Hungry White Pajamas

Kangeiko 2011- Day 9

2011-02-15T11:21:00.000+09:00

Kangeiko 2011- Day 7

2011-02-15T11:20:00.002+09:00

Kangeiko 2011- Day 6

2011-02-15T11:19:00.003+09:00

Kangeiko 2011- Day 5

2011-02-15T11:19:00.000+09:00

Kangeiko 2011- Day 4

2011-02-15T11:18:00.000+09:00

Kangeiko 2011- Day 3

2011-02-15T11:17:00.002+09:00

Kangeiko Day3

Kangeiko 2011- Day 2

2011-02-15T11:15:00.000+09:00

Ikkajo

Suriashi
Shikkoho

Hiriki no Yosei-1 & 2 with partners

Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Osae-1
Suwariwaza Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Osae-1
Kata Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2
Ushiro Eri Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2

Kangeiko 2011- Day 1

2011-01-31T15:25:00.001+09:00

Shihonage

The biggest class of the year, 6 students with Mike Sensei, Kangeiko Day 1...!

Shumatsu Dosa

Ryote Mochi Shihonage-1
Katate Mochi Shihonage-2
Hanmi Handachi Ryote Mochi Shihonage
Yokomen Uchi Shihonage-1

It was really nice having 6 students on the mat for Kangeiko Day1.
Its always fun to do Aikido but it sure is different having many people on the mat.

What is "FUN" anyway? Ah, that is a big word...but I can name my fun or at least one of them.

When I am thrown hard, I really have to take it right and well, but when it happens...its really fun.
Its like a conversation without a word goes so well between the two people or something.........
I think its likely to happen when Shite has no fear of throwing people (for getting hurt).
Throwing hard is really an important factor of the training, yet not to hurt each other is also an important factor...
I am less fearful for getting hurt but to hurt others...Maybe thats something I can focus on.

Pre Kangeiko Training

2011-01-28T16:47:00.000+09:00

Our annual KANGEIKO starts on Monday.
We (another student and I, we are very small right in these days...) went through basic techniques to prepare for the coming week.

Shihonage
Ikkajo
Nikajo
Sankajo
Yonkajo

All 1 & 2 techniques, 10 techniques total...pointing out only a few points in each techniques, still made it through 10 of them. It was fun to go through techniques after techniques after all. We go through as many techniques as possible during Kangeiko/Shochugeiko...the difference between those 2 is...the weather...The coldest time of the year or the hottest...its harder to come to the dojo when its cold, its harder to go through the class when its hot.
I have just started going to school on Wednesdays and I am planning to do 7 days out of 9...The first time the 7th year that I will not do all days...I will see how I feel about this.

We made a quite a Showcase page for the last Shochugeiko, its good to have something like this ; )

RYA SHOCHUGEIKO2010

Shumatsu Dosa and Shihonage

2011-01-25T09:51:00.000+09:00

I knew one time acupuncture wouldn't cure the pain all the way...back pain is back.

Still, its better than before Saturday, that is a relief.

Back to training, Shumatsu Dosa and Shihonage.

If you are focusing on one thing, another slips away and back and back and...

We got pointed out that we were caring much less of the back hip which makes the whole body well balanced and too much focusing on going forward as pushing the forward hip.

It is a natural movement to care about what's in front but what's more important is to keep you steady and balanced, and that keeps you strong...right right right...

The biggest discovery, as I make the Shihonage-throw, I always end up having my heel off the mat which gives me no space to push forward for "shime", I always thought I never forget this point, but I just cant find the space to do it...What I was doing wrong was the where I place my feet...

Ah~~

Saved by the needles!

2011-01-23T13:24:00.000+09:00

I don't really know the way to keep my body in a good condition without getting massages or an acupuncture.

The last 2 weeks, I was having a bad pain in the back and I finally had a chance to get it acupuncture and I was saved...

They told me the condition was pretty bad and I am planning to go back, still I felt so much better after that.
Mostly, my body started moving the way I wanted it to move!

Its good to train hard and all...but you have to also take care of your body and so ;)

First Class 2011

2011-01-11T17:53:00.000+09:00

The class opened with 30 back breakfalls..and shikko-ho, kihon dosa.

I wasn't expecting losing that much in 2 and half weeks!! I sucked!!!

Will be back on the mat on Thursday...

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-25T23:42:00.000+09:00

I had a busy year...made this animoto to say hi to everyone I couldnt really have said any in 2010.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Self Defense Demo

2010-11-30T21:36:00.000+09:00

Self Defense Demo

At a school festival in Yokohama, there were probably around 50 people in the audience (many senior people) and they seemed to like people being beating up, GO AIKIDO : )

It went okay...although I have to say that I was saved by Okamoto san, far better than me person doing the attacker (he had to go down!).

Self defense hurts pretty badly if you do it right...as its supposed to be the purpose...DUH!

I couldn't hide the hesitation of the fear of hurting the attacker, which really was a silly thing even to think since he knows better, he can take care of himself even better than I could have...

I guess the biggest lesson I learned from this demo was that how difficult but important to make the right move at the right time without hesitation.

And of course...the feeling of that I am not YET no where near from these people far better than me... ; )

55th All Japan Yoshinkan Embu

2010-11-29T13:42:00.000+09:00

第55回全日本養神館合気道演武大会

We are given 2 minutes to do these demos, 2 minutes comes out of so much minutes of practice...

I don't dislike nor love doing this embu thing, to be honest...but it sure gives something we can take home when its done...and its every time, I guarantee...; )

I started training Yoshinkan Aikido in the summer of 2004, came onto the mat without knowing a thing about it...and now, 6 years later...I was representing a dojo to fill the spot for Instructors' demo for the teachers who unfortunately weren't available on this day.

Of course, I wouldn't hide the fact I trained insanely to get here...it wasn't an easy way to come, but it was surely worth the way.

And this demonstration, it's an annual event for all Yoshinkan Aikido world. I have been participating since 2005, and it was my 6th! Yet the first time participating not as a student, I wouldn't talk much about the pressure I was feeling here though, but there was...a lot!)

