tyrone.id.au
My 2nd Kyu grading is over. All went well.

I felt really good about my techniques, everything felt smooth and tight. I didn't hesitate once,
so I feel really happy about that.

The renzoku went well. Personally I still feel loose with it but my uke said that it felt strong. My uke's technique was excellent. He was grading for 3rd Kyu and I could really feel his projection.

We were all happy at the end of the day.
All we need now is the verdict from Sensei next week. OSU.

tyrone.id.au
I am soooooo tired!

I have trained every day for the last 2 weeks in preparation for tomorrow. My legs are sore, especially around the shins and ankles. But that won't stop me, even if I have to take painkillers, tomorrow I will grade.

I feel OK about myself but. I'm not over confident but then again, I'm not worried either.
I will sleep well tonight, I'll leave the alarm off and let myself wake naturally. OSU.

tyrone.id.au
Back into grading training. My body is tired.

I have trained every night this week. Thursday and Friday nights I did a double class and we really focused on renzoku training. I really feel the effects, but the weekend will be a good rest. Next week I'll train every night again.

As far as techniques go I feel OK. There's plenty of fine points I need to polish but this is expected at my level. I know what I have to do, so, small steps and I will improve.

Friday night one of the black belts did renzoku with me. His hips are so powerful. When he did irimi-nage my feet were completely swept out from underneath me. I landed high on my shoulder with my feet virtually pointing at the ceiling. It was a scary feeling but I didn't actually get hurt. Now I know how these techniques really feel. I've noticed that now that I am wearing a brown belt the seniors are throwing me a lot harder.

Anyone who thinks Aikido is not effective should pay a visit to our dojo.

Another brown belt who is almost ready to grade for black said to me later:

"It starts getting scary once you get higher up the totem pole mate. Believe me, you don't want to be in a rush to get there!"

Grading next Saturday. OSU.

tyrone.id.au
I will start grading training this Monday 15 March 2004.

My injuries (and ego) are healed and I will return to the dojo. I'm starting to feel a little lazy with the time off. It will be good to get back into a routine. With the grading coming up on the 27 March, I have plenty of motivation to get disciplined.

Looking forward to plenty of sweat. OSU.

tyrone.id.au
Ouch !!! Three (3) stitches in my nose........
no training for a fortnight (2 weeks).

I will spend the time contemplating the footwork of aikido......OSU.