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Last nights class was pretty good. EVERYONE was on the mat + 1.
We started off, because we had a new student, doing Ikkyo. That's good because now studying Kato's style, Ikkyo is slightly different (though better) than before. Footwork is coming around, definitly got the hip action in there, need to work on the hands now: keeping the elbow down and raising up the uke more.
After that, Sensei announced,"More Koshi's for Bozz." *sigh*
Oh well, it was good. I actually had my head in the game last night and was able to focus more on what to do. Still need to work on not bending over. Need to strengthen my legs more. (damn I'm weak in the legs!*) I actually started to get people loaded a little better last night. Still seems very greek to me, but its coming around.
The class ended off with a martial arts group from Odessa coming over to Midland to see our class and see what we do. Sensei gave a good taste introduction to aikido to them. I think they enjoyed the class. There was a lot of discussion after class with the students and instructor of the other school. Afterwards, Sensei, Lan and Couch took them over to the new dojo.. I think. I had to go home, but the plan was to go look at our upcoming studio.
Good class! Racked up another 2 hours. I should be ready to test in Sept. Maybe October depending on how things go. I'm really gonna just sit back, train and let Sensei tell me when to test.
By the way, Kato Sensei should be returning to Texas around the end of October, so I'm hoping to arrange a trip down to see him at that time. We will see!
*EDIT*
By the way, I think I'll take this opportunity to vent a little about koshinage and get it off my chest:
Koshi's to me... are awkward as all hell. You're spinning in and putting your butt in a place that, well... I would never choose to do that technique! I just feel it opens me up to too much of an attack. And the injury potential for both nage and uke are far greater here. Lan, if you read this... talk to me about it.
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere talk about the "Red zone" where you don't want people to be in... and this technique seems to be a complete violation of that aspect. I would much rather cut them over with Tenchi or Shiho than to do this. I HATE this technique... with a passion. I don't know why, but something about it just goes against the grain of everything I would CHOOSE to do in a martial situation.
Seriously. Think about it. You're in a fight with someone and they're coming at you with a punch or something... why in the HELL would you WANT to pick the person up with your back??? and throw them over that way??? I mean... WTF? I hate it. I really, really do.
I have to know it and be able to do it for a test, and for that... I will make the efffort and pass it. But in all honesty, should I ever teach or get into a fight in the future... Koshi will always be the furthest thing from my mind.
07-15-2005 09:07 AM 