Anyway, I had to give the demo as instructors way...It was so different!! It was so hard to make the difference!! I did not know what to expect when teachers asked (or told...) me to fill their spot for them...

The biggest difference I find is the mind set. The different mind set shows the different attitude and all that..., but let's stick to this one big difference for now.

As a student, I always thought the only thing to do is just whatever you can push out from what you got. But as an instructor, you are supposed to show how you manage/control the mat, you can't be the follower, you have to lead whats going on. And of course, the throws has to have a meaning, even for the demo set...

What I figured what I needed to learn was how to look scary, how to keep the intent, the mind/attitude that I lead whats happening in this 2 minutes...

Taking videos so many times and watching how I move did help a big deal...When its really over, I felt relieved (not making mistakes!) and yet I could have done it better at the same time. This feeling, "I could have done it better", is one of the motivation you can carry home to get better, I think ;)

Keep moving forward

2010-10-24T18:53:00.000+09:00

Kamae Kamae Kamae....and Keep Moving Forward.

Key word for next week ;)

I will keep it in mind.

Ryote Mochi

2010-10-23T10:06:00.000+09:00

Just feels like, I get worse as I practice more...Umm...thats not good!

Shomen Tsuki

2010-10-20T20:40:00.000+09:00

Shomen Tsuki Jiyuwaza practice. I feel moving around uke, so I am busy trying to do the stuff instead of letting things happen around me.

Back on Bike!

2010-10-18T09:11:00.000+09:00

Rode bike to the office this morning. 5.6km, got lost and ended up on the other side of Tokyo station took me about 10 mins to come to the right side...(yeah, its a huge station!) The whole trip was 40mins so should be down to 30 mins.

I make 2 trips to the office everyday to take care the dogs during lunch, I used to make those 2 trips by bike before my office moved in May as the office was only 4 km away from home. I didnt realize how big part of this trips were to keep me in the shape!

Anyways, the plan for now is to make one trip by bike and one by train.

Lets see how it goes. I must say, it feels really good after riding the bike for 40 mins!

Embu training 2010, how it began

2010-10-17T00:46:00.003+09:00

All Japan Yoshinkan Embu: Nov 20 2010

This is what's happening next for my aikido. I have been participating in Embu for several years but it has been always as a student. This year, I am going to fill the position for an instuctor demo since my two teachers can not make it on the day.

I am confident to say, that I am freaking out of the idea of going for it, but what has to be done has to be done, unfortunately, crying wouldn't do...

Luckily, a good friend who introduced me to this aikido world, also introduced this video at the very right timing. (Yeah it's you again, Brad!)

All I have to do is to do it, damn right...yet that is the hardest thing.

I have been training, that hasn't changed much but I gained quite a bit of weight.

I can blame on many things for gaining weight (and losing the moves!), yet again crying would not do for me to come onto the embu mat in a month, and I decided to push myself to the edge.

Well, comment for today, let's put it this way...this clip totally shows "the start" and say no more...I have a lot to work on, we have a lot to work on.. and a month to do it...Let's see what we can pull off... Here is "the start clip with Steve."

And with Jaye who is 8 years old, and just started flipping. Don't miss the smile he can not hide everytime he flipped.

Tanto Soho

2010-10-01T09:03:00.005+09:00

Tanto Soho

From my 2nd dan test, March 2009.

I totally screwed up on the second set as we switched sides, I stopped and bowed to the teachers but they didnt give us a chance to do do-over...

Then, that not giving a chance to do do-over gave me a snap, "do they want me to do this (the whole test) all over again?", somehow the fear that I had been carrying for making mistakes vanished and I was able to switch my mind to focus on what was in front of me till the end of the test.

Shochugeiko 2010 Day 1 SHIHONAGE

2010-08-16T16:43:00.005+09:00

Shochugeiko Started!

I was really glad that I didn't pass out!

Kept Moving, Kept Sweating...

2010-08-05T10:42:00.000+09:00

Back Breakfalls (10)
Kihon Dosa
Random Techniques

Note:
Class of 3. We kept moving on San-nin Dori throughout the hour. Repeating the same technique two times with 2 different ukes, around 10 techniques...no demonstration, along with MASSIVE SWEAT!

The more you train, not only the better you get, also the better you can manage the tiredness etc...
When You don't know much, or you have a little experience, you tend to think much or do things with your own expectation even without knowing. My point is that you learn what to keep/ what to drop to do/to think, in the physically/mentally tough situation. This can be described as "economizing your movement", I think.

Interestingly...the less you do, the better your techniques get. The less you think, the better your body moves...

I guess whats important and yet difficult to do is to stay focus.

I think I like isolating myself from the world and focus on the technique I am doing. These moments gives me the reason to stay on training.

Showcase Page Fully Geared!

2010-08-04T15:24:00.003+09:00

I spent some time to make my Showcase Central page fully geared.
http://www.showcase-portfolio.info/index_html?view_id=1268793339&language=english
This showcase is to introduce my blog (means this!), and also to introduce my Aikido history with photos and videos. This comes in English and Japanese. I find it quite difficult to write in 2 languages in the exacly the same manner, so there are differences.

I took my 2nd dan Test in March 2009, I was happy that I simply went through it. I was quite proud of myself for that I did not stop or show the sign that I was holding back at any point. But now I think of it after sometime (over a year...), there are places that can be improved. (Of course there is!)

For one...my Kotegaeshi is making too big circle, it probably makes it hard for some people to just flip out if they are not so confident flipping in any direction. That's one of the points I really want to be careful when I will practice Kotegaeshi for the next time.

I picked up only a part to make the videos for this showcase page...maybe I should look into the test video really closely and see what I have to work on more...

I know I have said this many times in many places but I can't say this enough...I have been lucky in every possible way for my Aikido. I can not thank enough to people who supported me to come to this point.

Ushiro waza

2010-08-04T10:28:00.000+09:00

Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Osae-1
Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Ikakjo Osae-1
Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Sankajo-2 (up to Sankajo)

Note:
Class of 5. I thought it goes with Ikkajo all way through the class but Sensei mixed with Sankajo as well.

