time and entered the dojo to find Brent Sensei and some new guy stretching on the mats!
Brent Sensei was very upset that no one came to lesson and said he was going to send an e-mail to his students as they are showing a little disrespect to the dojo, yet he understands that it is the end of the year and some have exams and so forth.
I got changed and we did some Jiu jutsu things, like getting out of grips and some mad techniques and then it was on for the Aikido!
We started out with the normal group warm up and them some more techniques like rolling and so on.
We then went on to a set of three techniques where we would do throws. I felt like this time my Aikido had stepped up one level and I was truly into the swing of things. I also think this is because it is my last lesson for 2 weeks, also!

We did these for a while and then we did more falling from all different heights and so on for a while which I like as my rolls for this are not so good and I need to learn!

Then Brent Sensei called out that myself and Jos where to do jiuwaza!

We started by me attacking him and he threw me all over the place to the point where I was breathing out of my arse!
Then it was my turn!
I started out doing the techniques that i had learnt and also some other ones that I could remember and I was doing ok for a while until I started to think! then my technique turned to shit and I was all over trying stuff that would not work and  lost it after that!

Was a nice way to end the year and I was a little proud of myself!

 ]]></body>
	<date>12-17-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1314">
	<title><![CDATA[Yonkajo day day 3 (The pain goes on)]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Well I arrived at the dojo on time again and saw there was a new guy sitting through the class.
I got changed and gave Sensei the sword bag that my girlefriend had made for him and chatted with the new guy for a while.
We talked voer what he had done before and he said he had done a little Judo and Karate, so I guess he knows a little and should do ok!
I had a little job form brent Sensei who had me go and get water to clean up the mats as someone had used them and got them dirty and had actualy put a hole in one of them.
After that the Jiu jutsu class was finishing up and it was time for the Aikido.
We went through the usual warm up and streaching as there was only sweaty guy and myself (It seems the cold weather makes the Dutch stay home for some reason).
Then we did the rolls and falls and so on, then Brent Sensei annaounced that we will be doing Yonkajo!
Searing pain and white light raced through my brain, I shuddered and then involanterily smiled nad said something stupid like "Yay I love Yonkajo"!
We started with the I initiate the attack and do the tecnique on Uke as well and go into an Ikajo movement and then onto Yonkajo!
The the second one was where Uke attacks and I move in a turning movement and then up nad down again into the same move!
Very nice and I actualy now appreciate knowing this movement and am getting to grips with it.
We then stopped nad went on to falls.
This is kind of new and I had not fallen like this before yet i did get to grips with it in the end until we did some really strange on with the arm bent where I had to literaly throw myself down to the floor, scary yet stragely satisfiying!

Good lesson, liked it alot!



 ]]></body>
	<date>12-15-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1297">
	<title><![CDATA[wrist Pain Lesson 2]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey All,

Well I arrived last night with a smile and a hope of a nicer lesson than Tuesday.
Jos was there already and getting changed. He looked over and gave me his usual little smile and carried on putting his Gi on. Brent looked over and gave me his "Cum mon wah" and carried on with the Jiu jutsu lesson. I was half way through getting changed and in walked long haired guy from Bosnia who we had not seen in a long time and we where very happy to see again. As usual we did a little jiu jutsu, this week we did ground grappling which is not my favourite thing in the world (As why would you get there in the first place?)and then they ended the lesson. The Spanish guy was there again and he joined the aikido group which made six people in total,nice lesson.
We started out with tai sabaki movements which I am not too keen on as Kata is one thing I hate doing, yet I went along with it and did ok. Then we did more movements which I knew this time as it was the one from Tuesday lesson and I am getting to grips with now.
We then all sat and Jos and Brent Sensei got up and he announced that we would finish off what we did not finish on Monday, fear and flashing lights of pain flew through my body "Yonkajo"!!!!
We started out again with the two we did on Tuesday where we initiated the attack and went down into ikajo and then into yokajo and then into the arm break move.
The pain for me was unbearable.
We then went on to the same type of thing but we turned out into the yonkajo technique.
All the way through my arms throbbed with pain and in the end i moved over to Jos and we trained a little less painfully and more with care on each others arms.
At the end of the lesson Brent Sensei gave us his thoughts on the class and gave a very strange speech where he said that we should all lead by example not verbally to your subordinates as in showing technique but also in your own technique if you are pointing out mistakes then you should not show them in your own technique, this is not really respectful!
I like this lesson as I know this speech was to some one in the class yet it was also a kind of future reference to me as a new student in his dojo.
Great!

 ]]></body>
	<date>12-10-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1289">
	<title><![CDATA[Wrist Pain day!]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey All,

Well it was my first day back after a long weekend and missing one day of training due to personal issue's.
I arrived with my girlfriend who is doing a little job for my sensei, she is making sword bags as Brent needs around 40 or so sword bags as the person who used to make them has left Holland and can no longer do this for him so my girl friend is going to do this for him.
There was only Jos and myself in this lesson so I knew it would be a little weird and full of stuff that I would find hard and also not very interesting. Jos took the warm up and I am slowly picking that up and learning how to do it easy. Then we did the stepping Kata which i am trying hard to learn but cannot remember very well and we did that about twice. Then Brent got some swords and we did the Kata whilst trying to chop the partner with the sword which was very funny as I kept hitting Jos by accident as I am not really used to doing things like that with swords and stuff.

We then moved on to the second Kata which involves big movement and which I do not know at all and found very hard to do but was fun anyway, but Brent did not want us to do as I was new to that.

We then moved on to yonkajo which is the fourth technique and is very painful to do and I did not look forward to it at all. We did this from an attack on uke and then into first position ikajo and then down to yokajo.
Super painful yet very effective indeed and I really made Jos squirm all over the place.
Then we did it the same yet in a turning motion from then down to the floor.

A very strange lesson yet I learned a lot.



