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<blogEntries>
<blogEntry id="1196">
	<title><![CDATA[Antibiotics and Parent / Teacher Conferences]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log – Skipped Classes
November 10 & 11, 2004

I’ve been on antibiotics since last Friday and they don’t seem to be doing their job.  I decided to skip class to give my body a chance to work on fighting the infection.  I really wasn’t in the mood to sit on the sidelines again (I’ve been doing that for a month now, if you don’t count last week) so I went home on Wednesday.

Tonight I’ve got parent / teacher conferences so I can’t go, even if I really wanted to.

This is a bad non-aikido week. :(

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>11-11-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1177">
	<title><![CDATA[Handicapped Section]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #29
Thursday, November 4, 2004 -- 7:30pm

I noticed quite a bit of muscle soreness after Wednesday's class.  However, after last night's class, I've noticed A LOT of muscle soreness!  One month off = start over.  The good news is my ankle and elbow are both doing Ok.

HANDICAPPED SECTION
Before class I was working with another student that was also experiencing problems with their right arm (upper -- bicep area).  Since they were going to restrict their activities to left-side-only (LSO), I suggested to Sensei that we two should be paired up for the entire class so as not to inhibit the other students.  He said that was an excellent idea, and that's what we did.  He referred to us as the "handicapped section" later during class. :uch: :D

DURING CLASS
We had typical turnout for a Thursday: about 14 students.  I'm not sure if having two LSOs in the class had anything to do with it, but we did our warm-ups from left kamae this time (first time ever, as far as I know).  That was interesting!  Some of the students acted as if they couldn't believe we were doing it that way, ha ha.  I sat out on rolls again.

It sure is a challenge to be working on the LSO during the initial run thru on techniques.  Sensei demos the right side and that make things interestingly confusing. :confused: It forces me to pay much closer attention so I can mirror image the movements.

We modified one of the techniques from the night before by ending it with an ikkajo throw instead of a pin.  Then we switch to a nikkajo (2nd control) opening with an ikkajo throw.  My partner and I both walked out of the throws.

We did a few suwari-waza which were a little tough for me because of my ankle, but everything worked out ok.  We finished up with a jiu-jitsu-like modified / inverted nikkajo take down.  Tough to describe but definitely in the ouchi-waza category. :)

AFTER CLASS
I hooked up with the new Yoshinkai guy and might have found a place to practice on Sundays.  His uncle has a very small dojo room set up in a local hospital for training police and security staff (great locale if we get hurt while practicing!).  This could work out great if our Sensei can't get us time in our rented dojo room at the health club.  He's working on it, but we won't know for a week or two.

We're planning on bringing Rick Brady Sensei back to start a regular (twice a week) Toyama Ryu Iaido class.  There were about 9 people interested from just the Thursday class.  I'd like to go too, but once again…    .  Also, these classes will be on Tuesdays and some other day.  I've only got Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday available, so even if I had the cash I don't have the time.  Bummer :(

It's great to be back on the mat… even if I do feel like I'm 93 today. :p

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>11-05-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1171">
	<title><![CDATA[Back on the Mat & Monkey Arms]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #28
Wednesday, November 3, 2004 -- 7:30pm

GOSHIN-JITSU
I don't plan on attending the Goshin-Jitsu classes for two reasons: (1) I'm just healed enough to start doing Aikido again, and (2) They've started charging money for the classes.  I've got a really tight cash flow, so I'm holding out for being able to pay for "open mat" time on Sundays (our dojo is a rented room at a health club).  Just now I'd rather focus on rebuilding my Aikido skills.  I would've loved to watch, since I haven't seen John Sensei teach this class, but you have to pay half price to watch.  Rent payments suck!

Attendance was way down.  Only four people showed up.  One was a newbie / new member.  His dad signed him up for Aikido and might be doing the same for the Goshin class as well.  His dad will be starting up in Aikido as well, after he heals from an injury. :cool: Two new students!  His dad studied before, but at a different dojo.  I'm not sure what style, but I think it's Yoshinkai.  That dojo closed down and the instructor moved to Ohio.

BACK ON THE MAT
My ankle is finally healed enough that I got back on the mat (ankle brace in place).  I'll still needed to modify my seiza, and I found that I couldn't even stay up on my toes for very long before having to bow down to a cross-legged position.  But I was finally back on the mat! :D  My ankle isn't too sore today.  I'll have to see how it holds up after tonight.

I wore my elbow brace, rolled up my right sleeve so everyone would notice, and explicitly stated that I would be a left-side-only uke for a few more weeks.  I did left arm only when we went down for hitting during warm ups, and just kept doing back breakfalls without hitting when we switched gears.

I seem to have done Ok, but I wasn't sure about doing rolls during warm-ups (first day back -- bad elbow, etc.) so I sat those out and worked on my breathing.  I was huffing pretty good.  Evidently one month off after only two months training makes you start over again. :(

We only covered two techniques.  Sensei was just about to correct my partner and I about our stance being on the wrong foot (I was junior / uke) when I reminded him about my elbow.  He remembered right away and moved on.

MONKEY ARMS
Our first technique started in ai hanmi (same stance) and was an irimi (step in) against a shomenuchi (front strike) with an ikkajo (first control) pin.  My sempai repeatedly commented on how good my pin was, so I asked if he'd like to know what I was doing.  He did, so I showed him how my fingers that grabbed his wrist were wrapped around and ended up between his wrist and the mat, making a gap.  That gap angled from his wrist to his shoulder until it disappeared.  Since his elbow was off the mat a bit and it doesn't hyperextend (like mine), when I use a knife hand on the tendon of his elbow it is very uncomfortable because I can push it further than it wants to go, if desired.

Sensei came over at that time and (as always) reminded us that the ikkajo pin isn't about pain, it's about control.  "Especially when your partner has monkey arms like Jeff."  I couldn't resist an opening like that, so when Sensei was done speaking with us, we bowed and instead of saying "ous" (sp?) I made a deep, guttural, gorilla sound of "ooo".  We all had a quick laugh over that. :)

THE SHAKES
I worked really hard on my breathing throughout the entire class, but I still ended up very red-faced, overheated and shaky (mostly my legs).  I probably didn't have enough to drink, but I'm sure most of my problems were from taking a month off to heal.  I'm sure my endurance will come back soon enough.  I'll just have to try to take it easy until I've ramped back up to my previous level.

AFTER CLASS NOTES
Sensei stayed after class for a few minutes to narrate waza-notes with me and another student into our voice recorders.  He said he'd be glad to do that after every class.  I'm looking forward to it since I might actually be able to get "official" technique names in Japanese.  We don't get much of that in our dojo so I'm looking forward to it.

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>11-04-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1164">
	<title><![CDATA[Saying Hello and Goodbye]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #27
Thursday, October 28, 2004 – 7:30pm

Watchi-waza still in progress.

SHIHONAGE VARIATIONS
The entire class was based on shihonage.  By the end of class was had seen 8 different shihonage-based techniques, and John Sensei said we had just scratched the surface of what he wanted to show us.  He said he didn’t even get through half of what he wanted to cover just in this one class!  Cool stuff! :cool:

I had spoken with Sensei before class about my injuries and said I’d able to get back on the mat as soon as my ankle is better (maybe next week), but that I’d have to modify my seiza forever.  Also, I’d have to totally avoid any right arm activities until my elbow gets better (probably several more weeks).  During class, we both said it was a good thing I was doing watchi-waza for the shihonage class.  I might have to sit out classes like that in the future if my elbow isn’t ready.  There were very few things I could’ve done if I were out there.

HELLO
We’re getting a new student!  He studied Yoshokai Aikido for about 3 ½ years.  I’m not sure if he stopped, for how long, or why he’s starting up with us, but I’m sure he’ll feel welcome.  I recognize a lot of my old style when I watch him practice.  I think we’ll get along great.  I’ll be curious if he plans on staying.  Will he have to re-test, like I’m going to do, to re-establish his rank?  That should be interesting!

GOODBYE
We’ve been privileged to have a visitor for about 5 or 6 weeks.  He’s studying to be a D.O. and is doing a residency in this area.  He’s originally from Poland, but he lives in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  He’s 3rd kyu in Aikikai Aikido and has enjoyed “cross training” with us.  I only got a chance to work with him once or twice before I got sidelined.  John Sensei asked him if there were any specific things he’d like covered in his final class.  He said “shihonage”, and now you know why we had an entire class dedicated to that.

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>11-02-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1163">
	<title><![CDATA[Smaller Goshin-Jitsu Class]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #25 & #26
Wednesday, October 27, 2004 – 6:30pm & 7:30pm

Watchi-waza… still.  Maybe next week my ankle will be good enough to let me get on the mat.  I sure wished I was out there! :(

GOSHIN-JITSU
Class was smaller this time (2nd class in the series).  There were only 6 students, all “core” participants.  Attacks covered a “mugger’s choke from behind”, shoulder grab by someone next to you (with one variation), two people – one grabbing each of your shoulders (with a few variations).  Not too bad for a class that only lasts about 45 minutes, after you get the mats put down.

AIKIDO
There were 11 students there, which is fairly typical for a Wednesday class.  After normal class warm-ups, they did bokken warm-ups (from something Nakazawa Sensei showed us), a breath throw starting from uke grabbing your shoulder from the front and a few other standard techniques.

Sucks to be sidelined!

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>11-02-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1143">
	<title><![CDATA[Seminar Schedule – Missed most of it]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #24 
Saturday, October 16, 2004 – 11am

NAKAZAWA SEMINAR – DAY 3
I couldn’t get to the Friday class.  I made it to the Saturday class, though.  Once again, I wasn’t on the mat.  However, I completely enjoyed watching class.  It was somewhat easier since I decided not to voice record any waza-notes (I hear the video will actually be multiple DVDs).