Ushirowaza...not only the movements look complicated, there are many factors you have to keep pay attention to...

I think the most important point of all is to keep you balance (when this isnt important...!)
Believe it or not, Suwariwaza Ryote Mochi Kokyuho is a great practice you can apply to many many techniques the same concept of staying in balance and keep moving at the same time.

Taking a step back as you keep everything else in Ushiro movement is a tough move but if you can keep your back line...it gets much easier and makes much more sense.

Kangeiko Day 4

2010-01-28T11:27:00.001+09:00

Day 4: Sankajo

Kihon Dosa: Tai no Henko-2, to keep the center while moving esp. step2 (for Sankajo reverse pivot)
Sankajo: To remember the feeling of hands arms, and hips.

Shomen Uchi Sankajo Osae-1 (I forgot to go through by the numbers)
Suwariwaza Shomen Uchi Sankajo Osae-1 (I forgot to go through, "all way through with the second side people)
Shomen Uchi Sankajo Osae-2

Shomen Uchi Sankajo Nage-Forward (Kagarigeiko)
Shomen Uchi Sankajo Nage-Turn around (Kagarigeiko)

Class of 8, plus 2 teachers and me. I had a plan...still missed a lot of points to make...that created a quite bit of gaps between what I wanted the class to do, and they actually could have done. Its really hard to fill those gap at that moment even knowing that exists in the air. Its like...seeing something they are expecting to be explained or told but not knowing how to fill and push it through without enough explanation.

Its got much easier once teachers got off the mat, to leave for work...its hard enough to do a class and its even harder having senior teachers on the same mat.

Anyways, the message has to be delivered clearly, at the stage where I am at...I think its better to keep it simple too.

Kangeiko Day 2

2010-01-26T09:35:00.000+09:00

Day 2: Ikkajo

Kihon Dosa

Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Osae-1
Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Osae-2
Suwariwaza Katate Mochi Ikkajo Osae-1
Suwariwaza Katate Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2
Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Ikkajo Osae-1
Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2
Hiji Mochi Ikkajo Osae-1
Hiji Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2
Katate Aya Mochi Ikkajo Nage
Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Nage

Day 2; the class got bigger than Day 1 yesterday, 9 students on the mat. a bit crowded. The class kept moving pretty quickly still, people kept moving for most of the techniques. Its fun to go through techniques after techniques, and Nage techniques are simply fun to do.

Need to work on staying in the center, not come up, not lose the balance...etc.

545: Random techniques
Got a tip for Katate Mochi Ikkajo-2 shifting part. I was too busy not to lose pushing around move, losing my center when I turned around. I dont know how long it has been like that...maybe (or definitely) something I can work on better with Hiriki no Yosei-2.

Kangeiko Day 1

2010-01-25T10:52:00.001+09:00

Day 1: Shihonage

Katate Mochi Shihonage-1
Ryote Mochi Shihonage-2
Shomen Uchi Shihonage
Yokomen Uchi Shiohonage-2

I feel like I lost every steady movement...my hips/knees are high to do anything...what am I going to do with me?? Well, I have to start pushing myself in every moment, otherwise it slipps away from me, I dont like that to happen...

My knee is still weak, and "the thought of its still weak", bothers me so much, maybe I have to switch my mind around to make it stronger rather than just avoiding to do things I dont feel comfortable with...I can not keep avoiding things need to be done forever...for example, even coming up from Shihonage uke is one of them.

Another Kangeiko started...6 people started today, everyone seemed pretty excited and good to train with certain number of people everyday. For me...I did not hit my head on the mat, just keep it to the record ; )

January 20 2010

2010-01-20T17:35:00.000+09:00

Happy New Year 2010!

My Aikido Goal for this year:
*Get better at Uke
*No Test

I must confess... I named my blog "Hungry White Pajamas" being inspired by "Angry White Pyjamas"... : )

7:00 Class: Yokomen Uchi
I remember having the hard time learning this "Yokomen Uchi" in the beginning days. Its still hard but I think not knowing what to expect to do was the hardest part (for anything, this was one of the hardest)

Sensei broke all the steps and moved one step at a time.

Just to block
Block low and Pivot inside
Block high and Pivot outside

This is how far we got today, I wish we had another 20 mins to get into the techniques from there but I guess we have to come back to see how it goes after those points : )

August 5 2009:Wednesday

2009-08-05T16:12:00.004+09:00

Shochugeiko-Class 7: Shomen Iriminage

It seems like I am not the only one who’s happy for me to be back to training fully.
Teachers seem to be enjoying to have a person who they can throw hard.

In most of 2 techniques, Uke has to go around Shite, and sometimes has to (or better to) fly around Shite for your own safety.
As a lighter person as Uke (for our teachers), I’m a perfect Uke to show like a flying object. My body is not long enough to take the going around or not heavy enough to hold it too long, so as soon as the throw comes, I fly. The better their pivot gets, I fly longer, even though I cannot see the face of Shite while I’m in the air, I feel like I can clearly see the big grin all over Shites’ face.

Today, I have experienced something new taking Sensei’s uke.

Shomen Iriminage class was going fine, Sensei was giving quite hard throws to his ukes on his demo. Everyone was doing quite well even showing a bit terrified expression on the face. He called me for one of the last techniques’ demo, told me to give him Shomen Tsuki (punch), He kept talking with me punching for several times and suddenly the throw came from straight ahead. The shock came quite heavily and I was on the mat before I knew it and felt like my lung lost air or compressed, at the same time…I hit my head on the mat as well…(it was my second time hitting my head in a day!)

It happened in a flash. I could sense everyone’s surprise/shock with the air…I felt “a bit” dizzy, but I got up back to Kamae as I was supposed to do, thinking..where is my lung! Surprisingly, the shock occurred in a flash and the dizziness didn’t stay too long, so I was really fine after a minute or so.

Hitting my head on the mat is not a good thing to do, I’m always embarrassed when it happens, but I have to insist that women’s neck is not as strong as men’s! Sometimes it’s really really hard to keep it tucked.

After the class, everyone seemed a bit scared just to ask how it was like…Sensei was happy that I took it.