 ]]></body>
	<date>12-09-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1247">
	<title><![CDATA[Break people day]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey All,

Well last night's class was one in a million!
I arrived as usual very early so I can get ready and watch or maybe join in with the ju jutsu class.
This time there was a Spanish green belt and some other guy with a blue belt.I watched intensively as they battled it out between each other crawling over one another all sweaty and breathless.Panting and gasping for breath as they grappled like two animals fighting for survival.
Rene came and I was very happy that he did as it has lifted his spirits up greatly after his bereavement, poor guy.
We got the mats out and was joined by four brown belts three of which I have never seen before and one who looked scary and dangerous.
We did the communal warm up counting in Japanese and then we did some foot movement, to which I once again found myself standing trying to copy what they where doing and very confused.
We then moved over to shihonage once again which I was super comfortable with and very happy to train with all the different types of skilled people we have in the dojo.
We did from pushing and pulling and from attacks and so on.
We then did jiuwaza! This was started by two brown belts which was nice to see then followed by two white belts where one guy landed on his neck and almost was unconscious.
Then two more brown belts where one guy almost got his wrist broken.Then Rene and myself got up and did some where we only remembered two techniques,sadly enough.

Class ended and I am super happy after that!

 ]]></body>
	<date>11-26-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1243">
	<title><![CDATA[Shihunage day Aikibudo.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well Last night I went to lesson alone as Rene has had a bereavement in the family and is not 100% and feeling a little down.
I arrived at the new location which was very warm and a little smaller but still nice and has a nice view of the gracht!
I got changed and was then met with a second guy who is from Ireland and has been doing Aikibudo for a while and then we joined the Jiu Jutsu group for a little training. We did escapes from ground hold's and other stuff which was interesting and fun.
We then started the lesson with the usual group warm up and then on to "Shihunage" from a push, pull, and different strikes. This was very good as you had to blend with your Uke and this was something I had not felt in a while. The Lock at the end was super painful yet it took me a while to find how this works and I can only explain it as "pulling the leg off a chicken". This was very hard to do on the older guy as he was not very responsive as an Uke and kept on moving and rolling around like a child when things got a little difficult.
The warm down was also a killer and I could not finish half of it.

Great lesson,learned a lot. ]]></body>
	<date>11-24-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1213">
	<title><![CDATA[Technical Tuesday]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[I arrived at the dojo before time as usual and watched the jiu jutsu class as I got changed into my Gi.
Rene arrived and we chatted as he got ready and then we where invited on to the mat o train a little Jiu Jutsu.
We where shown how to get out of a Full Nelson and how to do a "Arm bar' which was fun and we all had a nice time in learning it. We then started our own class which first consisted of the communal warm up where we all count together in Japanese and then some rolls and falls and then we went on to a movement thing which I could not get at all. We then moved on to "Tenchi Nage" which was done in a different way as to what I have been thought and was a little difficult for me but I think I did ok!
Then on to a "Nikajo" technique which was amazing and i had a lot of fun doing and getting right.
The lesson was very fast and very technical and I enjoyed it a lot and then came the infamous Aikibuken warm down where we did falling and getting up without using your hands to the Sensei's timing.Then on to pushups and then leg thing which nearly makes me throw up.

Another great lesson which I love.
 ]]></body>
	<date>11-17-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1191">
	<title><![CDATA[Lesson 3]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well this was my third lesson and this time Rene came along after watching a Saturday class.
He was a little apprehensive as he thought that the style was a little excessive and harder than AIkikai training upstairs with Erick, yet he did like the discipline and the enthusiasm of the students and the teacher.
We both arrived and got changed and watched Sensei Hire teaching the Jiu Jutsu and waited whilst the lesson finished.
We all started the lesson with the group warm-up and counting in Japanese.
Then myself and Rene where left to our our devises to do a little break falling and a few techniques.
We did mostly movement and falling/rolling and where shown a different approach to kokyonage which was fun.

The lesson was very good. ]]></body>
	<date>11-10-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1176">
	<title><![CDATA[Second Lesson trial.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well it was my second lesson and I turned up and slowly got ready as the sensei took the Jiu Jutsu class.
I watched intently as he was explaining pressure points and how to do them and how effective they are!
The others arrived and we chatted as we got changed.
The Jiu Jutsu lesson ended and we put out a few more mats and got ready for the group warm up. Brent explained how it works and we carried on warming up,stretching and so forth.
The feeling of family came over me and my mind was 10% focused on the Aikido and its application,I thought nothing but Aikido which is strange as this is one of the first times this has happened and I knew I had picked the right place for me!

We then did a kind of Kata and movement which I tried and was rather hard for me to do and them after that I was tested on my skill.
I proved that I knew my stuff even though I was "New" in his dojo and style yet I knew the basics for what Aikido was and how it is applied!
Then I was tested as UKE.
I was thrown, slammed and beaten for about 20 minutes and proved that I was an outstanding UKE, which was nice to hear and boosted me to no end.

Another super great lesson and I can't wait for next week. ]]></body>
	<date>11-05-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1167">
	<title><![CDATA[New Dojo New start!]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well I finally bit the bullet and did something about my situation and current dojo disappointments. I had searched around all the other possibilities and found that I liked "Knuckles" dojo yet I could not commit to a one day a week training, I would not learn enough and I would drift away from this.
The second option was in Museum plein and this was Aikikai and the same thing, disorganised and something i think I would stagnate in.
So I looked into the Shinbukan dojo, this was different as it had dojo rules and a more super strict way.
I arranged a meeting which was for me to sit through a class and watch!
I did so and was amazed at how different and smooth their technique was. I felt as if I truly wanted to be a part of this and at the end of the lesson after the Sensei had given his ideas of why the technique is as it is and also his philosophy over this I told him I wanted to join.

Yesterday I arrived and was given a new dogi and all my papers and had my first lesson,i was great and I had a good time learning how to fall and roll all over again.
The style is very energetic and fluid. I spent most of the time looking like a newbie and bowing to my sempai and being alone learning to fall all over again and getting rid of old Aikikai ways, but I was not once deterred at all!
I think this will be the start of a new found friendship and a long lasting relationship!