COMPLETELY MISSING CLASS (Days 4, 5 & 6)
I got some specific treatment guidance for my ankle and elbow injuries, and had to make a hard decision.  I needed to stay home to work on my treatments instead of watching the seminars.  So I missed the next Wednesday and Thursday classes.  I would’ve watched the Saturday class, but I had a dentist appointment (scheduled 6 months ago) that fell right smack dab in the middle of the seminar. :grr:

GOING AWAY DINNER
Luckily, I was able to attend the Sunday dinner being held for Nakazawa Sensei.  I was completely bummed about missing so much of his teaching, but the fact that I was able to sit right across from him and chat with him all evening made up for it. :D He’s a great guy!  I really wish I could’ve received instruction from him!  Oh well, maybe next time.  He said he plans on coming back in the summer (with his wife). :)

This was his first trip to the US and he really enjoyed his experience in Michigan!  Hopefully the weather will be better next time (it was cloudy, cold and rainy almost every day he was here).  Still, it was better than where he’s headed next… Siberia in November!  Minus 30F degrees!  Burr! :dead:

He taught one last time on Monday the 25th, but I can NEVER attend class on Monday.  Still, it would’ve been nice… :(

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>10-27-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1140">
	<title><![CDATA[Bouncing Tanto and Bench-pressing Uke]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #23
Thursday, October 14, 2004 – 7:00pm

NAKAZAWA SEMINAR – DAY 1
I enjoyed watching, but I really wanted to be out on the mat!  I attempted to take good waza-notes, but his style is such a blend of other things that I don’t have the right words.  I’m going to have to buy the video for reference.

I realized right away that things were different when I had Norbert sempai and Dr. Phil sempai (both from the black-belt deep end) start working together right in front of me.  They were really having trouble! :confused: Everyone was on similar ground, it was all new.

BOUNCING TANTO
During one technique demo, one of our 3rd kyus was uke.  The attack was a tsuki with tanto.  Sensei stepped off the line of attack, pivoted and blocked / struck at uke’s wrist.  Uke’s tanto flew straight down to the mat and bounced straight back up (uke wasn’t supposed to lose his weapon).  The great part was that he caught it with a very sleight movement while sensei continued the technique!  If you weren’t watching closely, you wouldn’t have even noticed!  Even better… it’s on tape!  That one ranked 8.75 on the “snort-laugh scale”. :D

BENCH-PRESSING UKE
On another technique, Dr. Phil (big-n-burly) was working with one of our 6th kyus (small and sleight).  Dr. Phil was shite and was supposed to do some sort of a judo-like sit / fall / roll / throw to get uke to go up and over.  It didn’t work out that way and disaster was pending.  Dr. Phil was lying on his back and uke was headed for a back break fall right across his face.  In a moment of quick thinking / panic he intercepted uke by bench-pressing him up and over his head to land on the mat instead of his face!  9.25 on the SLS :D  Unfortunately, this didn’t make it onto the tape since they were only recording Sensei’s demos, not everyone practicing.

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>10-26-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1138">
	<title><![CDATA[Watchi-Waza (Long Term)]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #22 (A & B)
Wednesday, October 13, 2004 -- 6:30pm 

Sorry for the delayed entry.  I haven’t been on the mat since October 7th, and it will be a few more weeks before I’m able to participate again.

WATCHI-WAZA (long term) :(
My right ankle, right elbow and upper back have been bothering me for a few weeks.  They have been getting slowly worse so I decided to sit out.  I’ve since been to the doctor and discovered that I strained a tendon in my ankle (on the top of my foot) from kneeling in seiza, and I have “golfer’s elbow” (tendon problem on the inside of my elbow).  My back was sore from ukemi, but is getting better after walking out of throws instead of hitting my back on the mat.

The above are due to a combination of having turned 40 on the 9th :rolleyes:,  my Hyper Mobility Syndrome (HMS) and weak supporting muscles, so I need to make some changes:

ANKLE STUFF
1. Stay off the mat until my ankle gets better.
     a. Rest / heat / massage / until better.
     b. Slowly strengthen my ankles after things heal up.
2. Modify seiza (forever).
     a. Stay on my toes instead of going down on the tops of my ankles.
     b. This ought to make suwari-waza interesting.
3. Modify my driver-waza.
     a. Gas to brake to gas to brake during my commute causes pain.
     b. I’ll be trying to drive two-footed for a while and see if that helps.
4. Modify my sleepi-waza.
     a. My ankle gets stretched / twisted by the weight of the blankets / sheets / comforter on the end of my bed.

ELBOW STUFF
1. Don’t do anything requiring strength until it is fully healed.
     a. Rest (compression elbow brace) / heat / massage / stretching until better.
2. Modify my sleepi-waza.
     a. My elbow gets stretched / twisted by putting my arm under my pillow while on my right side.  Kind of like an all-night kotegaeshi, minus the twisted wrist.
3. Don’t rest my elbow on anything unless it’s well padded.
     a. Console in my car.
     b. Desk and chair arm at work.
4. Wear a compression elbow brace during Aikido until it is strengthened.
5. Don’t do any right-sided Aikido techniques until it is strengthened.
6. Strengthen it slowly after it is fully healed.
7. Notify uke that I’ll be tapping out earlier than usual (forever).

BACK STUFF
1. Don’t do any ukemi until I strengthen my upper back.
2. Modify my sleepi-waza
     a. My current mattress is shot.  I’m waiting for my new Tempur-pedic mattress to show up.

GOSHIN-JITSU
Marcus Sensei taught the first class in this series tonight.  It was fairly well attended.  About 10 people showed up.  One was a sweats-wearing stranger and another was a guy from work that I invited.  The rest were Aikido folks.  I tried to record detailed waza-notes, but I’m not sure how well it worked since the vocabulary for some of what was done isn’t Aikido-based.

AIKIDO
I stayed for the 7:30pm class as well.  I took good waza-notes, but I think I’m going to start a private techniques journal and keep the details there (unless there’s a public outcry to see what I’m writing).

NAKAZAWA SEMINAR
Kenji Nakazawa arrived today and will begin teaching seminar classes tomorrow.  He will be around long enough to teach seven total seminars!

AIKI-THINKIN’
[rant] This sucks! :grr: I just started back into Aikido in August and already I’m sidelined! [/rant]

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>10-26-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1075">
	<title><![CDATA[Techno-Toy]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #21
Thursday, October 7, 2004 -- 7:30pm 

BEFORE CLASS
Fixed the clock -- replaced the battery.

Sensei covered knee walking with a curious 7th kyu.  I played too.

He (curious George) also wanted to cover jumping breakfalls.  I didn't play (back problems lately :( ).  Sensei started him off low by holding the forward roll hand just above the mat and tugging back during the jump.  He worked his way up to a standing position.  I took over as hand-holder after a few rounds.  In fear of getting hurt he was barreling out to the side, which was painful.  He discovered that if you do it right it doesn't hurt.

Moral of the story:
Fear of pain causes actions that cause pain. :uch:  No fear = no pain.

CLASS BEGINS
One of our "double testers" tested for 9th kyu, unexpectedly (on his part).  He'll test for 8th kyu next week when his uke gets back from Vegas.  He did very well.  Just a few minor glitches, but nothing to worry about.

TECHNO-TOY
Now that we're out of testing mode, I've been trying to figure out how to take more detailed notes on techniques.  The problem is timing.  By the time I get home I'm not able to crawl into bed until about 11:30pm, if I'm lucky.  My alarm goes off at 5:15am -- ugh.  I need more sleep than that!  That doesn't leave time for taking notes or making journal entries.  Since I have class on Wednesday and Thursday, I have two days in a row like that.  When Friday comes around, I get home about 6:30pm, but I usually don't get free time until Saturday afternoon.  By then I've forgotten most of the details, and some of the techniques!

Norbert Sensei suggested I do what he does:  use a voice recorder!  John Sensei even said that he'd be willing to stay after class to help dictate the details.  If I'm willing to make the effort, so is he!  How cool :cool: is that?!?  I bought a digital one from a friend at work (he wasn't using it) and put it to good use.  My commutes will be more fruitful now.  Even though I didn't get to make last Thursday's journal entry until Monday, check out the level of detail!  I'm officially adding a TECHNIQUES section to end of my journals.  It'll be a boring read, but I need to keep track of this info somewhere, and my journal seems to be the best place.

TECHNIQUES

Knee walking
#1 = Ice Skating (knees together, knees apart, repeat)
#2 = Small Step (knees stay low)
#3 = Big Step (knee goes up, big stretch, toes go down, heel goes up)
Don't go up and down, stay low, stay solid, head and eyes don't move from looking forward.

Chest grasp, reverse hand throw #1 (uke pulls) from 9th kyu test
Modified to same stance, cross wrist grasped.
When uke pulls, shuffle in (slightly) with an elbow power #1 to create a gap in their grip, grab their hand from underneath and release your wrist, back-hand punch to their face with the released hand, step wide while applying the reverse hand (wide and low) then finish the throw with the "hand sandwich" and a cross step.

Modified again to mirror image stance, one wrist grasped #2 (uke pushes)
When uke pushes, rotate your palm up and curl your fingers toward your shoulder to create a gap in their grip, grab their hand by reaching underneath with your free hand and gripping the meaty part of their thumb, release your grabbed hand by doing a circular "choo-choo" motion ending with a knife hand on the back of their hand then finish the throw by cutting down on the back of their hand with a cross step, don't let go.

Modified again with a different (Jiu-Jitsu-ish) ending
When uke pushes, rotate your palm up and curl your fingers toward your shoulder to create a gap in their grip, grab their hand by reaching underneath with your free hand and gripping the meaty part of their thumb, release your grabbed hand by doing a circular "choo-choo" motion, but instead of using a knife hand, grab their forearm just above the wrist, then shuffle forward and thrust their elbow into their solar plexus (repeat as needed), changing to an occasional pull to loosen them up (change their balance) if necessary.  If you bend their wrist out of line with their forearm they will twist too far and you won't have as good a target (ribs this time) for their elbow to hit.