To confess…I didn’t get a enough sleep last night, and my focus was a bit blurry which is very dangerous for training especially taking the terminator’s uke.
Without knowing anything, he senses and pushes into those focus gaps. It’s interesting to see how he does but it’s a hard lesson to learn. Another lesson learned, I need a good sleep before Aikido.

August 4 2009:Tuesday

2009-08-04T22:16:00.002+09:00

Shochugeiko-Class 6: Sokumen Iriminage

Parts Practice:
Knee forward as making T shape
Turning Uke's shoulder

Kata Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-1
Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-1
Suwariwaza Ryote Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-2

Shomen Uchi Sokumen Iriminage (non basic)
Katate Mochi Sokumen Iriminage (non basic)

Class of 11 plus Senseis...13 people of the mat. Great number of people make the difference.
Dojo is too small for 11 people to do Sokumen Iriminage, we worked in groups today.

My fifth year, tenth of these intensive 10days intensive training. In the beginning, I thought it would get simply easier to do those 10days as I get more used to it, as I know more about the technique. I did not know enough, or anything at all. Its just always different and there are things we can work on all the time. Class is alive ; )

It took me this long to realize one thing. In those intensive training period, you are supposed to keep moving to do many techniques as possible, this means you get corrected much less, and people can move more. This gives everyone a great feeling, "I'm doing much more". I think its important to be able to feel that "I can", so this is a big part of the great effect of Shochugeiko/Kangeiko.

July 30 2009:Thursday

2009-07-30T11:46:00.000+09:00

Shochugeiko-Day1:Shihonage

Kihon Dosa

Ryote Mochi Shihonage-1
Katate Mochi Shihonage-2
Hanmi Handachi Ryote Mochi Shihonage
Shomen Uchi Shihonage(Kagari geiko)

BIG Class of the year! 2 teachers, 12 students including 4 kids. Mike Sensei somehow tricked to get a turn to teach Shihonage for the first time in the last so many years.

Very humid and hot…my dogi got soaked! Although, I admit that it’s a part of the package and a big part of fun. The amount of sweat makes it feel like representing how much you have done, of course..thats not everything but it certainly is a part of it.

My knee is almost good, I should not yet forget that I have injury but shuold be okay to do the techniques except for the left side with some people (umm…or just teachers). I also am finding out how to work around the injury. I have to more conscious still there is a way to land with the good side of the knee if I have time.

Falling backwards is scary…I still hit my head with certain people (who I don’t have to name!)

Training with lots of different people is interesting. Everyone’s different, everyone’s reaction is different, You make it happen with the person you are working with, even its very precisely formed, you have to feel whats going on, and how much you can / you can not push…etc…

Above all…it was great to be back to training “almost” fully today.

June 9 2009_Tuesday 7:00

2009-06-09T12:48:00.003+09:00

Yokomen Uchi Technques

I thought we should start moving more...but this wasnt exactly what I was expecting to start the class... : )

50 pushups
30 situp backwards

2 rounds of dojo-shikkoho

Hiriki no Yosei-1

Techniques:
Suwariwaza Yokomen Uchi Sankajo Osae-1&2
Yokomen Uchi Shomen Iriminage-1&2

Note:
As we reached to Hiriki no Yosei-1...we were covered by massive sweat in the nicely humid morning. I never like or being good at pushups, 50 is a quite large number for me...I knew it was becoming shallower and shallower towards the end but I made myself going all up to 50, thinking...havent pushed anything further like this in a quite sometime...

I felt I was doing any of the techniques right, especially Shomen Iriminage-1, I was not getting to make the space to come close enough to Uke I was working on today even once. Still, sometimes I was only deep enough to make the throw straight forward from where I was without force.

Again, I totally forgot about keeping my back legs straight and steady throughout the class.
I will try again tomorrow.

June 9 2009_Tuesday 5:45

2009-06-09T11:59:00.003+09:00

5:45

Breakfalls Practice:
Forward rolls
Flips

Techniques:
Yonkajo
Sokumen
Hijiate

Katate Mochi Kokyunage

Note:
Class of 2, Stumpy's test training.

I realize that I still move as I imagining where uke to be, instead of where uke is. Those times, I'm just making the movements, and techniques dont happen.

Trying to focus on Keeping Back Leg Straight, straighter than I think its straight...I got a feeling to make Tai no Henko-1 much stronger and stable as I can keep the backlegs straight, yet its hard to keep it all way through the technique and cant feel the strong back leg at all.

I reminded myself everytime when I was in kamae during this class but the next moment I remembered was when I was back in kamae...

I can't help thinking I'm losing my knee forward in motion. My hips are way too high and body is open as I make the turn...so the techniques get very very weak, as I try to make it stable and stronger, my shoulder get tensed...

Luckily, I am not afraid of hitting the mat hard when I'm thrown, there are certain techniques I cant take uke right...which involves height. The ones my hips are supposed to go higher than my hip level, I still dont know how to make it happen with my wimpy flips. Being very short is not helping at all on this one, but there must a way to get over that height.

June 5 2009_Friday 19:00

2009-06-08T12:23:00.002+09:00

Test Training

Technique:
Katate Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-1
Ushiro Katate Eri Mochi Ikkajo Osae-1
Ushiro Ryo Kata Mochi Sankajo Osae-1
Suwari Waza Shomen Tsuki Shomen Iriminage-1
Suwari Waza Ryote Mochi Kotegaeshi-1
Shomen Uchi Shihonage
Katate Aya Mochi Nikajo Osae-1
Suwari Waza Ryote Mochi Kokyuho-1

Ryote Mochi Kotegaeshi-1&2
Kokyu Nages (Kata Mochi, Shomen Uchi)

Note:
A class like 2 years ago. It wasn't the same as before but the feeling of how the class used to be came back to me throughout the class. It was fun and exciting and frusctrating at the same time.

Someone shoots out the question to Stumpy, the others all take it into on our own ways, bring up as a series of question...somehow the question becomes one big question and a class becomes one.