Will keep you posted and for more info please see: http://www.shinkendo.nl/ ]]></body>
	<date>11-03-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1074">
	<title><![CDATA[Wednesday and Friday]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey All,

Well things have taken a real strange turn this week.
I was invited to "Knuckles" dojo for a free training session and a "How we do it here" lesson.
The place is in a gym just up the Kinker straat and is owned by a Japanese Karate guy. It is a gym,spa,sauna,karate dojo,kickboxing dojo,aikido dojo and has the greatest people who go there.
I arrived and was met by the owner who showed me around and gave me the rules,a locker and a cup of tea.He was a big guy with a "Don't fuck with me" attitude to which I complied as he was bigger then me.
"knuckles" arrived and we got changed and he showed me the dojo.
It was green! with brand new tatami and a huge mirror and a wall with mats on it.
The tatami was like butter and so soft,nice!

The lesson was quite large and with some regulars from my other dojo which was nice for "knuckles" as he could have a Uke he knows!

We did Sankajo and how you can apply it in all the different ways.

It was a nice lesson,nice people yet I don't know what to do as i want to keep going to my old dojo until that closes and moves and then go to "knuckles" dojo,but he only has one lesson a week....

Dilemma. ]]></body>
	<date>10-11-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="982">
	<title><![CDATA[Back to Saturday lessons.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey All,

well it was my first Saturday lesson back from holiday and sickness.
I arrived at the usual time and got ready and was met by "Old guy" who was surprisingly happy to see me and we chatted about how my holiday was and how Scotland was and everything was the usual Saturday. Then in came "Clog wearing guy" who was super happy o inform me that he was now 5th Que. I congratulated him of course and everything was normal. Then in cam "Moustache guy" and followed by the "Talkie brothers" and then in came "Old lady of the streets" and "Bald black guy".

I could not believe it and then the thought crossed my mind that the grading where just over and every one was super charged and this would die down after a month or so and then we will be back to normal lesson style.

We started with the usual entering and turning whilst holding your hand.Then iriminage and ikajo. We did something really cool which was an entering technique followed by a system where you could throw from at least 6 or 7 different angels which all had to do with here you stood.

A very hard lesson and "Moustache guy" was very hard on me and was super back in this lesson and I think he was just taken back that I returned and it knocked him a little. I will get him back though.

Rene never turned up as he is still sick and feel's not 100% but I think he has lost interest. Maybe I am wrong but you never know do you.

Ach well it is so great to be back. ]]></body>
	<date>09-13-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="969">
	<title><![CDATA[Back after holiday.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey All,

Well after two weeks holiday and then one week off due to a dentist issue.
What can I say getting back was great! I saw all the usual faces. I was surprised to see "Moustache guy" sneak in and get changed very quietly and not as loud as he usually is,but I just carried on watching the people.Then in spilled three young kids and they joined the group.At this point I thought things had changed and I had come at the wrong time or something...

The lesson started with some fun as it seems that "Kick boxer guy" had passed his black belt test and had trouble with his Hakama and this created a stir.
The lesson was taken by "Yoda" ,who was on fire, and said that this lesson would entail grabs from behind. This was super cool and the first one was an entering technique where you spun the assailant around you and then entered and dropped him,I kind of had troubles with this.
The second was a different one where you did Ikajo,kind of easy!
The third you did sakajo,easy. and the forth you did iriminage,which was amazing as I supplely dropped in to a really good groove and my partner noticed this ...surprising!!
Then we stopped and did some work with swords which I find very hard to do but it was fun none the less and I know sword play is very important for aikido.
We did one where you drew the sword,whilst stepping with the right foot.then turn a little to the left and stepping in with the left and cutting.Placing the sword back whilst stepping back with the left!

Nice lesson. ]]></body>
	<date>09-09-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="879">
	<title><![CDATA[Hot sweaty Gi day.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey All,

Well It was Saturday lesson time again.
I awoke at 06:30 am and it was hot,damn hot.
I sat and had breakfast in the Garden and watched Saturday morning T.V (Basically Dragon ball Z, love it!)
I arrived at the Dojo at normal time and met the sensei there, got changed and waited for people to arrive. I was greeted by the old guy and the talkie brothers, I hate them.
The talkie brothers talk walking up the stairs and talk getting changed talk on the mat talk through technique show and talk as they are doing technique! It makes me cringe as it shows lack of respect for the sensei his class and the fellow Aikidoka!

Well as it was super hot on the top floor of the school and the sensei was hot he said we would have a nice easy lesson where we would not sweat! LIAR!!??!!.
We did Ikyo,Nikajo and Sankajo! all standing!

this was supposed to be done slowly and with perfect techniques yet with no throw at the end.

The old guy i was training with was sweating as i cranked it up a little and i was also sweating as i now take my Aikido very seriously in deed and want to get good at it!

Half way through the class Angry hakama guy turned up and did not join, for reason i still don't know!
He sat and watched with his usual expressionless face and his eye's burning into the back of my neck.

The talkie boys walked off the mat STILL TALKING!!

Nice lesson,learned a lot! ]]></body>
	<date>08-10-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="856">
	<title><![CDATA[Angry Yoda day.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey All,

I arrived the the dojo at 18:10 and the sun was shining and the sky was blue and it was hot,damn hot, so I knew not too many people would turn up to class, which I like.
There was a student there already cleaning the place up and i said "Hello" and got changed.
I sat on the bench beside the mat and waited it out for everyone to come.People entered in "drips and drabs" and then knuckles came in and I knew it was time. Yoda also spilled in and got changed and we waited for him to take the class. We did the usual yoda warm up then Yoda kneeled down and did all 5 techniques entering and turning form a Yokomen cut and left us to do it!
I had trouble doing this as I don't know who to do Yonkyo and gokyo properly yet, but I struggled on.
It was sore on the knees again.
We then did standing irimi nage where the Black belt boys started to tussle with each other and Yoda (Sensei) got super angry and make us do Jiuwaza for an hour.
At one point the boys had to take a time out to cool down and get more fluid.After this he made the boys get up and do Jiuwaza infront of myself and the others until they had nothing left in them, nice to see and also how your technique improves also!