Modified again with both wrists grasped (again, Jiu-Jitsu-ish)
Same general opening.  When uke pushes, rotate either your palm up and curl your fingers toward your shoulder to create a gap in their grip, grab their hand by reaching underneath with your free hand and gripping the meaty part of their thumb, release your grabbed hand by twisting their thumb toward the floor, reach under and grab their other hand the same way, twisting that thumb toward the floor, loosen them up with a snap kick or by pushing both elbows into their ribs, cross their arms while keeping their thumbs down, their head will come down, knee them in the face or back up and lay them out on the mat, SLOWLY (think: armless ukemi).  VERY uncomfortable.

AIKI-THINKIN'
1.	I turned 40 on Saturday the 9th.  I'm too young to feel this old!
2.	I like my digital voice recorder!
3.	I really like my Sensei!

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>10-11-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1061">
	<title><![CDATA["Don't Kill Sensei!"]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #20
Wednesday, October 6, 2004 -- 7:30pm 

TEST DAY
Finally.  Test day.  I didn't, however, get to be anyone's uke for testing. :( Kinda bummed about that, but I'll recover.  Instead, I got to sit still for 2 hours and 15 minutes.  I'm not so sure if I'll recover from that! :D

We had 3 people testing for 9th kyu, 4 for 8th (one of which had just finished the 9th kyu test), 2 for 7th, 5 for 6th and 1 for 5th.  Next time, John Sensei said he will split the test days so that they will only cover 3 kyu tests per day.

There are still two people that need to test; 1 for 9th kyu (he'll also do 8th) and 1 for 2nd kyu.  They were originally going to test the day after everyone else, but things have changed and the schedule got pushed out.  I'm not sure what's going to happen when.

Marcus Sensei and John Sensei presided over the testing.  I finally got to meet Marcus!  I've been trying to meet him since April.  Everything went smoothly (the clock was 7 minutes slow -- they didn't replace the battery like they said they would).  Everyone did fairly well, some better than others, but overall I'm sure everyone passed.

"DON'T KILL SENSEI!"
There was one person that really wasn't prepared to test.  He was taking the 9th kyu test, so he'll pass (you aren't allowed to take you're first test unless Sensei knows you'll pass) but he had a rough time of it.  Bokken front strike was the first thing on the test.  He was right in front of John Sensei.  Unfortunately, he didn't remember to shuffle back to his starting position after each strike.  He kept getting closer.

Strike
.....Strike
..........Strike
...............Strike@John Sensei

He was poised to cleave John in half when Marcus Sensei spoke up and said "Don't kill Sensei!"  He struck to the left side instead (after an apparent moment of indecision :confused:), then moved back to his starting place.

The good news is everyone survived the test day.  :rolleyes:

Afterward most everyone went to the Moose Preserve for food and drinks.  It was a good time, but I didn't get home until 12:30am.  I'm tired! :o/

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>10-07-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1041">
	<title><![CDATA[Time Warp and Sensei’s Broken Bokken]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #19
Thursday, September 30, 2004 -- 7:30pm 

TIME WARP
I found out why so many people showed up early for last night’s class.  The clock in the dojo was 25 minutes slow.  The battery must need replacing.  Since nobody noticed, we were all just using the “extra” mat time before class.  That also explains why I was able to get exposure to so many techniques.  Of course, that also explains why I got home so much later than expected. ;)

SENSEI’S BROKEN BOKKEN
While warming up before class (the youth class was in session, as is usual on Monday’s and Thursday’s) I heard Sensei speaking.  He was giving one of our 7th kyus a personal “make a lasting impression” lessons.  I didn’t see what led up to it, but Sensei was repeatedly striking very hard against their “house-roof” bokken block, telling them to just stand there and hold the block position.  Each strike got harder as he said “There… do you still think I’m going to be able to hit you?”  After about 5 or so VERY solid strikes… Ka-POW-clak-clatter.  Sensei’s bokken broke off about 2 feet from the end of his weapon. :eek:  He kept striking until he had made his point:  “The roof block doesn’t look very strong, but it is very capable of protecting you from powerful strikes.  Trust it.”  I think EVERYONE got that lesson!  That bokken was custom made for Sensei by Norbert Sensei with a very dark, heavy wood.  The shattered end was almost as dark as the exterior stain.  It was a beautiful weapon.  I believe it died honorably.

TEST PREP
We had test prep again.  Everyone was paired up so I didn’t have anywhere to float to.  I decided to hang out by the 7th kyus prepping for their 6th kyu test.  There were 3 of them, so I joined in their group and uke’d.  I did a bit of shite, but I didn’t want to slow them down since I wasn’t fluent in the techniques.  I like to get in the mix, though, since I’m 6’ 2” and have Gumby syndrome.  They get a chance to adjust their techniques to my physique and learn more that way.  We were all really glad I joined in. :)

GOSHIN-JITSU
Sensei ended class with some goshin-jitsu inspired techniques.  The pins were VERY uncomfortable. :D  Goodness all around.  They were quick, easy and very effective.  Just the kind of break everyone needed.

UKEMI HIATUS
I’ve decided that I need to strengthen my upper back.  My Gumby syndrome is convenient, sometimes, but my back bones (ribs, scapula, spine, etc.) have reached a state of constant discomfort.  All I have to do is one or two rolls or back break falls and I’m sore for about 2 days.  If I simply lie flat on the mat and relax, everything comes loose and slides apart.  It hurts enough that I think I’ll be taking an ukemi hiatus until I can snug things up with a strengthening regimen.  I have the equipment at home.  Now I have another really good reason to use it, besides being overweight (down to 197 from 215) and having high triglycerides (208).

MY NEXT (FIRST) TEST
Sensei finally had a chance to speak with Kevin Blok Shihan about my testing situation.  The official decision is that I will test (next time around, not this coming Wednesday) to reestablish my current rank of 7th kyu.  I’ll do all the tests for 9th, 8th and 7th.  This is how they typically handle someone returning from an extended aiki-absence.  I’m a little bummed :( that I won’t be testing for 6th kyu, but I’m really glad that we’ve got it figured out.  I like having a plan.  I should be really ready when I test, since I’m almost ready now just from helping everyone else prep for their tests.

Once again, a great class!

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>10-01-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1035">
	<title><![CDATA[Mats… Meditation… Mat-itation?]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #18
Wednesday, September 29, 2004 -- 7:30pm 

MAT-ITATION
I got to the dojo early and stretched for about 20 minutes.  Once the room became available (the aerobics class finished up) I went in and started laying out the mats.  This was the first time I’ve been alone while doing this.  Usually I’m helping one or two others.  I was taking my time, doing a careful job, lining things up and I was surprised at how meditative it was!  I was just “doing the mats” without any rush, focused on the task.  I really enjoyed it!  I was actually somewhat disappointed when Norbert Sensei showed up and helped me finish.  I had completed 3 of the 5 rows and was hoping I would get it done by myself.

Norbert Sensei:  “Thanks for helping me.”

Me:  “Oh, I was doing this for you?”

Norbert Sensei:  “Everything you do in here is for me.”

Me:  “My motivations were much more self-serving than that.  I figured it I wanted to get some extra mat time, there needed to be mats.” :D

BEFORE CLASS
I had Norbert Sensei help me with my footwork on the 8-direction cut.  I was doing it right, but I wasn’t sure.  I did some rolls.  I’ve progress from :triangle: to :square: on my way to :circle:.  I need to find a good way to do ukemi at home.

John Sensei showed up and I asked him about my struggles with grip strength.  He wasn’t aware of any thought process that would help; I’d just have to work on it.  So I’ll just keep thinking “Pinky-Power” and start leaving my index fingers relaxed while gripping.  Hopefully that will help.

SPONGI-WAZA
Lots of people showed up early and paired up.  I didn’t have anyone to work with so I did a little bit of solo-waza from the 9th, 8th and 7th kyu tests.  Then I got a chance to watch Sensei tweak the techniques on a few people so I went into sponge mode (spongi-waza?) and just watched him wander around the mat helping adjust things.

Then I noticed Norbert Sensei on the mat as uke for our only 6th kyu, trying to explain a pin while being pinned.  I approached and asked if they’d like to use me as uke.  They were both grateful.  I was really pleased because I got to be uke on my first sankajo technique in this dojo!  Then we progressed to a fairly simplistic-looking technique that ended up involving Norbert Sensei and our two most senior black belts in helping the poor 6th kyu get the initial blending block worked out.  I got uke’d by all of them and had a blast helping out!

CLASS BEGINS
When John Sensei started class, he had us do test prep but said he’d evaluate how things were going half way thru to see if we needed more time.  I worked with the details-don’t-matter 8th kyu again.  True to form, he didn’t want to polish his techniques and just wanted to work on the openings.  We did actually start at the beginning of the 7th kyu test and worked our way to the bottom of the list.  There’s 1 jo waza, 2 tanto waza, kamae, any 2 of 4 basic dosa, any 4 of 6 wrist-grabbing waza and 1 “previous technique”.  I had fun because he found out on Monday that he was doing the pins as basic when they needed to be the 3-palms-up type (is there a name for that?).  I haven’t done that in a long time and he needed to work on it quite a bit.  Unfortunately, he only wanted to be shite so I only got to do it once.