Physically, it is very challenging for me to train with those guys as it was before. I had to try harder than I could, there was no time for me to observe what was going on on the side...I felt like as if I was sleeping for the last 2 years. What have I learned what they dont know, there must be something since I was here the whole time when they werent.

Keep looking forward and moving forward...I felt like I was awaken feeling their energy just being in the class. A person can move a person, it can get a huge energy ball when a group get together.

Losing it once we had (the way we used to train) made us realize what we had started missing even we were training together.

The big question is...where do we go from here?

January 20 2009_Tuesday 5:45 & 7:00

2009-01-20T09:07:00.003+09:00

Kangeiko Day 2: Ikkajo

Hiriki no Yosei-2
Suriashi Practice

Technique:
Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Osae-1
Suwariwaza Katate Mochi Ikkajo Osae-1
Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Ikkajo Osae-1

Katate Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2 (Non Basic)
Yokomen Uchi Ikkajo Osae-2
Suwariwaza Kata Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2

Katate Mochi Ikkajo Osae-1 (Non Basic, 2 patterns)
Katate Mochi Ikkajo Nage

Note:
Class of 9.

I may be positioning myself too sideways to Uke as Shite. That may be why I end up following Uke instead pushing to the direction I want Uke to go.

January 19 2009_Monday 7:00

2009-01-19T09:07:00.002+09:00

Kangeiko Day1: Shihonage

Kihon Dosa

Tai no Henko-1&2
Hiriki no Yosei-1&2
Shumatsu Dosa-1&2

Technique:
Katate Mochi Shiohonage-1&2
Yokomen Uchi Shihonage-1&2
Hanmi Handachi Katate Mochi Shihonage-1&2
Shomen Uchi Shihonage

Yokomen Uchi Shihonage (nage)
Katate Mochi Shiohonage-kuzushi

Note:

Class of 8, Kangeiko-Day 1, Shihonage...I hit my head again...with Sensei's Shihonage.
This became one of the traditions (which I want to stop...). Overall, I 'm not sure if I'm just not good taking uke on Shihonage, or I'm doing something not right... its not exactly fun to find out the same problem I have on the first day of Kan/Sho chugeiko...yet it continues until I get over it.

Although, I was able to spare a micro second to loose the tention from my shoulder before sensei's throw came in. I so hoped..this time something was different, yet I hit my head (quite hard) after all...so I guess it wasnt really changed much.

I learn from Senseis who are a lot taller than me. When their throws come strong, I easily lose my control and smash my body onto the mat. "Most" of the cases...I can stay in my Ukemi shape and dont get injured, but for certain techniques, I still can not shake the fear of falling/hitting the wrong place etc...off ...it blocks my moves from doing it any better. Shihonage is one, Ushironage is one...and for left side I have less control, those thougths unclears my mind and I end up doing something I should do...such as landing on my hand (which hurts!) from flipping was one I did today besides hitting my head.

Wednesday 7:00, July 30 2008

2008-08-01T12:58:00.000+09:00

Shochugeiko - Day 3 : Nikajo

Nikajo Practice

Techniques:

Shomen Uchi Nikajo Osae-1(Tachi & Suwari / Basic Technique)
Shomen Uchi Nikajo Osae-2 (Tachi & Suwari / Basic Technique)
Katate Aya Mochi Nikajo Osae-1 (Tachi & Suwari / Basic Technique)
Katate Aya Mochi Nikajo Osae-2 (Tachi & Suwari / Basic Technique)
Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Nikajo Osae-1 (Advanced Technique)
Mae Mune Ryote Mochi Nikajo -1 (Self Defence)
Mae Mune Royte Mochi Nikajo -2 (Self Defence)
Ushiro Kata Mochi Nikajo Osae-1 (Self Defence)

Note: Class of 10

Wednesday 5:45, July 30 2008

2008-08-01T12:56:00.002+09:00

Shomen Uchi Nikajo Osae-1 & 2 (Tachi & Suwari)
Katate Aya Mochi Nikajo Osae-1 & 2 (Tachi & Suwari)

Note:
Class of 2,

Tuesday 7:00, July 29 2008

2008-08-01T12:54:00.003+09:00

Shochugeiko Day2 : Ikkajo

Kihon dosa:
Hiriki no yosei 1 & 2 with Partner

Techniques:
Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Osae-1
Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Osae-2
Suwariwaza Kata Mochi Ikkajo Osae-1
Suwariwaza Hiji Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2
Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Ikkajo Osae-1
Ushirowaza Ryohiji Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2
Ushirowaza Eri Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2
Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Nage

Kihon dosa:
Shumatsu doza 1 & 2 with Partner

Note: Class of 10.

Monday 7:00, July 28, 2008

2008-07-30T18:10:00.002+09:00

Shochugeiko Day1 : Shihonage

Kihon Dosa (25 mins)

Note:
Class of 9, Shochugeiko started.

I hit my head 3 times as Sensei's uke...AGAIN...OUCH!

Thursday 5:45, July 24 2008

2008-07-24T10:48:00.003+09:00

John's test training

Kihon dosa with partner

Hanmi Handachi Katate Mochi Shihonage-1
Katate Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2
Shomen Tsuki Kotegaeshi-1

Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Ikkajo Osae-1&2
Ushirowaza Katate Eri Mochi Ikkajo Osae-1&2
Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Sankajo Osae-1 &2
Ushirowaza Katate Eri Mochi Sankajo Osae-1&2

Shomen Uchi Shihonage

Note:
Class of 5. So much to do, but so little you can move in this heat! Summer is tough...you get covered with your own AND your partner's sweat...dogi soaked...mat gets slippery, you body wears down very quickly...what you are able to keep in that condition? Not many... so you have to choose what to drop and what to keep. Kamae, focus, kiai...keeps you in control, mostly from you mind, I think.

This is really hard...but you find "something" if you train through it when the heat goes away...or I hope : )

Wednesday 5:45, July 23 2008

2008-07-23T13:08:00.002+09:00

Ushiro Ryokata Mochi Sankajo Osae-1
Ushiro Ryohiji Mochi Sankajo Osae-1

Note:
Class of 3

Tuesday 5:45, July 22 2008

2008-07-22T18:10:00.002+09:00

545 Class of 5!

Kihon dosa with partner.