Later I found out that Raging Bull and knuckles have this black belt history and they are competing against each other when they can. I also found out that our Sensei (Yoda) has quit smoking and is on angry mode factor 10 so he is not to be messed with at all.

Was a nice lesson besides the stupid politics!

On a more personal note i would like to thank you all for reading my posts here and for the help and support you are all giving me as it is very appreciated. you are all very kind and generous people and I thank you for that. My father is now on his second chemo session and is doing ok yet he is very tired all the time and gets a little confused. He is doing well and sends his regards to all. ]]></body>
	<date>08-05-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="847">
	<title><![CDATA[understanding lesson]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey all,

well Saturday lesson, super cool and quite good.
I arrived at the dojo and followed in the teacher in and we chatted as we reached the dojo doors.
We both spilled in and got changed where we chatted some more and the teacher told me of his Aiki philosophy. He said never punch and never attack yet let the attacker attack and you just follow and look the way he is. Never let the attack get to you as the attacker is only attacking himself, he is angry with himself and cannot express this any better. We chatted some more where I realised what he was saying.
    
This was a nice start to the lesson.
11:30 am came and we where the only ones there so we started the warm up where another one arrived and joined the warm up. The guy wanted to do the 6th Que test which I said ok, yet was not bothered at all. So this is how the lesson was the teacher would show the technique and we did it together. I learned so much and had a very nice lesson which was almost a private lesson.

My ikkyo I guess will improve and also my irimi nage too...

Great lesson, loved it. ]]></body>
	<date>08-02-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="837">
	<title><![CDATA[Back after a nice weekend in Germany]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[[quote]Entries: 17 total ( 0 private ) 
Views: 517 
Comments: 1 total comments  
[/quote]

Well I was not in class on Saturday due to a family gathering in Germany which I had to attend yet was very strange as at around 11:30am or so my body went in to a adrenaline over drive due to my body thinking that it was class time,strange eh!

Well I was back to the Wednesday class which was only 5 people.I met Rene who is going away for 2 weeks due to work and woman things going on. The class was taken by Knuckles who lived up to his name yet again by having huge bleeding knuckles again this class.
We where asked what we would like to train as the tests are up and coming and bubbah said he would like to practice techniques from behind.
This was new and was very good and truly technical and this lesson I was only confused over one technique. we did reversals and at the end we had a mock testing which was quite fun and truly entertaining as I got a little revenge on Moustache guy. I made him fall hard and when he rolled i slapped his ass, he was not amused but Rene and i had a good old giggle about it.

Very good lesson and much was learned in this one. ]]></body>
	<date>07-29-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="822">
	<title><![CDATA[The return of the knee in ribs guy.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey me again,

Well it was a Wednesday class again...
I arrived at 18:20 as usual and no one was there yet i was shortly met by knuckles and followed by Rene.
knuckles opened the Dojo and we spilled inside and got changed, Rene commented that my gi is not looking so pink now yet that doesn't change the fact that it still looks pink does it!
We chit chatted about his new business venture and how he will be going solo and making a website and all that.
I sat at the side of the mat whilst Rene warmed up. Knuckles just sat by and we all waited for yoda to get ready and take the class, I was surprised as Yoda never takes a warm up. In walked in new kid of about 9 years old and his Dad and then Knee in ribs guy to my dismay.

yoda walked on the may and we all kneeled down and did the usual bows.
Then we rocked backwards and forwards shouting and did a usual warm up.
The first technique was an entering technique, but a back stretch.
Then an ikkajo technique followed by a turning ikkajo where i was unfortunately paired with the dreaded sharp knee man of doom, who incidentally must have been sharpening them as every turn to the ground felt like being impaled in a stake through my side! I tried explaining this yet this seemed to anger him and his eyes bulged in his head and he carried on doing the same thing over and over.

After this I got mind freeze again and had no clue what I was doing and could perform no technique after this properly. I seem to get this when we are watching techniques and after this I cannot do anything afterwards. The dreaded mind freeze of death where you stand on the mat looking and feeling completely stupid annoying everyone as you cannot grasp a basic and easy technique which you have done over and over!

At the end we sat down whilst the black belts did a one on one with a jo staff which was great to see as kick boxer guy slammed people into the mat with his muscles and no Aiki at all and the rest where good!

At the end of this Yoda called up the little 9 year old and made the 9 year old kid. Yoda had the jo staff and the kid grabbed the staff. It was wonderful to see as when the kid rolled he made a very nice cracking sound in his Gi and just showed every one that they need to relax when doing the technique.

Over all a great lesson. ]]></body>
	<date>07-22-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="816">
	<title><![CDATA[Rene tries it on...]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[[quote]Views: 436 
Comments: 1 total comments  [/quote]

Saturday lesson.

well I did not expect René to be there on Saturday as his girlfriend is over from Germany so I set off and made my way to the dojo.
I saw the big black fellah and followed him up the stairs and to the Dojo.
As usual no one wants to talk to an foreigner so he phone three or four people on his mobile so as not to talk to me and we waited for the sensei to arrive.
He did so in five minutes and we spilled inside and got changed.
In walks René and his girlfriend, was i surprised!
He walked in all full of himself and showing off with his woman, I expected this and shrugged to off and just did my own thing.

we got changed and talked BS and I went over to Biggi (Her name)and said "Hi" and all that and Rene tried to explain what Aikido is and al that.
The lesson started with the usual warm up and super stretching followed by rolls and falls.
then on to ikkyo and the two ways entering and turning, which was good!
Then I noticed that Rene was showing off and totally doing his techniques quite hard (And wrong may I add with total muscle and force)and showing me how and where i was going wrong.
to be expected yet totally not what I wanted.
We then when on to do some nice throws and all.
I was coupled with the black guy who is now named "Spawn" as he looks and does Aikido like "Spawn" form the movies and comics.He threw me hard, very hard, to the point that now on Monday I still hurt!