Evidently, everyone was doing pretty well because Sensei had us line up and gave each kyu testing group a modified technique based on one from their test.  We worked on that for a while and he roamed around giving a 2nd or 3rd technique to work on for each group.  The size difference between my partner and I (I’m about 10 inches taller) made a huge difference in how we did things.  The 2nd one didn’t work for him (on me) at all.  But I could do anything I need to with him.  I was surprised since being shorter often turns out to be a benefit.  Not this time! :)

AFTER CLASS
I barraged Sensei with questions about the classes being conducted next month by Kenji Nakazawa (5th Dan – visiting from Japan).  He’ll be teaching 7 classes at our dojo between October 14th and the 25th.  I won’t be able to afford to go to all of them, but I’m going to try to attend as many as I can.  I should at least be able to make it to the ones held on our regular class days (reduced cost).  I guess there will be a dinner / banquet at Andiamo’s Italian Bistro on the 24th.  I’d like to go but, again,     will be a problem.

AIKI-THINKIN’
1.	I enjoyed my matitation!
2.	I got sankajo’d!
3.	I got to do 11 techniques in one class! (5 new ones) Not counting 3 bukiwaza.

Class was great!

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>09-30-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1025">
	<title><![CDATA[If you’re grunting… back up]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #17
Thursday, September 24, 2004 -- 7:30pm 

Norbert Sensei taught class today.  Once again, 100% test prep.  This time I got to work with one of our kyu-less guys that will actually be testing for 9th and 8th.  He and one other person are doing that and they really wanted to work on 8th kyu test stuff.  Since I was already paired up with the lone 9th kyu (his wife wasn’t there) we split them up and each took one.

IF YOU’RE GRUNTING… BACK UP
I let him choose what he wanted to do since I’m not testing.  He wanted to focus exclusively on the four techniques on the test, as shite.  I was able to provide some useful guidance since I’ve only just recently (re)learned these techniques myself.  Unfortunately, we were both making the same mistake; muscling the nikkajo.  We found out that simply increasing the distance between shite and uke by a few inches makes it work without force.  If you’re too close it doesn’t work right.  Ma-ai… what a concept. :D

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>09-27-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1024">
	<title><![CDATA[Get a Grip!]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #16
Wednesday, September 23, 2004 -- 7:30pm 

John Sensei was back today!  He pulled a “Norbert” and let us practice the entire class on test techniques.  I worked with the “details don’t matter that much” 8th kyu guy :rolleyes:.  Luckily, Sensei came by often and kept saying things to my partner like “it’s all about the details.”  Things got better after a few demonstrations of why they matter.

GET A GRIP!
One of the things I’m trying to “come to grips with” (groan) is the struggle I have with using a STRONG grip, but not using STRENGTH to muscle through my techniques.  I find that I tend to use a firm grip, but not a strong grip.  The difference is extremely evident in the results it has on uke.  A strong grip makes the entire technique work better.  However, when I focus on strengthening my grip I naturally tighten my wrists / forearms / elbows / shoulders / torso / legs / etc., which has the effect of breaking the technique.

I think if I can grip uke the same way I grip my bokken (very tight grip, supple wrists) then I’ll be a long way toward finding the happy medium between the two.  Does anyone have any “tricks” to figure this out?

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>09-27-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="1001">
	<title><![CDATA[Stiletto-kido]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #15
Thursday, September, 16, 2004 -- 7:30pm 

John Parks Sensei didn't teach at all this week.  Wednesay's class (which I couldn't take :( ) was taught by Marcus Schoon Sensei.  He normally teaches on Mondays, which I can never attend due to scheduling conflicts.  I was bummed bad enough before I found that out.  Now it's even worse.  I've never had a chance to meet or learn from him and I probably won't get another chance any time soon.

STILETTO-KIDO
I got a chance to practice a bit at lunch time yesterday.  I was helping a newbie friend prep for her 9th kyu test.  We were in a parking lot working on various pivots, strikes and techniques.  She was wearing stiletto heels and a mini skirt.  I don't think we caused too much of a traffic jam. :D

PREPI-WAZA
Norbert Jaeger Sensei took over for last night's class.

100% of the class time was dedicated to test prep!  This was great since I finally got a chance to work with a couple of 9th kyus.  They're a couple in more ways than one... they're married.  I've worked with him a few times, but never with her.  We worked on the four toshuwaza that are on the 8th kyu test.  I haven't done those in a very long time so I was glad to get a chance.  I did fine on the #1 variations, but the #2 with a pivot and tenkan was giving me trouble.  My footsi-waza needs work.

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>09-17-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="992">
	<title><![CDATA[Bummer]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #14
Wednesday, September, 15, 2004 -- 7:30pm

I can't make it to class tonight! :( ]]></body>
	<date>09-15-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="979">
	<title><![CDATA[Bonus Class(es)]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #13
Saturday, September 11, 2004 -- 9:30am

I finally got to go to visit my parents (it's been about 6 months) in the Toledo, Ohio area.  I found a Yoshinkai dojo ([url]www.shinsuikandojo.com[/url]) 9 miles away from their house in Genoa.  I showed up at 9am, but although the dojo was unlocked, it was dark and empty.

I waited for a bit.  I was just about to leave when Mark Jacobs Sensei walked in.  He let me know that they had just changed their schedule and that there would be a meditation class from 9:30 to 10:30.  Then there would be an open mat for aikido (as is their standard for Saturday).  He welcomed me to stay for both.  Fritz Shermbeck Sensei conducted both classes.

MEDITATION
The class was the first in a series, to be held weekly.  Mostly, he lectured from a guide book (we each got one - 3 others were there) and then led a short breathing meditation at the end.  He struck a bell-bowl for us to exhale, and again for us to inhale.  It lasted about 5 minutes or less.  He let me keep the guide book.  It had a lot of good, general, information about what is it, how to do it, why to do it, benefits, etc.

OPEN MAT
There was only one other student (brown belt), me and Sensei.  They were very willing to focus on my needs and wanted to help me with my test prep.  I was somewhat hesitant since I only knew a few of my techniques and didn't know if their style would be right for my tests, so we tried it out.

It was a disaster!  I watched the demo, understood what they were doing, but when it came time to try it out nothing started out right.  I felt like my feet were in the wrong spot and my hands were on the wrong arms!  It took me quite awhile to figure out what was wrong.  They start their attacks with a cross step, we (at my dojo) start with a shuffle step.  I was expecting the attack to be coming from the leading hand, but they would cross step and attack with the other one.  The same in reverse... they were expecting me to attack with the trailing hand, but I would shuffle in and attack with the leading hand.

They have just recently started down the Yoshinkai path and were previously Aikiki.  Once the light bulb went on we laughed and did better.  One other student showed up and then the first one left shortly thereafter.  I started showing the techniques I knew and they compared my technique (egad!) to theirs.  I'm sure I didn't do our dojo justice, but we had fun anyway.

Then I asked Sensei to help me with my :triangle: rolls.  He asked where I was hurting and suggested three things.  (1) The unbendable arm, (2) extending further and (3) exhaling fully during my rolls.  I've heard of, but never been shown, the unbendable arm.  I was pleased when he had me do it.  We used a big excercise ball to help me with my shape and extension, then switched to a big cushy mat to remove any anxiety I might have about getting hurt.  When I rolled on the regular mat with my unbendable arm, extending further out and exhaling completely I did the best :circle: roll I've ever done!  I need to work on the other side, but at least now I know what to focus on! :D

Sensei offered me tea after class and we chatted for awhile.  We talked about Ki and eyes-closed aikido.  I'm not sure if I'll get those topics covered in my dojo, so I look forward to getting some extras from them every other month or so.  He even suggested some great reading on Ki excercises and testing.

I had to leave well before I wanted to (I didn't want my kids to kill my parents).  I bumped into Jacobs Sensei in the parking lot and he said he trains with Kevin Blok Sensei in Windsor Canada once a month.  Since my Sensei trains there as well, his style is closer to mine than Shermbeck Sensei's.  He said if I email or call before I come down next time he would be sure to teach that day to help with the differences.

What a great group!

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>09-12-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="978">
	<title><![CDATA[Extended test prep and Elbow Strikes]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #12
Thursday, September 9, 2004 -- 7:30pm

Norbert Jaeger Sensei was filling in for John Parks Sensei.  He decided to have an extended test prep. :) This was great since it's tough to get enough time to have some of the techniques explained in sufficient detail.

ELBOW STRIKES
One of our Sempai demonstrated a technique that we then worked on.  Next he asked if anyone had a wish to see a defense against any type of non-aikido attacks.  I suggested elbow strikes so he put a defense together and had us work on that for the rest of the class.  He left the ending open for personal interpretation and inclination.  This proved interesting since there were so many ways to proceed after the initial blending / blocking.

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>09-12-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="977">
	<title><![CDATA[Attention!  Newbies on Deck!]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #11
Wednesday, September 8, 2004 -- 7:30pm

Test prep again.  I worked with someone preparing for their 7th kyu test.  They do fairly well, but their lack of concern for some of the details bothers me.  Just a pet peeve I guess I'll get over.

NEWBIES ON DECK
We had 4 newbies in class.  As we were switching partners I ran to the end to work with a very short (5 foot, maybe) young woman.  I'm 6 foot 2 inches and I like to work with people a lot shorter than me because it forces me to get low and I tend to connect better since I'm focused on our differences.

We were working on a relatively simple technique.  Uke pushes the chest, shite pivots 45-degrees to the inside, blocks, grabs, does a nikyo (2nd control) bringing uke to their knee, then backs up to stretch uke out face down on the mat, keeping the nikyo, putting uke's elbow down on the mat and applying torque to pin them.

She was trying to muscle it and was having trouble grabbing my big sweaty hands.  She was trying to use her strength, unsuccessfully, until I took a moment and explained how the nikyo worked (90/90/90 - degrees, lock by pushing the fingers toward the elbow, then torque to get results).  She couldn't believe it worked that easy on me.  I said "trust me, I feel exactly what you do".  She got a big grin :D and ended up torquing so well that I did a face plant before she could stretch me out on the mat.  I had to have her back off a bit!  It was great!