Hanmi Handachi Katate Mochi Shihonage-1
Katate Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2
Shomen Tsuki Kotegaeshi-1

Called out techniques from the list

Note: Class of 5! Kept working on for an hour other than questions...hot summer is right here...my brain gets blurred in summer...

Hanmi Handachi Shihonage...not coming up with the knee...I was never ever able to do it before but today I kinda felt the difference. need to work on more.

Monday 7:00, July 21 2008

2008-07-22T18:07:00.003+09:00

John's test trainig with Stumpy

Kihon dosa with partner

Techniques from the whole list of his test.

Note: I had a good day : )
I was able to keep my kamae without trying too hard for the whole hour. Still, Ikkajo 2 meant like nothing...still it was a good hour to not to lose something (especially kamae!)

Saturday 18:15, July 19 2008

2008-07-22T18:00:00.003+09:00

Technique after technique...

Back breakfalls (40)

Ikkajo 1&2 (Shomen Uchi/Suwari, Yokomen Uchi/Suwari)
Shihonage (Hanmi Handachi Ryote Mochi, Shomen Uchi)
Sankajo 1&2 (Ushiro Ryote Mochi)
Kotegaeshi (Suwariwaza Yokomen Uchi 1 & 2, Kagari geiko)

Note:
Class of 4, kept on technique after technique, stopped every so often for questions/thoughts.
We all got sweat like stupid, did not have time to think much else.

Training with big people gives me only the fine line/spot can make the techniques to work, need to be much much more precise.

Friday 19:00, July 18 2008

2008-07-22T17:54:00.002+09:00

Shomen Tsuki

Techniques:

Shomen Tsuki Hijishime
Suwariwaza Shomen Tsuki Hijishime
Shomen Tsuki Kotegaeshi
Shomen Tsuki Hijiate Kokyunage1 & 2

Note:
I got bruised with Hijishime on the knee...Sensei's Hijishime was quick..could not take a good uke.

In Suwari, (or even in tachi) I can never get Hijishime...Sensei told me my hips are not low enough...oh...that makes sense!

Hijiate Kokyunage demo, Sensei threw me with a great speed, I was very comfortable just going with the speed, did not have to worry about my elbow to be taken...yet one he got me a big deeper and worried about my elbow and stopped the throw when I was in the air...my body was left out in the air lost the direction...I was thrown away...a lesson learned that the circle has to go all the way to make the circle : )

Monday 6:00 : July 14, 2008

2008-07-14T12:16:00.003+09:00

John's test training

Hiriki no Yosei-1 & 2 with partner

Hanmi Handachi Katate Mochi Shihonage-1
Katate Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2
Shomen Tsuki Kotegaeshi-1

Jiyuwaza Drill

Note: will update later

Thursday 5:45, July 3 2008

2008-07-03T15:07:00.003+09:00

Shomen Uchi Kotegaeshi-1
Suwariwaza Shomen Uchi Kotegaeshi-1
Shomen Uchi Kotegaeshi-2
Suwariwaza Shomen Uchi Kotegaeshi-2

Yokomen Uchi Kotegaeshi-1
Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Kotegaeshi-2

Note:
Class of 4, all about Kotegaeshi.

I could not turn around (the part to get into Hiriki no Yosei-2) without coming up, I think I was not getting turning around knee spiral quite right...hips were not stable enough to do it either.

I like Koteageshi-2, it flows itself...but 1 is hard...I finally realized that I dont understand 1 at all...

Thursday 7:00, June 25 2008

2008-06-27T14:58:00.002+09:00

In the speed...

Taisabaki practice

Shomen Uchi, Shomen Uchi Hijiate Kokyunage
Yokomen Uchi, Yokomen Uchi Kotegaeshi

Note:
Class of 6, move in the speed, feel the rhythm class.

2 sets of Kagari geiko...Sensei told us to keep moving fast. I can not quite keep everything with speed...so I lost kamae (did not mean to do but I did) and kept on speed. However, I do like moving in rhythm, yet I have tendency to get too excited...thats what I have been working on try not to get too excited...sigh...

One thing at a time...not to get sloppy in speed.

Thursday 5:45, June 25 2008

2008-06-27T14:48:00.002+09:00

Dai Ichi Technique Marathon

Katate Mochi Shihonage-1&2
Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Osae- 1&2
Katate Mochi Nikajo Osae-1&2
Yokomen Uchi Sankajo Osae-1&2
Shomen Uchi Yonkajo Osae-1&2
Katate Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-1&2
Shomen Uchi Shomen Iriminage-1&2
Kata Mochi Hijishime-1

Note: Class of 3. We kept on going the Dai Ichi Techniques without stopping. 15 techniques x 3...45 techniques in 50 mins...but Osae techniques takes longer than Nage ones...so...thats just a start, let's see how we'll do at the end of summer.

I was aiming to go too fast...but I found myself having not enough kamae all way through any techniques, found sometimes even my weight shifting in the middle point...of course, my movement was very weak, and used strength time to time...

3 weeks off costing me quite a bit...gained some weight is not helping either. Ummmmm.....really need to focus more and push more at every moment.

I don't like my Aikido becomes sloppy.

Wednesday 5:45, June 25, 2008

2008-06-25T09:21:00.003+09:00

Shomen Uchi Nikajo Osae 1 & 2 in Tachi and Suwari

Ushirowaza Eri Mochi Ikkajo Osae-1

Note:
Class of 3. We kept on going with 5 techniques...without words!

It was interesting to work on Tachi and Suwari techniques at the same time.
Suwari waza takes much more effort...as its easier to walk on foot rather than knees...maybe ; )

And I always get confused for pivoting work on Suwari techniques...which part you CAN walk (knee walk) or CAN NOT, and I hardly ever remember to push it with my back knee to go forward.

So so so much to remember...

Tuesday 5:45, June 24 2008

2008-06-24T17:01:00.002+09:00

Sokumen Iriminage

Yokomen Uchi Sokumen Iriminage-2
Suwariwaza Yokomen Uchi Sokumen Iriminage-2
Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-2

Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-1

Note:
Class of 2.

