tyrone.id.au
Grading went well and it was the largest grading the dojo has ever done!!!

There were 20 groups that graded and the whole grading lasted approx. 5 hours!! A long time to sit in seiza.

My 6th kyu shinsa went well and my partner was also grading for the same level. I have never met my
partner until today so it was also a test to work in harmony with each other. I have trained with the other guys
all week and was feeling really comfortable as I was becoming familiar with everyones style. But not to worry,
the grading went well and I will find out on Monday if I passed.

During the week I got the opportunity to do some ukemi practice. Before class one of the senior black belts rounded up
all us white belts sitting on the edges of the mat and insisted that we should all practice ukemi. He got some extra
mats and stacked them so that we had extra softness to work on. This was a real confidence booster and
he showed us some really insightful tips on the correct technique for ukemi.

After trying so hard by myself and landing on my neck and head I now understand where I am going wrong. I am
dropping my head too much when I start and not bringing my back arm around enough to allow my body to flip over.
I am committed to getting ukemi right and I will keep on practicing. OSU.

tyrone.id.au
This Saturday is Sogo Shinsa.

Sogo shinsa happens only once every three months. It is a special time when only certain grades can be tested.
3rd - 1st Kyu can only be graded at Sogo shinsa and also Shodan can only be applied for at Sogo shinsa.

It is also a time when Sensei may offer you a double grading. I am very lucky that this has happened to me!!!!
Tonight at shinsa training Sensei said I may train for 6th Kyu instead of 7th. 7th Kyu was Nikajo and I spent all
last week training in that technique. But, tonight I have started working on Sankajo for 6th Kyu.

I will train hard and grading on Saturday. OSU.

tyrone.id.au
Another Grading down...many more to go.

I am now 8th kyu and looking forward. Grading went very well, mind you, it's hard not to do well when you have a 3rd Dan as a partner.
My gratitude goes to uke for his assistance. He didn't have to do that but was happy to step in and be uke for my grading. That sort of attitude is a reflection of what the whole dojo is like. Everyone is treated as equals and the atmosphere is friendly.

I am starting to think of goals now and ukemi is the first committment I am going to make to myself. I have to improve ukemi if I am going to progress in this art. My goal is to have my ukemi perfect by the time I reach 4th kyu. All going well that should be at least 4 months away. Plenty of time to improve.

I have to mention the grading.... I was lucky enough to see another Senior grade for 3rd Dan. Amazing.
The jo techniques had the whole dojo in awe and the concentration in his eyes was something to see.

I am feeling motivated. OSU.