We continued with some other basic techniques.  Overall, class was fun, but not very challenging.  That gave me a chance to polish some basics.  I always need to do that.

Aikik-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>09-12-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="976">
	<title><![CDATA[Flying Lessons and Headless Uke]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #10
Thursday, September 2, 2004 -- 7:30pm

FLYING LESSONS
Before class, Sensei was helping a 7th kyu with his forward rolls by working on his extension.  At first the student was basicially tipping over forward into the roll (much like I still do).  Sensei put a 1x1 foot square riser (used to elevate aerobic stepping platforms) down for him to jump over for his roll.  He continued by stacking more on top, then put the stepping platform on top.  Then he switched to extending it out instead of up.  He went back to one riser, but put another one behind it.  By the time Sensei was done the student was jumping forward over 4 of them lined up end-to-end.  When I asked, Sensei said his record was jumping / rolling over 7 students bent over kneeling side-by-side!

Class began with more test prep.  I continued to work with whomever needed a partner.  I'm covering a lot of good ground, but still have quite a ways to go before I've relearned what I used to know as 7th kyu.

HEADLESS UKE
Sensei demo'd a bokken technique that started with uke doing a tsuki (thrust) and shite blocking with a very subtle movement... stuffle in, your blade to the left of uke's, rotating your bokken clockwise so that the back of your blade slid against uke's.  Continue forward with the sharp edge of the blade sliding against and past uke's neck on the right (yours, not theirs).  A BIG cross step to get behind uke, reaching under the tip of your blade (the front is still across uke's neck) hooking your left elbow around the back of your blade, put your left hand behind uke's head and pivot back and to the outside.  Uke's head comes off :dead: and you have a trophy to take home to the spouse and kids.

Then he showed an open handed technique with the same general structure.  Uke reaches in, shite shuffles forward, leading hand rotates palm up to the left of uke's arm, continuing forward until your hand goes past the right side of their neck.  BIG cross step to get behind them then hook your left elbow under your right hand (your right forearm is still across their throat).  Grab your left forearm with your right hand, put your left hand behind their head and (as Sensei says) "shrink wrap" to do a choke.  Pivot back to the outside and away they go.

Sensei said the focus of the techniques were the same... shuffle, cross step, tenkan, pivot.  "The stuff we're doing with our hands just makes it interesting."

I had a lot of trouble getting behind uke with the BIG cross step.  Both I and my partner were tall, I wasn't getting their balance and I felt clumsy thru the whole thing.  Oh well.

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>09-12-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="960">
	<title><![CDATA[Testing, but not testing - Shut-upsi-waza]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #9
Wednesday, September 1, 2004 -- 7:30pm

BELTED
The orange belt I ordered finally came in.  It should've had a white stripe (for 7th kyu), but didn't.  Norbert Sensei used medical tape to "fix" it up.  I was finally able to line up with the rest of the 7th kyu folks.  Started to feel like old times.

TESTING -- BUT NOT TESTING
We'll be testing on October 6th.  I spoke with Sensei and asked how he wanted to handle my situation.  I said I didn't think I was ready yet as I have quite a bit of catching up to do, but I that I'd test if he felt I was ready.  He decided to have me help those preparing for the 9th, 8th and 7th kyu tests.  That way I can get a refresher, help them prepare and get evaluated by sensei all at the same time.  I might participate as uke during the tests as well.  Cool! :cool: Works for me!

Since we're ramping up for tests, the first 30 minutes of class was (and will continue to be) dedicated to test prep.  I'm the "floater".  I help where needed.  I was with the 9th kyu prep group this time.  Since everyone else was pretty much self-directed, Sensei stayed with us.  It was great to get the details I crave!  It's been so long since I've been taught the basics that I've forgotten a lot of the little stuff.  Sensei explained the details of bowing (standing and kneeling), seiza (down and up), my kamae was fine, he corrected some of my wrist warm-up positions and complimented me on my recovery from my back break falls without hitting, saying "yours are perfect." :D  We didn't have any time to go over the two techniques that will be on the test, but we've done the first one before, and I remember the second one from 14 years ago.

NO PUKEMI
I wasted my Dramamine… again. :grr:

BUKI-WAZA
Bokken yoi!

Uke goes to jodan, shite holds their bokken down/back/to the right (I don't know the name of that one) and does a do giri (horizontal body cut) with at BIG step 45-degrees to the right as uke strikes.  Uke bends forward, acting as if their internal spaghetti has just been invited to play on the mat. :yuck:  Shite does a BIG cross-step and tenkan, then removes uke's head. :dead:

I never quite managed to get the spacing right.  My ma-ai after the tenkan was usually off.  I think it might have been due to the mat being heavily populated and my partner and I being at the edge of the mat.  If I could've stepped off more to my right as uke was striking I might have had better luck.  I guess I'll try it on my kids and see what happens. :)

Bokken motoe!

TOSHU-WAZA
Our techniques were all based on hitting elbow throws.  I share Karen Wolek's gumby syndrome (her journal is a great read!) and I was paired up with one of our sensitivity-challenged students.  It wasn't too bad, but my elbows are still a little sore when I straighten them out all the way. :(  The good news is I got to do a lot of forward rolls out of the technique!  I guess I didn't waste my Dramamine after all. :D  Unfortunately, some of my rolls felt like :triangle: instead of :circle: and a few were all twisted up.  I kept cross-stepping before the roll which made me go down on the wrong arm.  Those felt pretty bad.  Sensei said those are a #11 forward roll.  I'm not there yet. :uch:

I got to work with a newbie too.  He did pretty well, even though I was trying to help. ;)

SHUT-UPSI-WAZA
The last technique Sensei demo'd was for the brown and black belts only.  However, when he asked if there were any questions I raised my hand before I engaged my brain.  I asked anyway and after he answered he gently reminded me that this technique wasn't for me but "that was a good question." :sorry:

Overall a fairly easy class (aerobically speaking).  I guess test prep slows things down a bit.  I still need to work on my get-upsi-waza for warm-ups though.

I needed to get this smiley thing out of my system.  It won't be so bad from now on.  :p

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>09-03-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="946">
	<title><![CDATA[Footsi-Waza]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log – Class #8
Thursday, August 26, 2004 – 7:30pm

Today’s class focused on getting our feet in the right place so we could use our hands correctly.

FOOTSI-WAZA
After warm-ups (my get-upsi-waza is still too slow) we did some basic bokken strikes with 45-degree pivots.  Then to tie it together we did empty-handed 45-degree pivots.  Lots and lots of fast and furious pivots.  On both the right and left side:

Shuffle step forward, pivot, no block, pivot back, shuffle back

Cross-step forward, pivot, no block, pivot back, cross-step back

Shuffle step forward, pivot, leading hand block, pivot back, shuffle step back

Cross-step forward, pivot, leading hand block, pivot back, cross-step back

Shuffle step forward, pivot, trailing hand block, pivot back, shuffle back

Cross-step forward, pivot, trailing hand block, pivot back, shuffle back

Sensei had us do 10 of each, very, very quickly, and then had us do 1 of each in rapid succession.  His stated goal was to get us so confused that we couldn’t think about where our hands and feet were.  He just wanted our bodies to do the thinking for us.  It worked!

Then Sensei started us on a series of techniques that required leading or trailing hand blocks with 45-degree pivots.  Once again, “don’t think, just do” was the goal.  I was so pleased with the results that I mentioned it to Sensei after class.  He said that he had actually structured the class specifically with me in mind!  He very seriously said that he wanted to get the points across in such a way that it would speak to the way I think.  I said “message received”.

AIKI-THINKIN’

1.  I like my Sensei!
2.  I plan on adding Footsi-Waza to my at-home practice routine.

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>08-30-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="945">
	<title><![CDATA[BRokken]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log – Class #7
Wednesday, August 25, 2004 – 7:30pm

GET-UPSI-WAZA
I’m still not able to keep up with the back break falls during warm-ups.  I need to ramp up my ab workouts during my non-Aikido days.

THUNKI-WAZA (aka PUKEMI)
We did forward rolls (finally didn’t waste my Dramamine) and Sensei was kind enough to have me do half as many as everyone else.  “We don’t want you doing too many.”  He knows my limits too, and is willing to work with me to slowly extend them.  My forward rolls are still very clunky.  I need to practice, but I don’t want to start / continue bad habits.  I’d prefer to have guidance until I’m sure my practice won’t reinforce poor technique.  My backward rolls are still ok, but will get better with practice.  I think I’ve got the technique down, I just need to smooth it out.

BUKI-WAZA (weapon technique)
We did quite a bit of bokken work.  One of the focuses was hasshu giri (eight different cuts) consisting of tsuki (thrust), kessa giri (diagonal body cut – up, down, left and right), do giri (horizontal body cut – left and right), kirioroshi (cut down).  Sensei added one piece at a time.  I got pretty messed up as things got more complicated.

BROKKEN
I noticed a crack in my bokken!  It’s right at the middle of the tip and runs about 2 inches along the blade.  Norbert Sensei said some wood glue and c-clamps will fix it.  I’m quite sure it didn’t happen in class.  We haven’t been blocking much yet.  I think 14 years in the closet has something to do with it.  Bummer!

TOSHU-WAZA (bare-handed technique)
Our weaponless techniques were fairly simple.  They were based on some of the bokken movements and included a knife-hand (tegatana sabaki?) movement.  I always like seeing the connections, and I do better when I’m bare-handed and I imagine using the bokken.

STEAMY-WAZA
I started overheating again, but not as bad as before.  I bought a “running” shirt that “wicks away” the moisture.  I was hoping it would breathe better than the cotton t-shirts I’d been wearing.  It didn’t.  I think I’ll skip the undershirt next class and see what happens.  I prefer the unstained dogi look, but I’m not sure if I have a choice.