Throughout the class, I was trying to remember how I used to do this technique in the beginning, and what I did not know in the beginning, and how it is different now from a few years ago...could not come up with much of anything...

The differences I could say is that I may be keeping my kamae better than before when I'm in the technique. I may be pivoting slightly better than 2 years ago...still, I'm sure I would struggle doing this technique with people bigger than me.

However, I realized what I am really doing without thinking to keep my kamae, there is a lot to do actually... but I dont know how I do it, I just do it...I dont think I can do all of it IF I am thinking of doing.

For Ushiro Ryote-2, I think this technique is cool, as simple as it can be. Shite doesnt have to do much at all except regular ushiro egg hands and pivoting...you find Sokumen right there...I think.

Another Embu and Injury

2008-05-27T09:45:00.002+09:00

Urayasu Embu

Wednesday 7:00, May 14, 2008

2008-05-14T13:05:00.003+09:00

Test Training

9th kyu test

Note:
Class of 11...Big class on Wednesday again.

Trained with 4 people, quite new people, I am afraid I did not lead well, it was a bit chaotic.
Its hard to pick the right point, at the right time...

Wednesday 5:45, May 14, 2008

2008-05-14T12:14:00.003+09:00

Ikkajo

Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Osae-2
Suwariwaza Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Osae-2

Shomen Uchi Ikkajo Osae-1

Note:
Ikkajo, simple yet powerful technique, and of course difficult : )

I come to realize...I am not putting into much details as Sensei tells us to do.
I was amazed by the fact I was missing so many... have to fix that.

Also, things I started to manage not knowing the exact ways should be cleared as I find them. Today, we have asked how to sit in seiza together for suwariwaza. (that probably sensei told us before...) We come closer from kamae (as hands' cross) and sit together, should end up having 2 fists distance in between.

And the PIN! So much in it...there is no need to hurry to finish, there are so much to do. The key is to continue what you get (this case, Ikkajo with elbow)

I need to work on more with the angle of the last outside step (yet of course, suriashi) with Ikkajo-1, supposed to make the circle with uke's shoulder and my suriashi. I think I was trying to go too far, and losing balance, that I was pointed out the other day, so I fixed it to make it smaller along with different angle. (denied by Mike Sensei...I knew it was coming ; ))
After all, it was not the direction, it was the angle I was not doing quite right.

Very simple technique, makes my brain confused...(that happens often) : )

Tuesday 7:00, May 13, 2008

2008-05-13T12:19:00.003+09:00

Rolls, Flips and Kotegaeshi

Forward roll practice (using chairs)
Flip practice

Suwariwaza Shomen Uchi Kotegaeshi-1
Suwariwaza Shomen Uchi Kotegaeshi-2

Shumatsu Dosa-1 & 2 with partner

Note: Class of 6, Quite a bit of rolls/flips practice

We often take Sensie's uke for demo in the class, I used to think people who are in the certain level move almost the same...I really wondered why...now, I think I am doing pretty much the same way I used to watch, of course, I learned the safer way to take uke, that leads to almost the same manner...and also I think I can react better what Shite person is putting me in.

Tuesday 5:45, May 13, 2008

2008-05-13T12:11:00.002+09:00

Hijishime

Kata Mochi Hijishime-1
Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Hijishime-1&2
Suwariwaza Shomen Uchi Hijishime-1

Katate Mochi Hijishime-1 & 2 (non basic)

Note:
Class of 3, I thought Hijishime was much more like Ikkajo...the secret of difference is revealed...

For Ikkajo, Shite wants to put Uke far ahead of yourself to keep the shoulder control as Shite going ahead (even in 2 techniques, you are going ahead).

For Hijishime, Shite wants to keep Uke close to you, so distancing is different. It is not the bigger circle the better.

I thought I found the light to figure Hijishime out when I thought realized the similality between Ikkajo and Hijishime...now, I am back in a maze again : )

Wednesday 5:45 : May 7, 2008

2008-05-07T16:59:00.002+09:00

Hijishime week

Tai no Henko-2
360 degree pivot

Kata Mochi Hijishime-1

Note:
Class of 3. Happy to do hijishime since no chance to hit my head unless I do something extremely badly ; )

We tried to do 360 pivot... I might have gotten better a little bit, still it is very hard to do. How Sensei does it like, like a pair of compasses. I will keep trying, it will come someday.

Golden Week : Kyoto Trip

2008-05-06T10:48:00.002+09:00

Kyoto Trip to meet Payet Sensei.

Kyoto Trip

We finally reached to Kyoto to meet Payet Sensei. We have been talking about it, I have been hoping to do it since I met a few people who learned from him. I guess it was the right time for me to finally meet him.

Payet Sensei tells us to put "Zero Power", yet to be stronger with hips and knees. He often tap/slap/punch our shoulders to loose the intensity, then put our hips down to where we had never imagined before... it felt like to be stronger with lower body 5 or even 10 times than I usually do, and being zero with upper body. Its like...his will stays in his lower body and shows nothing (meaning no ego) with his upper body. But the will stays in his lower body is so strong, like no power can move him.

How he conducts the class is not too formal, I mean in pattern wise, it starts with parts of the movements, including kihon dosa, then move on to techniques. His dojo has many beginners but it's like they are doing the techniques before they know it.

Wednesday 7:00 : April 30, 2008

2008-04-30T12:01:00.002+09:00

Again, Shomen Uchi Sokumen Iriminage-2

180 pivot then move forward practice
180 pivot then move to the side in suwari practice

Shomen Uchi Sokumen Iriminage-2 (Tachi & Suwari)(& Hajime)

Note: Class of 6. Its getting warm...Spring is almost ending, it means..."Summer" is coming : )
As soon as we started moving, sweat started to come down from my head.

Suwari techniques are simply harder than Tachi (I think), but it teaches us how to move with knees and hips more than Tachi. For short people, I think its a great way to learn the whole movement without having so much height difference.

