View Single Post
Old 09-15-2013, 04:20 PM   #59
Robert Cowham
Dojo: East Sheen Aikido and Kashima No Tachi
Location: London, UK
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 289
Offline
Re: Beginners should not be allowed to act as uke.

I agree that two beginners can teach each other bad habits, but usually find that it doesn't last too long in any case (the practicing that is, since we switch around). Practicing with beginners is usually interesting as they don't know what they are supposed to do, so you get a better feel for how well or otherwise you are doing your technique. You also may need to be able to change technique if they give you a different attack. This can be quite useful for those who have some experience. Anyway, things generally work out fine.

As regards kenjutsu, with a more koryu style background in our style, it is seniors who take ukemi. There is a challenge there too in that it can be too easy to just "teach" and not really push yourself. How can you ensure that you are training yourself while taking ukemi for someone - that's a good study in itself. One of the mantras in my ear is that of a certain senior saying to me "don't be lazy Robert!"

Last edited by Robert Cowham : 09-15-2013 at 04:22 PM.
  Reply With Quote