AIKI-THINKIN’
1.  I like my Sensei!
2.  I should take my Dramamine at least 2 hours before class (it takes one hour to kick in).  That way I can practice my rolls before class without concern for my gastrointestinal wellbeing.
3.  I enjoy bokken work, but I’m looking forward to my first jo lessons in this dojo.

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>08-30-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="916">
	<title><![CDATA[Sleepy-Waza]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log -- Class #6
Thursday, August 19, 2004 -- 7:30pm

SLEEPY-WAZA
I'm not sure what happened, but I woke up completely exhausted.  Not physically, but mentally.  I couldn't get out of bed, I fought to stay awake behind the wheel on the way to work, I couldn't concentrate.  I haven't felt that weird since I had mono about 25 years go.

During the day I did notice that my calves were very sore.  I mentioned how much better I liked moving on a wooden floor than on mats.  But one outcome of being better able to move on the balls of my feet is that my calves got a huge workout.  Something to think about.

I reluctantly decided to skip class and get some sleep.  I crashed out when I got home and woke up 4 hours later, watched some of the Olympics and went back to bed an hour and a half later.  After a full night's sleep I felt much better.

I practiced on Sunday to review what I learned, but I'm looking forward to Wednesday.  Looks like I should pick up some more Dramamine.  I might actually be able to see if it works.

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>08-23-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="915">
	<title><![CDATA[Window-Waza]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log – Class #5
Wednesday, August 18, 2004 – 7:30pm

Rick Brady sensei was our guest instructor on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.  He studies Toyama Ryu Iaido and our classes were focused on basic Samurai sword technique.  More info can be found at http://www.seishinkan.com/seishin/sskprogs/iaido.htm

WINDOW-WAZA
I wasn’t sure what to expect for class, but when I asked if we were going to use the mats, Rick Sensei said “Only if we put them in the parking lot.”  I wasn’t sure what he meant until noticed something wrong on the window wall that overlooks the parking lot.  One of the windows (10 feet tall by 4 feet wide) was completely covered in a spider web crack.  Evidently, one of Monday’s students helped sensei demonstrate a technique.  Said student was put severely off balance and didn’t regain it again until after he had traversed the dojo and come abruptly to rest against the window.  Did I mention our dojo is on the 2nd floor?

Rick Sensei was kind enough before class to bring me and a few other first-timers up to speed with what we missed on Monday.  During our orientation, it became obvious that I was going to wish I had a tsuba (hand guard) on my bokken.

Class started rather informally, since the orientation sort of started to become the class.  My regular Sensei (John Parks) decided to make it official and we all lined up.  I decided right away that I like moving around on a smooth wooden floor much better than on a mat.  I was bummed that we weren’t going to do pukemi (I had taken Dramamine, again) but was somewhat relieved that my knee would have a little more time to recover before things got hot and heavy again.

We did “sword warm-ups” and began with drawing the sheathing the sword.  The sword cleaning flick that I mistakenly called “chibuti” is actually called “chiburi”.  I was close.

We covered quite a few basics, but nothing too complicated.  I won’t go into the details (there are eight parts to the technique just for getting to chudan).  Class was not very aerobic, but I enjoyed working on my form.

I couldn’t stay late after class, but I wanted to.  Evidently, Rick Sensei stayed late on Monday with a handful of students and continued informal instruction and experimentation until 11:30pm.  He said he doesn’t like to leave until he’s answered everyone’s questions.

I’m looking forward to getting back to Aikido, though.

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>08-23-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="899">
	<title><![CDATA[Watchi-Waza]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log – Class #4
Thursday, August 6, 2004 – 7:30pm

STATUS – BEFORE CLASS
My Aiki-Toe continues to improve, as do my mat burns.

The muscles on the sides of my neck (used to keep my head off the mat during back break falls) and on the front of my groin area (used to lift my legs out in front during back break falls) were VERY SORE!

My right knee was bothering me all day.  I could walk fine, stairs were odd (weak, not too painful), but crossing my legs (right ankle across left knee) hurt.  So did climbing out of my car.

If you’ve read my earlier entries, you know that I have loose joints.  I’d rather miss one class right now than several in a row if I push it.  I decided to practice Whimpi-Waza and get a knee brace from CVS ( 18) then do Watchi-Waza for class.  I’m glad I did.

WATCHI-WAZA
Warm-ups included pukemi!  I missed out, but since I wasn’t planning on participating I didn’t waste any Dramamine this time.

There’s going to be a guest sensei (week of the 16th) doing sword technique from a different martial art (I’ll get the name).  Our sensei decided to focus on basic bokken to get us ready.  He covered drawing the bokken, chudan (basic sword stance), jodan (chudan with weapon raised high), front and side strikes (with and without 45-degree pivot, with and without cross step, right and left foot leading), chibuti (chibudi? – sword cleaning flick – I’ll confirm this), sheathing the bokken.

We also covered a technique beginning with uke going to chudan and shite rotating the bokken blade (while still sheathed) 90-degrees to the outside, grabbing the hilt in preparation to draw.  Uke does jodan as shite draws / steps forward / cuts horizontally (from the wrist), stopping just past uke’s bodyline.  Both return to chudan, both do chibuti (sp?), both sheath their bokken’s, yame (stop, finsh)

Next were some open handed techniques that focused on the chibuti movement of the right hand, used by shite to break a same-side wrist grasp.  Sorry about the lack of details… procrastination-induced memory loss strikes again.

I do remember the last technique.  Ai hanmi kamae, uke grabs a handful of shite’s dogi at the shoulder.  Shite uses their cross-hand to perform an overhand grab of uke’s fist (so uke can’t let go) and rotates uke’s fist inward 180-degrees to lock the elbow.  Shite cross-steps to a hitting-elbow throw.

We lined up and dismissed.

AIKI-THINKIN’
1.  Watchi-Waza gives me 75% of what I get in class (take notes next time).
2.  Whimpi-Waza has its value (even though one student muttered “Whimp” in my direction while doing Washi-Waza).  I’m glad I know my limits.

‘Til next time,

Aiki-Jeff
 ]]></body>
	<date>08-16-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="898">
	<title><![CDATA[Weekly Wounding]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log – Class #3
Wednesday, August 5, 2004 – 7:30pm

Sorry for the delay in writing.  I’ve been busy and procrastinating.

STATUS – BEFORE CLASS
My Aiki-Toe looks and feels better.  It’s still a little sore when I try to “grab the mat with my toes”, but it looks normal again.

My mat burns on my right foot are healing nicely.

CLASS TIME – WEDNESDAY
I took Dramamine about 2 hours before class in preparation for pukemi, but we didn’t do any.  That sucks!  Dramamine is EXPENSIVE.  I survived the warm-ups, but still didn’t manage to do all the back break falls (getting better).

Class was fun, right up to the first technique.  I was paired with a brown belt.

Starting in ai hanmi kamae (same stance) uke grabs toward shite’s chest.  Shite does a 95-degree pivot block with the leading hand, wrist on top.  Shuffle step somewhat behind uke, swinging uke’s blocked arm down toward shite’s right thigh while uke does tenkan (body change).  Shite reaches behind uke with their trailing hand and grabs uke’s far shoulder.  Shite does another 95-degree pivot, continuing in the same direction as before while placing their other arm across uke’s throat.  Uke does a back break fall.

I was doing Ok, but I kept forcing it too much.  I needed to do the moves and trust that uke would end up in the right spot.  I even started out by grabbing uke’s far shoulder instead of just laying my arm across their throat!

OOPSI-WAZA
Then I tweaked my right knee.  My pivot stopped too early but my knee didn’t.  Not too bad, just weakened a bit.  I continued with class.

Due to my procrastination, I’ve forgotten the details of the other techniques we covered.  I’ll try not to let that happen again.

Later, I started to severely overheat (unrelated to my knee, which really wasn’t bothering me too badly).  I was working with an orange belt and let him know I needed to take it slow enough to cool down a bit.  I did a minute or two of deep breathing, a few rounds of technique, breathing.  I managed to make it all the way thru the class for the first time!

I lined up with everyone else and we dismissed.

AIKI-THINKIN’
1.  I’ve noticed a pattern… I get wounded on Wednesdays.
2.  I must try harder to keep my heel off the mat until AFTER I finish my pivot.
3.  I must focus on my balance and determining and maintaining ma-ai (appropriate distance) with uke.
4.  If I do the technique, uke will go where they’re supposed to go.  I can’t / shouldn’t force it.

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>08-16-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="861">
	<title><![CDATA[Sensei Chat]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[I had a few questions / concerns after class last night’s class so I called Sensei and we had about a 20 minute chat.

Question:
When he starts counting more and more quickly while we are doing one-count full techniques, what is his intent?

Answer:
Go more quickly (duh).

Explanation:
He doesn’t want students to have time to think, just do.  When he says “Get up!”, stop and quickly prepare for another pass at the technique, even if I’m not done yet.  Later, when he says “Hajime, at your own pace!”, that’s the time to think and work out some of the details.

Question:
How should I handle any issues I might have with a certain student (Sensei knew who I meant) that doesn’t appear to recognize, understand or respect their partner’s physical limitations?

Answer:
Notify Sensei immediately, but discretely.

Explanation:
The student in question has a known background of being “hard” while performing techniques.  Sensei had just spoken with him about that prior to last night’s class.  The student is a nice person off the mat, but might need some form of reminder(s) about backing off when necessary.

Question:
Will I be required to participate in randori (as a recipient of technique) as soon as my orange belt arrives?

Answer:
No.

Explanation:
When we’re both sure I can handle the throws and rolls, then I can participate.

Question:
What was up with the low kicks I saw during randori?

Answer:
Those are higher-level black belt level defenses.

Explanation:
The Chudokai Aikido Federation has added some kicking defenses back into the authorized Yoshinkai techniques.  Evidently, they were in there originally but were removed.  They have been recently put back in.

