Yoshinkan Aikido

A training journal of my experiences at the Brisbane Dojo of Yoshinkan Aikido

August 28, 2004

Shodan 1st Step

Shodan 1st Step Shinsa is over and I am sore.

If was a fast paced grading, by the time I was getting up from finishing a technique Sensei was already calling the next technique. There was absolutely no rest between techniques.

I made one obvious mistake which Sensei pulled me up on. With Ikkajo I should have shuffled forward with my right foot but I stepped through with the left. Sensei stopped me the first time and instructed me to perform it again. I repeated the mistake a second time and Sensei once again stopped me and corrected me on what I was doing. That's pretty bad.

My grading probably took about 20 minutes and Ikkajo was the last set. Towards the end exhaustion is setting in and that's when mistakes happen. Sensei pulled me up again a second time when through sheer exhausion I went into hidari stance instead of migi. Sensei made me perform the entire technique again and I knew why. The second time I made sure I went back to migi stance first and then changed to hidari.

It felt good to correct myself without Sensei saying anything.

Last was jiyu waza. I can't remember what I did, but I know I didn't hesitate or stop. Sheer exhaustion ruled the evening.

All in all I felt good about the grading. I look forward to receiving my result next week. OSU.

August 25, 2004

Shinsa Training

You really need to do two classes a night for Shinsa training.

I've found the extra class really helpful for getting a handle on the fine points. I have a couple of new techniques to learn. Basically my grading is on variations of Shiho-nage and Ikkajo.

The concept of step gradings is that you go back to what you learnt in the beginning and repeat it all again. Of course, this time there are variations to the original techniques. The Shiho-nage is performed from Katate-mochi, Yokomen-uchi, Ryote-mochi and Hanmi-handachi. All techniques are ichi and ni.

The Ikkajo set are performed from Shomen-uchi, Kata-mochi and Katate-mochi. All techniques are ichi, ni and suwari waza.

I'm enjoying the training for this grading. I look forward to the day. OSU.

August 20, 2004

Shinsa Grading

Gradings are just around the corner.

This will be the first of my steps to Shodan.

Over the next 6 months I will do 5 steps and then Jun-Shodan.

Grading training starts next week. OSU.

August 15, 2004

Back in the Groove

Back into my regular routine now.

I've finished holidays and back to work and my usual schedule. Training will be 2-3 times a week. I should be prepared for the next Shinsa which is about 2 weeks away.

I can't wait for the weather to warm up again. We've experienced another cold snap. Training is always slower in the cold weather and you feel like you are just starting up when the class finishes.

Anyway, in time it will come. OSU.

August 10, 2004

Return to the Dojo 2

Training was pretty cruisy tonight.

It was actually a good session to get back into it. It's amazing how quickly you can lose your sense of rhythm, even though I haven't forgotten the techniques.

A couple of more sessions and I should get the feel of it. I feel good. OSU.

August 09, 2004

Return to the Dojo

I think I'll go back to training tonight.

The session shouldn't be too hard, it's still cold. See how I go. OSU.

August 07, 2004

Holidays

I haven't trained in 3 weeks now.

I didn't get back to training like I thought I would this week. Too lazy. Definately have to return next week or I'll start losing it. My excuse is I've been on holidays. I return to work next week and back to my routine.

I'll get disciplined again. Preparation for this months grading is already on my mind. OSU.