The lesson was good and The last technique was paired with Rene who liked to throw me as hard as he could to the sheer delight of his woman, yet i did not concede and did not throw him hard. I did not rise to this and did my technique as best as i could as I want to be good at Aikido and not show off!

Over all a good lesson and i liked it even though Rene was a bit of an idiot. I will not concede!

 ]]></body>
	<date>07-19-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="808">
	<title><![CDATA["Conan" and weird new guy with bulging eye's...]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[[quote]Views: 402 
Comments: 1 total comments[/quote]

Hey All,

Well Wednesday lesson and what a lesson..
I arrived at the Dojo at 18:15pm and climbed the three flights of stairs and as usual saw the Aikido Dojo sigh turned the corner and was met by a very odd looking gentleman who informed me that the door was locked and we had to wait.
Rene arrived and spared me the horrors of having to try and start a conversation with him, which I knew he also did not want to either.
knuckles arrived and opened the Dojo where we all spilled inside and got changed.
One new guy arrived so we ended up with two new guys and one other guy from another dojo.
We started the warm up as usual with knuckles trying to kill us doing mad Kung Fu squats and then rolls followed by some falls which was followed by rolls and falls!

The new guy did not seem to have any physical fitness at all and found tat the warm up very hard.
Then we started with ikkyo.I did this with the other new guy who was a little weird and moved in all the wrong ways, yet it made me realise that I have come quite far and this must be how the black belts feel when training with me! yet i have more patients...
Watching the new guy pull faces like a mad cow and stiffly try and do techniques was fun and scary at the same time.
I ended up paired with him for the second time where we did Ikkyo with a turn and every single time he kneed me in the side of the chest. I was kind of afraid to ask him not to as his face pulling and gurning had reached boiling point and his bottom teeth where showing by now and his eyes seemed to be bulging.

We moved on to nikajo, which was fun and i heard some one scream, was the weird and scary new guy who kept walking off the mat and taking a time out from all the strenuosity of it all.
I was paired with "Conan" for this one who is going for his black belt soon and is a very good Aikidoka and i think will make an excellent Black belt as he is not arrogant at all and is always egger to help and show.

We stopped and did some weapons work.
the 21 steps of the jo Kata which was a refreshing change and also fun and confusing at the same time.

as usual the lesson ended with "Conan" being attacked by 3 people yet this time he nearly broke someone's arm which was fun. thus Rene and i nicknamed him "Conan" the destroyer!

in all a very weird and fun and self observing lesson.

Thuraly enjoyable.
 ]]></body>
	<date>07-15-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="799">
	<title><![CDATA[Angry Hakama Guy ( Part 2 )]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[[quote]Views: 370 
Comments: 1 total comments  [/quote]

Hey All,

Seems i am popular, cool.

Well I woke up on Saturday feeling fine and dandy.
I had my usual wake up shower and breakfast and coffee and got my gear ready and set off to Aikido. The sun shone in my face and life was good on Saturday morning.
I climbed the four huge flights of stairs and saw the Aikido Amsterdam sign on the wall and to my disbelief the Dojo was open at 11:10am.
I was shocked and entered with a bow, turned and saw to my horror "Angry Hakama guy".

Fear and pain ran through my mind as he turned and looked at me and said "HI".
I smiled and the only thing i could reply way "Oh ohh".

I got changed in silence.
Rene arrived shortly after and gave me the look of "Ohh shi* we are Fu**".
He also got changed in silence.

We sat at the side of the mat and watched angry hakama guy do his sword techniques and dominate the mat totally.
his presence was immense as it always is when he is there. He dazzled us with precise sword play and all the time i thought of "Lone wolf and Cub".

We started the lesson and he shuffled us around by rank etc...

As usual we did the warm up and rolls.

Then he threw us straight into a Nikajo attack and lock which ended in a Kiai.

Rene and i did this together.
Then onto another Nikajo, where we both realised that he was not so angry nor so mean as last time and somehow disturbingly Human.

In the middle of the class we where joined by a Japanese guy,where our class turned sorely racist and started mockingly doing Japanese words "Ahh so" and the such which I was very upset and Ashamed about.

Through the lesson my wrists became more and more sore, yet i was having fun in an Angry Hakama Guys lesson, yet i carried on none the les.

All in all despite that it was a very, very god lesson and i enjoyed it very much.

We learned that two people from this class would be going for Black belt one who i know will pass and the other i hope not as he is not good at Aikido and uses too much muscle.
I say that if he does pass then Rene and i will also go for it as we are at the same level!

On a more personal not My father is doing ok with the chemo at present.

Thank you all for reading my Journals as i try to have a little humour yet also add a more personal touch to them and also add in Dojo politics and the such.

Tiyler_Durden
 ]]></body>
	<date>07-12-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="795">
	<title><![CDATA[Revenge Wednesday Mwaa haaa haaaaaaaaa.....]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey All,

well I just saw that this journal has been viewed 344 times, amazing, and i thought you all didn't care!

Well it was a Wednesday class and I arrived around 18:15 and my buddy Rene was there waiting. I gotten changed into my still slightly pink Gi after a washing incident including a red sock from my fiancé, but what ever i am there for the Aikido not the fashion sense....not that I have any.

We started with a knuckles "warm up" that always leaves you sweating and panting like a dog with rabies. the Rolls and falls and turns.

Then the Sensei took over (We call him Yoda because he looks like a scruffy Dutch old guy but his Aikido is second to none IMHO) and as usual asked what we would like to do and as usual fast as lightning Raging bull shouts out "Ski and Tanto". To all the other long times dismay and upset. They all looked over to Raging bull and shouted that he is too fast with his answers and should consult the group, but I don't care as i understand him and he wants to learn what he thinks is important!

We then started with different kinds of Kotegaeshi bare handed and with Tanto with turning and straight movements.