Question:
How should I interpret last night’s senior student’s actions?  Some of them seem arrogant, combative and derogatory.

Answer:
Leniently.

Explanation:
That student is Sensei’s right-hand man.  His job as senior student is to allow Sensei to relax and enjoy the class.  He does his job very well. He’s very highly thought of by Sensei and is very soft spoken and pleasant (off the mat).  He’s like myself in attention to detail and focus on correct technique.  He fiercely defends the dojo standards and etiquette, and will not let any senior student get away with infractions (using them as an example to help instruct / scare lower ranking students).  He’s extremely intense and dedicated.  He’s a SanDan in Aikido and Jiu Jitsu, and brings the Jiu Jitsu combat attitude into the Aikido Dojo (Sensei tries not to).  Sensei says that he, himself, is NOT a pleasant partner to train with either and is even more intense than his senior student when practicing Jiu Jitsu.

CONCLUSION

I like my Sensei, a lot!
 ]]></body>
	<date>08-06-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="860">
	<title><![CDATA[Aiki-Toe]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log – Class #2
Wednesday, August 5, 2004 – 6:30pm

WHIMPI-WAZA

I decided to sit out last night’s class due to my toe.  I was planning on just doing Watchi-Waza for the youth and adult classes so I got there about 15 minutes before the youth class started.

I found Norbert right away.  He teaches the youth class so he was waiting for the women’s aerobics class to finish with up (they always run behind schedule) before he could go in the room and lay out the mats.  The dojo meets in an air-conditioned room on the 2nd floor of an upscale health club.  I had him check out my weapons and he assured me they were safe.

However, once he heard that I was going to Watchi-Waza he whipped out his traveling first-aid kit, taped me up and told me to get on the mat.  He said to take it easy and simply don’t do anything that would cause discomfort to my toe.  Evidently, in addition to being 2nd Dan in Aikido and an expert woodworker, he’s also a homeopathic healer.  I’ve been told (by Sensei) that he can do some Mr. Miagi-like (Karate Kid) healing techniques.  He’s a great guy that is immediately easy to like and trust.  I look forward to getting to know him better.

I spent the remainder of the youth class getting dressed and stretching.  I lined up with everyone else when the adult class started at 7:30pm.

WASHI-WAZA

Class started with Washi-Waza, which I found out is actually called sogi.  After the mat was clean we lined up.  Seiza looked weird for me.  I had to leave my left foot out behind me kind of at a right angle (resting on my inside ankle bone).

A black belt I’d never seen before was leading warm-ups.  I liked his approach.  He sort of narrated while he led, explaining some of the reasons for the exercises and how to do them better or more easily.  I did OK, but had to stand to the side during some of the left-foot pivot activities.  I cheated as much as I could and pivoted on my left heel, but in general I took it slow and easy.  I still didn’t make it all the way thru the backward break falls (I’m sooo out of shape!), but since he was taking things slower than Patrick did the night before I was able to do a few more.

Sensei and I both agreed that I would be excused from pukemi due to my Aiki-Toe.  Also a good thing since I didn’t take any Dramamine.

The first technique was very similar to the first one the day before.

Both uke and shite are in right kamae.  Uke grabs with their right hand toward shite’s chest.  Shite performs a counter-clockwise 95-degree pivot and blocks uke’s hand.  Then shite does an overhand grab on uke’s hand and performs a 2nd control crank / elbow lock until uke goes down on their right knee.  However, instead of a zig-zag-zig, shite stays very low and leans forward to break uke’s balance then takes 2 very quick steps to finish the take down.  Left knee down into uke’s right armpit.  Spread your knees, pin.

I was having problems with the lean-forward-to-break-uke’s-balance part.  I was too far back when uke went to their knee so I was more off balance than uke.  After a few tries, I had one of those “hazah” moments and realized I was only pivoting 45-degrees on the block!  Once I fixed that, it went much better.

OUCHI-WAZA

Sensei modified the pin by having shite put their left knee on top of uke’s tricep close to the shoulder, pushing forward with the left hand to bend uke’s elbow, lifting uke’s right hand (very, very slowly) over shite’s right knee and up toward their chest (not very far), and using both hands to press down on uke’s severely contorted hand / wrist.

That was probably the most painful pin I’ve ever felt in Aikido!  Luckily, I have a genetic connective tissue disorder leading to joint laxity (loose joints).  I have quite a bit of extra range of motion, especially in my upper body.  But my partner (orange belt) was pretty tight and that pin was almost too much for him before I got half way thru with it.  I was very gentle and went very slowly, but it was still quite intense for him.

I offered my next partner two suggestions.  I felt a little weird doing it since I was wearing a white belt and he was wearing orange.  But after the 2nd time he had to pause to retie his pants I decided to say that double knotting worked well for me.  Also, he was having the same problem I had with the 45-instead-of-95-degree pivot block.  He seemed to appreciate my comments so I felt better.

RUSHI-WAZA

Sensei steps us thru each technique the same way after he’s demonstrated it.  He counts the steps slowly the 1st time, a little faster the 2nd time, and for the 3rd time he says “One count – do the whole technique – that doesn’t mean fast, it means smoothly.”  The problem is he then counts out the steps over and over getting faster and faster.

My partner at the time (another orange belt) was so focused on Sensei’s tempo that he (uke) actually rushed and pushed the technique so fast that I (shite) was pulled along.  I prefer to do a technique slowly and correctly.  Once I’ve got it down I speed it up.  Eventually, or sometimes (I need to pay closer attention) Sensei says “Hajime – at your own pace” and then, of course, I can do things like I want.
I’m confused enough that I’m going to discuss it with him.  Luckily, he’s very accessible and willing to talk about things like this.  I really like him a lot!

Next we did a technique where uke grabs toward the chest, shite does a 45-degree pivot block, overhand grab, 2nd control crank to get uke to bend their knees a bit, cross-step to a throw.

Since I wasn’t going to roll, I needed to run out of the end of the technique.  We were working in groups of 3 for this one, and one of my partners (brown belt) didn’t appear to acknowledge / respect other people’s limitations (he was giving me “whimp” looks while I was waiting out the left-foot pivot warm-ups).  I’m an excellent judge of character, and I anticipate some problems later on.  I plan on speaking with Sensei to see how to handle any situations that might arise in the future when I partner with this person.  Extra range of motion in your upper body may sound like a good thing, but if you go too far something will dislocate.

WATCHI-WAZA

I was getting very winded and was overheating by this time.  I’m sooo out of shape!  I was bending over with my hands on my knees and puffing away.  Sensei told me to stand up straight and breath since I was compressing my chest while bent over.

After Sensei demonstrated the next technique, I bowed off the mat and sat out the rest of the class.  I knew if I pushed it any further I would start feeling ill, so I chose not to go that far past my limit.  There’s wisdom in knowing when to stop.

RANDORI

The previous night’s class had pseudo-randori sessions in it, but this was full out stuff!  The black belt that led warm-ups was first.  Sensei yelled “Orange belts UP!  Browns, blacks!”  They were permitted to do, as Sensei called it, “left and right chesty sorts of stuff.”  He was surrounded by about 8 students.  I’ve never seen full out randori before.  It was pretty cool!  I noticed a few low kicks in there, which surprised me.  Probably impromptu or due to cross-training.  I’ll have to ask about that.  I also need to find out if I’m supposed to participate in that when my orange belt shows up.  I’m not ready for the throws, falls and rolls.

The next black belt (Randy – I told you I’d get his name) looked smoother than the 1st guy, even though Randy must be lower ranked.  The brown belt I partnered with was next.  Evidently, he has issues with remembering to breath properly.  Sensei kept reminding him and making comments to that effect.  Another brown belt was next, but he wasn’t quite as good, as is to be expected when you move your way down the ranks.

EGO-WAZA

I think I started to detect some personality characteristics with the warm-up leading black belt that don’t seem to fit in with everyone else at the dojo.  Comments he’d make and attitudes he’d project seemed derogatory and antagonistic.  Though he seems to have some teaching tendencies, I’m not sure how to take him yet.

I joined the lineup and we dismissed.

AIKI-THINKIN’

1.	I’m glad my weapons are safe to use.
2.	I’m glad I got on the mat.
3.	I’m sorer today than I was yesterday, but still nowhere near the post-brush-with-death class level.
4.	I’m bummed that I couldn’t do all the backward break falls, but I’m making progress.
5.	I’m bummed that I had to Watchi-Waza, but I’m learning my limits.
6.	Sensei and I have a few things to discuss.
7.	Future journal posts must get shorter.

I might post another entry before next class.

Aiki-Jeff
 ]]></body>
	<date>08-06-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="858">
	<title><![CDATA[Aiki-Doodle-Dandy]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[Aiki-Log – Class #1
Wednesday, August 4, 2004 – 7:30pm

“I’m an Aiki-Doodle-Dandy, an Aiki-Doodle do or die….”

If you don’t hear Yankee-Doodle music when you read that, you probably won’t get the regional humor.  This might help, but I doubt it: http://www.contemplator.com/america/ydoodle.html

I HAD A BLAST LAST NIGHT!

I’ve forgotten how much fun it is to dislocate a toe on my left foot, get mat burns on the top of my right foot (both before class), and then have to bow out of class to run to the bathroom in hopes of not puking in front of everyone (ukemi and motion sickness don’t mix).

BEFORE CLASS

I got there early and started stretching.  Patrick showed up and started laying out the mats.  He’s got a brown belt – is getting married on Friday – and his parents were there to take pictures (probably to use at the reception).  I helped with the mats and got my first workout.

I was winded!  I’m sooo out of shape!

Sensei showed up just as we were finishing with the mats.  He helped me remember how to do ukemi – “Let’s remind your body of what it already knows.”