It was a good lesson and I tried to stick with the people who i felt comfortable with doing the techniques as i knew that Kick boxer guy and raging bull and all the rest don't like to practice with "Us learners" on Wednesdays and you can tell from their technique and facial expressions and general demure.
I saw Kick boxer and Raging bull going at it hell for leather in the corner, to me this is defeating the purpose as it is dangerous and sloppy for techniques point.

I worked with "Spiritual guy" (Gave him that name but Rene and i have to christen him this) and I hate training with him as he hates me and Rene because we are foreign!
I figured out that when he tries to pin you show on your face that there is no pain and he hates it and also he hates it when you throw him hard, so I did ...repeatedly MWaa haa haaaaaa....

Any way,on a more personal note my father got his results and he is pretty bad and has to have chemo and have 24 pills a day...not so good but I have to stay positive for him and the family!

Thanks 
T.D ]]></body>
	<date>07-08-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="788">
	<title><![CDATA[Grading is coming...]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[
Saturday class,

Saturday was stormy and windy and raining.
Most of Friday night I could not sleep due to the thunder and lightning. I awoke at around 09:00am and got myself a coffee and breakfast. I had one thought Aikido I looked outside and thought "Ohh dear I am gonna get wet".
I arrived at the Dojo at 11:20am and as usual no one was there. at around 11:31 the Sensei arrived and we got ready and warmed up.
We where shocked to receive the knowledge that grading was coming and even myself and my mate Rene had to do it!
I don't want to do grading as it is not in me and I feel as if I am not ready for this.
Yet I know within myself that I will avoid this for as long as humanly possible.
I don't care about grading and belts and all that jazz.
So we went through all of what we would do for our 6th Kyu test.
Rolling and falling,easy basic stuff.
Then the five basic techniques ikkyo, nikyo, sankyo ,gokyo and yonkyo...
We did the entering and turning technique for each one and I now know five different ways to do irriminage...

It was a good lesson and I learned a lot in this one...
now all I have to do is avoid grading... ]]></body>
	<date>07-05-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="782">
	<title><![CDATA[Light speed lesson and an unhappy ending....]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

well Wednesday class was, how can I put this, FAST!
We had the Holland game so the Sensei said this would be a fast class and should pay attention but for a beginner like me that is hard!
We started with a warm-up that I could not keep up with and that lasted less then five minutes.
We then went on to Heaven and earth throw which was demonstrated four times very fast and then off to do the technique. We then went on to (I think you call it Gaku Game ate) and then on to other techniques. At the end of the lesson we had to go to two groups and do all eight techniques one after another entering and turning...so hard!

It was a good lesson but a little too fast for me. I learned new techniques.
After that I went home and had to call my father as he needed to speak with me and he informed me that he has non Hodgkin Lymphoma - Cancer of the Lymph nodes. I am truly scared that he is going to die. I am also a m little confused as to what I am supposed to do.

Thanks
Tiyler_Durden
 ]]></body>
	<date>07-01-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="770">
	<title><![CDATA["I think my knees are bleeding".......]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey  me again,

Well as i have forgotten to add in my piece from Wednesday this will also be a two lesson piece.

I will begin with Wednesday lesson.
Wednesday began with the usual knuckles warm up. Lots of good stretching and hard leg work followed be rolls and falls and turning techniques. Then the sensei cam on (Yoda as me and my friend have named him) and asked the class what they would like to practice?
Then from the ranks cam a call of suwarewaza!! Shock and horror! So we started with ikkyo on our knees. Much to my friends (René) surprise also. We finished that and followed on to ikkyo with a turn and then on to shihonage and then one where we stopped a knife attack and used a gokyo thing. then strikes to the head. Half way through my friend asked if my knees where bleeding yet. Also towards the end almost every one was complaining about there sore knees and aching toes. Even knuckles was standing at the end of the lesson.

What a great lesson had by all and even though my toes are still hurting and I have weird blood blisters on my knees I had a real good lesson.
I learned that being on your knees is very hard and you actually use much less movement. Your movement is not so much and you use more hand movement. I found that lesson one of the best yet the hardest!

Saturday Lesson.
I was alone at this lesson as René was surfing and was going to the Sunday lesson.
Saturday was the usual super stretching lesson held by ObiWan! The usual super ache inside your thighs as you feel it all pulling and aching. The the usual rolls and falls.
We then did the usual entering and turning that Obiwan does and as Saturday lesson's are very small you usually have a kind of "Private lesson". To my horror i saw Kick boxer dude arrived and I knew i was to get hurt as this guy although he is good is a little too hard on everyone. The guy does not know what control is nor does he understand that i am only a beginner, but what can you expect!!
He came in and i tried my hardest to avoid him but I ended up getting to train with him. But i did do my technique very hard on him and ended up cutting his face and he had to go off the mat. We then did cotageish, yet this was the super nasty way and i wanted to do this with Kick boxer dude yet he slipped through my grasp and did this with the sensei.
This was a good lesson yet I have bruised my elbow and it is a little painful yet i of course will be there for Wednesday lesson.

I have noticed that my movement needs more practice. I cannot move properly. I need to look into this and well as keeping my hands to my front.

Till next week

tiyler_durden ]]></body>
	<date>06-27-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="740">
	<title><![CDATA[Old jiujutsu guy Saturday.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Saturday 20th June.

Well i awoke at 09:00 and made some eggs and bacon for brecky, nice! 
I sat and watched morning cartoons and finished off reading "Angry white Pajamas".
Set off to class at around 11:15-am and met my friend there (René a very weird Newzeland guy who is basically my surrogate Brother here in Holland).

We where a little scared when we arrived as the Dojo was open and thoughts of the angry Hakama guy from Brussels ran through our minds but we were saved as they had just arrived early.
We saw a new face, an elderly gentleman who wore a very expensive looking Gi, with blue inside also full of different patches and other stuff.I noticed a Japanese tattoo on his left forearm and fear ran through me.

The lesson started at 11:30-am and the warm up was mostly stretching.We where rudely interrupted with the brothers Mc-gregor(Two young 20 year old guys who are either gay or just real tight buddies as they have matching tattoo's and earrings who like to talk all through the lesson about football, even during technique showing as you can guess i despise both of them and now enjoy throwing them as hard as my bad technique can muster).

The both got changed talking and joined the mat talking and joined the class and talked some more.We started off with a turning move which was easy. then we did an entering move which finished in Ikajo. I liked this as i did it very fast and eventually stopped the dopey looking guy from talking, success I thought.

I was then met with Old big wrist's guy where we did shihoonage (Spelt wrong) and he showed me different ways of doing so and also some pressure points and other nice things that inflict searing pain on an opponent. Fun times had by all. We then went on to do Gotages which I did with René and to see his eyes light up when he got the technique correct was super. By the end of the class René had worked with big wrist's guy and he had also shown him pressure points and cut the skin on René's neck and he was bleeding, yet he seemed like he had fun.

We talked most of the day about the class and decided that we like Saturday better then Wednesday as the Hakama crew where not nice as we where new comers and where tiresome to train with yet the hakama crew had forgotten that one day, they too where just like us.

Eager to learn and full of energy. We had a great days training.

Thanks 

Tiyler Durden ]]></body>
	<date>06-20-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="730">
	<title><![CDATA[BS politics and sorry newcomers day ~sigh~]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey me again,

well Wednesday class...
What can I say ... it was a little different than normal as a different teacher took the warm up.
I am a watcher,I see a lot. This teacher was one of those guys who wants to be Japanese but is not.He wants to be known as the enlightened one, but is not.He wants to have the dojo presence like the angry hakama guy, but doesn't. This pains him greatly so he passes this over to anyone who trains with him.

We started the warm up with turns slapping our arms on our sides then we moved forward and backward shouting japanese. I knew this was not favored as i looked over to all the other hakama wearers and saw the look on their faces, not amused!!
We then sat seiza and did nikajo and others then he saw knuckles face and we then shook our hands above our heads for around five minutes.
why I truly have no clue but I was bored and noticed small hooks above the Aikido shrine, good to know for future reference.

We then did Heaven and earth throw.
a weird turning throw where the uke ended up with his arms crossed and thrown to the floor.

Then I had to train with Kickboxer guy!...ohh dear!
He slammed me into the mat like he was trying to plant me there or something!
I hurt today so bad...

The last part of the training was with 3 people practicing some entering technique and i had the displeasure of training with African guy who hates every one else but himself.

After class i sat and thought, then I realized that this Dojo has a truly sorry lot.
Many of then thinking that they are superior because they wear a Hakama or they have practiced longer. I and the other newcomers feel that the new starts are there to be shunned and pitied and sorry faced trained with out of pity for their lack of movement and technique.
I noticed when the teacher showed a technique that the Hakama gang would lean back and pick another hakama wearer to train with before we had to chose partners.

I am now noticing a lot of sad things, but I carry on training and put up with the BS of the Dojo and the BS politics that go with it.

I know this sounds like a angry post but actually it helps me deal with it.

I had a good lesson overall better technique and i learned some other nifty things.

thanks

Tiyler Durden ]]></body>
	<date>06-17-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="714">
	<title><![CDATA[Thursday and Saturday classes]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well i did not add in Thursday class as we have guests from Germany staying over and now i am adding in todays class as i have a spare moment to do so.
Well Thursday class was given by "Knuckles" as i have named him as i do not know the sensei's name but i do know he cross trains in another art but what I do not know but one thing I do know is that it is a fighting style that usually leaves his knuckles open and bleeding most days thus his name knuckles. In the usual style of knuckles Sensei it is the usual warm up that could leave even the fittest sweating and a very technical lesson. We did entering from the side techniques. We had a very old and little woman who I underestimated and left me on the floor moaning from a very powerful throw, surprisingly enough also trained with some mad young guys who kind of shakily and aggressively tried his way through. Thursday lesson was very good and i learned an nice new entering way that i am sure not to forget.
Today's class (Saturday) was very small and consisted of 4 people. There was mustache guy who likes to go a little rough yet does not like it himself in return, nice old guy who always has issues with his knees and some old dude who had amazing technique. The lesson was on our knees and was very hard to do. I found myself unable to do Shihonage (Spelt wrong but you know what I mean) as i had trouble to move on my knees and do a technique at the same time.
Saturday was very good and we went right back to basics on this lesson. I learned a lot and had a great time.

Looking forward to next Wednesday.....

One point i am reading "Angry white pajamas" by robert Twigger. Nice book very witty and yeah..nice.

Till Wednesday,Tiyler Durden ]]></body>
	<date>06-12-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="683">
	<title><![CDATA[Technically easy for a 14 year old....]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey All,

Still wondering id anyone but myself reads this?

Well last night I went to Aikido and found myself very lost in strange techniques that I and most of the class could not do!

We started with the usual warm-up and stretching that lasted nearly half an hour.
We then did turns and then rolls.We then started the lesson with Chops to the head.

This I found had many variations which was good to learn something that is kind of not thought.We then moved to chopping the head and blocking an oncoming chop.

Then techniques form the chop and different ways to do this.
this is where everyone became universally stupid and no one could do the techniques.

We struggled with this over and over until the end of class.

Where the teacher wanted two people to attack one person and only using an entering attack (which name I do not know).

The first guy (Ex marine) was moving like a pregnant Yak.
The second guy (black belt and hakama)was too aggressive,and also was like a ballerina elephant.
The third was a girl (Has done Aikido for 15 years)was ok yet her distance from use was too large.
The fourth was me,I cannot say that I was good at all and moved like a tone!
The fifth was a 14 year old girl who had the grace of a butterfly and the technique that would impress any one watching.

I left in shame and disappointment.

Today looking back at last night I have learned that most of the technique is relaxation!!
If I relax and try not to think too much and use aggression my technique will be better.