My backward break falls were OK… but:
   I wasn’t getting my hips up off the mat well enough.
   I was slapping too early.

My forward rolls were OK… but:
   I was slapping the mat too late (I was leading with both hands, forgetting to put my trailing hand behind me)
   My left-side roll kept going on an angle (I needed to pick my line and stick to it)
   On my right-side roll I wasn’t pointing my toes on my back foot.
   I wasn’t focusing on recovering from the role into a strong kamae.

My backward rolls were OK… but:
   On my left-side roll I stuck out the wrong arm, did a cross-step back and brought my right leg over first (sounds like a right-side roll, doesn’t it?) DUH!

It’s amazing how much you remember / forget in 14 years.

I fixed everything pretty quickly.  I still need work, but it got a lot better right away.  I proved to myself that I was pointing my toes when I got the mat burn on the top of my right foot.  Then I came up once with my left toes curled under and heard “snap-crackle-pop”.  I’m limping today and the toe next to my pinky-toe is an interesting size and color.  I think I over-extended the knuckle (closest to the toe nail) in a downward direction.

Sensei and I decided that I should be 7th kyu since I passed 3 tests and I’d be 7th kyu in this dojo.  I’m glad I know my starting rank.  I need goals to work for and knowing what techniques I need to “get under my belt” helps a lot.  We discussed my belt (I wore my white one) and decided a size 6 would be a better choice.  My size 5 only has about 4 or 5 inches hanging out of the knot.  He’s ordering me an orange belt with one white stripe.

Norbert wasn’t there last night so I couldn’t have him check out my weapons for excessive dryness.  He’ll be there tonight, though.

CLASS BEGINS

Our class starts with the “ritual” of washing the mat.  I call it Washi-Waza, but I think they call it something else.  I’ll find out tonight.

Next, a white-belt was awarded her yellow belt with one white stripe.  Clap, Clap.

I did fairly well with the warm-ups.  I didn’t try too hard to keep up on the backward break falls (with and without hitting).  I still have a gut to work around and it slows me down.  I skipped a few (maybe 5 total) but otherwise I did everything else.

I did have a problem remembering some of the details of Elbow Power #2.  Sensei helped me and I got it put together just as we did the last one.

By this time I was winded again.  I’m sooo out of shape!

PUKEMI

I was last in line, and I did about 5 rolls to get around the mat.  We did backward, then forward.  Sensei called seiza.

By this time I was really winded, overheated, dizzy and nauseous.  I’m sooo out of shape!

I hung in just long enough for him to start explaining the first technique.  I bowed, ran to the edge of the mat, bowed again and staggered to the bathroom.  During seiza in front of the toilet I debated if it would be better to get it over with or see if I could keep everything down.  Meditation and deep breathing go a long way.

I got a drink of water and went back to class, but had to watch from the sidelines.  I have fairly severe motion sickness and when I get queasy I’m done.  I can handle dizziness, but not queasiness.  I can’t function until it passes and that usually takes 45 minutes to 4 hours, depending on how bad it is.  Since we were already 30 minutes into our 75-minute class, I resigned myself to just watch.

WATCHI-WAZA

I recognized the first technique immediately.  If Sensei stated the name of the technique, I missed it.  I was probably chatting with the porcelain princess at the time.

Both uke and shite (pronounced SHtay – roughly equals Nage) are in right kamae.  Uke grabs with their right hand toward shite’s chest.  Shite performs a counter-clockwise 95-degree pivot and blocks uke’s hand (supporting from below) with wrist-to-wrist.  Shite pivots back to front while raising uke’s hand, bending uke’s elbow with the left hand and trying to introduce it to uke’s right eye.  Crank, elbow lock, zig (uke goes down on right knee), zag-zig (uke is one with the mat), left knee down into uke’s right armpit.  Spread your knees, pin.

That was the very first technique I learned 14 years ago!

Sensei varied part of the take down by using knuckles (middle set, not punching) on the tendons of the elbow during the last zig (45-degree cross step).  I’ve never seen knuckles used in Aikido (has anyone else?)  Sensei said his Jiu Jitsu background comes out in class.

Another variation modified the pin by having shite’s left knee land on top of uke’s shoulder instead of in the armpit.  Uke’s forearm was supported by shite’s right thigh.  Grab uke’s chin with the left hand and put it and uke’s right wrist in the direction of your head (you don’t get that far, only about 2 or 3 inches before uke either slaps out or dies).  Once again, chin grabs are new to me.

A final variation on the pin had uke’s right hand up against shite’s left shoulder with shite kneeling at 90-degrees to uke.  Shite presses both palms down (on top of each other) near the outside edge of uke’s shoulder blade in the shoulder joint.

We finished up with a few students doing minor randori using techniques from their upcoming tests.  Yellow, brown and black belts.  The black belt (his name begins with an R – I’ll get it tonight) has been practicing for over 30 years and was wonderful to watch.  He was the center, uke was doing all the work.  He was also the sempai instructor for a middle-aged first-timer who, I think, has a background in some other martial art.  I think he’ll be back tonight.

I joined the lineup and we dismissed.

Sensei Aiki-Staged some posed techniques with Patrick so his parents could get about 10 good pictures.

AIKI-THINKIN’

1.	I’m not sure if I should do Watchi-Waza for tonight’s class.  I’ll have to wait and see how my toe feels.
2.	I’m not nearly as sore today as I was after my brush-with-death class a few months back.
3.	I think I like having Jiu Jitsu components used in Aikido techniques.  I’m very interested in effective, practical technique.  I think it’s compatible without changing the underlying philosophy.
4.	I’ll be taking Dramamine before class to help with the ukemi-induced nausea.  After learning to deal with the dizziness perhaps I won’t need Dramamine anymore.
5.	Chris (7th kyu) and I spoke at length after class.  We’re both interested in getting together on Sunday afternoons to do informal practice.  He and another 7th kyu we discussing that very thing just last week.  We just need to find out if the facility is available for our use.
6.	I’m glad to be back.  I really missed it!

More tomorrow about tonight’s class

Aiki-Jeff ]]></body>
	<date>08-05-2004</date>
</blogEntry>

<blogEntry id="851">
	<title><![CDATA[Starting Over - Tomorrow]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[In 1990 I was single, 25 years old, 6'2" and 150 lbs. (yes, I was SKINNY).  In October this year I'll be 40, married for 14 years and a father of two.  I'm still 6'2", but now I'm 205 lbs.  Two months ago I weighed a sedentary 215 lbs. -- see below for details.

IN THE BEGINNING

Before Aikido, I tended to do Aikido-like things.

I'd never been in a fight, partially due to my skill in the art of verbal self-defense.  I'd insult the offender in an intelligent, humorous way and walk away while their friends laughed at them trying to figure out what I said.

Whenever I was goofing around with my friends and somebody started getting rough, I'd always find a way to compensate for not being very strong (my upper body strength sucks).  Usually I'd use balance / unbalance or leverage / joint-locks to get away.

When I decided to study martial arts (to help me protect my girlfriend if it ever became necessary) I needed to choose a discipline.  After reading a stack of books, I narrowed it down to Judo and Aikido.  No sparring, no competitions and the defensive focus in Aikido were the deciding factors.

I LOVED IT!  I was MADE for Aikido.

Of course I had to teach my body to move differently than before, but it all *clicked*.  I understood it.  It all made sense.  It was difficult, but felt very natural.  I caught on quickly.

I trained in 1989 and 1990 at the University of Toledo in Ohio for 3 semesters and passed my first 3 tests to reach 6th kyu.  [NOTE: 9th kyu was awarded if you failed your first test, 8th kyu if you passed.  I don't know if that's how most dojos do it.]

THE HIATUS

Then… I got married.  She gave up competitive bodybuilding; I gave up Aikido.  I've been away from Aikido since 1990 and I've missed it terribly!

Recently, I started looking around and found a dojo 10 minutes from work.
Anshinkan Dojo
[url]http://anshinkandojo.com[/url]

I like the sensei (John Parks -- 3rd Dan Yoshinkai Aikido -- 4th Dan Yagyu Jui Jitsu).  I watched him teach an adult class and I've spoken with him several times.

EVALUATION AND ADJUSTMENTS

About 3 months ago I decided to evaluate the dojo.  I participated in a youth class and an adult class back-to-back on the same night.  That was a HUGE mistake.  For the first 3 days I couldn't even get up off the toilet without handrails.  My legs were killing me!  I was walking like Tim Conway on The Carol Burnett Show doing his old man routine.  It took me 6 days to feel normal again.

Since my brush-with-death Aikido class:
-	I'm eating and drinking better (6 smaller, better meals instead of 3 -- more water -- no coffee)
-	Riding my new bike 15-20 miles at a stretch 2-3 times a week
-	Rollerblading when I can.
I will be resistance training on my new home gym to supplement my cardio workouts.

STARTING OVER

I've spoken with sensei about my rank.  He said I earned 6th kyu, so as far as he's concerned I'm 6th kyu.  He'll order the belt I need.  My old belt was green.  Now it will be orange, maybe with one or two white stripes (he needed to check).  The only stipulation he placed on my rank was that I must demonstrate adequate knowledge of all techniques thru 6th kyu before testing for 5th kyu.  That, of course, only makes sense.

I still have both my dogis.  They still fit.  My dogi-bag is still serviceable as well.  My weapons have been in their carrying bag since 1990.  I'm not sure if they've become dangerously dry so I'm having the youth instructor (Norbert Jaeger -- 2nd Dan) check them out.  Apparently, he's an expert woodworker and made beautiful custom weapons for sensei.

I've only just recently managed to work out my scheduling and funding issues.  I'm finally getting back into Aikido!  I'll be training every Wednesday and Thursday.

I'm starting over -- tomorrow.

Stay tuned… ]]></body>
	<date>08-03-2004</date>
</blogEntry>


</blogEntries>