Till Friday

Tiyler Durden

 ]]></body>
	<date>06-03-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="673">
	<title><![CDATA[Fun times with Angry Yoshinkan guy.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey all,

Well this Saturday I awoke very happy and looking forward to another great Aikido lesson. I got up and got ready and set off, wondering where Rene was as he never stopped by.
I reached the school and phoned René, who never answered? strange but never mind!
Rene phoned and was still in bed and was getting ready and was on his way all in one breath.
I arrived at 11:15am and could not believe that the Dojo was open and as I walked in I knew why as standing there was a little fat guy dressed in Hakama and throwing around a Naganata, Uber serious and kind of nasty looking.
I said hello and he replied with a GRRRRRrrrrrrrr....
My initial though was "oh dear this lesson is going to hurt" little did I know it would be much, much worse.
Every one arrived and got ready and the lesson was underway in a Very, very serious and scary way.
We started off with a Irimi tenkan move done in a Yoshinkan way with a nice Kiai and chop at the end to which no one could do as it was a "Beginners class" but never the less the Yosinkan guy did belittle all our techniques and efforts in one fall swoop!
None of us really cared and carried on having fun and trying with all our hearts to get the deadly Yoshinkan move out.
We then did an Ikyo move that still no one except the Yoshinkan guy could do perfectly, fun times as he came over and showed us where we where going wrong, slamming us into the mat with all his might and hurting us to the core, showing us a new dimension in PAIN!
Finishing off with some koyoho breath power with either pinkies out or "opening a book".

A very painful lesson in differences in Yoshinkan and traditional Aikido, also in attitude towards beginners and teaching styles.

But remember the yoshinkan is "Street Aikido" and for "The streets"...

Tiyler Durden ]]></body>
	<date>05-30-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="672">
	<title><![CDATA[Fun times with Angry Yoshinkan guy.]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey all,

Well this Saturday I awoke very happy and looking forward to another great Aikido lesson. I got up and got ready and set off, wondering where Rene was as he never stopped by.
I reached the school and phoned René, who never answered? strange but never mind!
Rene phoned and was still in bed and was getting ready and was on his way all in one breath.
I arrived at 11:15am and could not believe that the Dojo was open and as I walked in I knew why as standing there was a little fat guy dressed in Hakama and throwing around a Naganata, Uber serious and kind of nasty looking.
I said hello and he replied with a GRRRRRrrrrrrrr....
My initial though was "oh dear this lesson is going to hurt" little did I know it would be much, much worse.
Every one arrived and got ready and the lesson was underway in a Very, very serious and scary way.
We started off with a Irimi tenkan move done in a Yoshinkan way with a nice Kiai and chop at the end to which no one could do as it was a "Beginners class" but never the less the Yosinkan guy did belittle all our techniques and efforts in one fall swoop!
None of us really cared and carried on having fun and trying with all our hearts to get the deadly Yoshinkan move out.
We then did an Ikyo move that still no one except the Yoshinkan guy could do perfectly, fun times as he came over and showed us where we where going wrong, slamming us into the mat with all his might and hurting us to the core, showing us a new dimension in PAIN!
Finishing off with some koyoho breath power with either pinkies out or "opening a book".

A very painful lesson in differences in Yoshinkan and traditional Aikido, also in attitude towards beginners and teaching styles.

But remember the yoshinkan is "Street Aikido" and for "The streets"...

Tiyler Durden ]]></body>
	<date>05-30-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="651">
	<title><![CDATA[After 1 week away!]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

Well after a week off suffering from a severe cold and a throat infection I duly returned to what I can only describe as the best lesson I have had in a while!

I arrived before time so I could get changed and warm up a little,which is always nice I find.
This week it was the junior instructors turn to teach and also the week before the sensei from Japan had been over so they where all pepped up with new ideas.

We started with the usual warm ups and into the turning techniques.

But then the lesson changed and we did reversal techniques,amazing.

How when someone is doing Ikyo on you how to get out of it our change this into your technique.
How to get out of nikyo and make that your technique....

I had a blast! I smiled all lesson.

At the end he showed us how do do techniques on 2 people and all.

This was a very good lesson.

Looking forward to Wednesday.

T.D

 ]]></body>
	<date>05-24-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="632">
	<title><![CDATA[Lesson 2 and I hurt today...]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Hey,

well second lesson and I am hurting bad today!
I arrived there and met my friend also and we made our way up.
When we entered the dojo we got changed and noticed that the Wednesday class is far bigger than the Sunday class,but not to worry.
Then we noticed how many hakama's people where wearing and how man coloured belts people where wearing also,but also not to worry!
Class started with the junior instructor going through a warm-up that eve the Navy seals would be proud of,then off to turns faster than any person there could actually muster.

We then went on to techniques that neither beginner could do nor have chance to try to do as this was heavy training and you kind of had to know what you where doing also!

We then moved onto an entering teqnique that we all could do and have fun with,I even threw one of the seniors and got that look as if to say "Nice throw,do it again".

We then had two lines of people doing a teqnique on each other,which was good and also fun.

Then we did another entering teqnique but this time the junior instructor picked me and now the day after I hurt,I hurt bad and also had the A1 introductory into remembering how to fall!

This was a great class,I loved it!

Roll on Saturday.......

Tiyler_durden ]]></body>
	<date>05-13-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="618">
	<title><![CDATA[He's Back,Big is back 6000SUX....]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Well after almost 1 year away I finally took my own and everyone else's advice and returned to Aikido!
Walking in there was amazing.The smell of the dojo just made my whole body tingle,I knew I had done the right thing.
Everyone greeted me with open arms and jolly"welcome back's" everywhere!

The warm up was a little hard on my now not so limber limbs and actually I had forgotten how tough the warm-ups can be,but non the less good!

We started with the usual tuning techniques that built up to an entering throw (I think Irimi nage but my vocab is gone!!).

Wonderful feeling.

Every one was happy and now the day after I am sore,stiff and happy to be an Aikidoka once again.

This one is a short but sweet first entry. ]]></body>
	<date>05-10-2004</date>
</blogEntry>


</blogEntries>