It was quite interesting to find my competitiveness in Hajime...I just hate to be bihind the call, I probably did not have even 40% of the movements right during Hajime today...but I had not to be behind the call. I remember being not so fast in the beginning of the days even I knew the technique, I could not do it so fast...I think I'm getting faster compare to before, so there is a hope for me to get faster.

There is a hope for me to make my speed faster.

Wednesday 5:45 : April 30, 2008

2008-04-30T10:46:00.002+09:00

Happy Birthday Mike Sensei

Kamae
fixed points: hands' height. (ring finger:upper hand, middle finger:lower hand parallel to the mat)

Katate Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-1
Shomen Uchi Sokumen Iriminage-2

Note:
Class of 3. Its hard to kill the bad habit...working on the details, we are supposed to not to miss the points, rather make it emphasize till we get them. But those things are simply hard to do (thats why not doing it in the first place!), so its so easy to be missed...

Shomen Uchi Sokumen Iriminage, I find it one of the most difficult ones to do.

Saturday 18:15 : April 26, 2008

2008-04-26T12:21:00.000+09:00

Ukemi Practice

Ryote Mochi Tenchinage-1 & 2
Ryote Mochi Shomen Iriminage-1&2

in pairs, in kagari geiko...

Note: Class of 6. I like Tenchinage-1 (its difficult but I like the movement), Tenchinage-2 is very difficult. I have no idea how to bring uke around in the beginning. Sensei told me to try to move Uke with uke's back foot, not with the arms.

Friday 7:00 : April 25, 2008

2008-04-26T12:19:00.000+09:00

Hiriki no Yosei-1 & 2 with partner

Shomen Uchi Hijishime-1
Ushiro Ryote Mochi Hijishime-2

Ushiro Ryote Mochi Kokyunage

Note: Class of 6,

Thursday 7:00: April 24, 2008

2008-04-24T09:40:00.000+09:00

Hiriki no Yosei-1 & 2 with partner

Suwariwaza Hiji Mochi Ikkajo Osae-1
Suwariwaza Hiji Mochi Ikkajo Osae-2
Hiji Mochi Nikajo (not the whole technique)

Shumatsu Dosa 1 & 2 with partner

Note: Class of 7,

Thursday 5:45: April 24, 2008

2008-04-23T17:25:00.000+09:00

Yonkajo

Shomen Uchi Yonkajo Osae-1

Ryote Mochi Yonkajo Nage

Class of 3. Different speed, different intention...Sensei's tips everywhere.

Tuesday 7:00, April 22, 2008

2008-04-22T13:42:00.000+09:00

Was Shihonage on the list again??

Hiriki no Yosei-1 & 2 with partner

Ryote Mochi Shihonage-1&2
Hanmi Handachi Ryote Mochi Shihonage

Katate Mochi Shihonage (throw-Kagari geiko)

Note: Class of 9, hips and knees...along with elbows...

Tuesday 5:45, April 22, 2008

2008-04-22T13:31:00.000+09:00

The new series started!

Yonkajo Week

Suriashi
Tai no Henko-2

Suriashi (go forward, step back, go forward)

Shomen Uchi Yonkajo-1

Note: Class of 3, back to regular training. Started with Suriashi with very detailed instruction.
One of my topics is to find my regular speed, in order to get the faster speed. I missed many points yet I kept going as I tried hiding/fixing at the same time, Sensei found it "looked like over confident" move...I did not know what he meant, I had to ask what exactly what he meant. My concern was that if I was showing any "confidence"...wanted to know "how" I did it. It turned out he found it as if I kept going as not caring the points I was supposed to do...that was not I was trying to do but it was good to find out that my intention was not working, so I have to fix it.

Saturday 18:15: April 18, 2008

2008-04-20T09:27:00.000+09:00

Recap from Friday night? I would be scared if Sensei's animal instinct was that good...

Tai no Henko-2 with partner

Katate Mochi Kokyunage

Straight in throw (plus Hajime)
Pivot as throw (plus Hajime)

Katate Mochi Jujinage

Straight in throw
Pivot as throw

Shumatsu Dosa 1 & 2

I totally lost track of time before the class, had to be sure that I was running later than usual so had to hurry up changing..., being late for the class for a few minutes could have been avoided...

Since I was late for the class, had no idea what Sensei knew about the class from Friday night. Still, it was too good to be true to have deja vu like that... the secret was that one of us revealed the scene of it to Sensei before the class. Then, he rearranged it and we we were able to have the recap class. I was glad to have the second chance so soon because I was not quite happy the way I put myself in the night before...

Gosh...my left upper arm is sore having massive katate mochi sessions 2 nights in a raw!
This probably means I am still using my muscle so hard to keep my kamae.

My general observation: people in the beginning tend to move with shoulder along with full of thoughts in the head, so their own body often left behind them. I'm sure I was there, and now I am conciously less tensed with shoulder and using back, still not quite coming down to hips and knees...more hips and knees.

How amazing small change in angles makes the differences! I felt it today with the angle of body made kamae so strong and stable. Keep the straight line from the top of the head to back of the heel...means "something" ; )

Friday 19:00, April 18, 2008

2008-04-19T09:06:00.000+09:00

Katate Mochi Jiyuwaza Practice

180 pivot with partner
Kokyunages (4 patterns)

Shumatsu Dosa

I asked Sensei for fast but not get hurt ukemi practice, we ended up doing massive jiyuwaza practice starting from katate mochi.

The whole class was quite energetic, it was like...running for the whole hour. I did not go so fast as I probably could have...feeling me losing kamae, watching everyone losing kamae...I somehow paced it at the certain speed focused on not losing kamae as much as possible, I don't know that was the right thing to do since the topic was "speed". So I went with the speed I could without losing kamae, ended up not pushing where I did not know. However, on my last round of kagari-geiko, my body caught the further speed, then I tried it, had to pull ukes with that speed...am not so sure it was good for both sides after all.

The purpose of me working on speed is for taking Sensei's uke. I am too slow for Sensei's level. As Uke, I come up, aim for the target (especially with Katate/Ryote Mochi Jiyuwaza), then when I go for it, Sensei's hands are not there and I get lost in the beginning of the technique, that really sucks. I am not afraid of being thrown, nor the pain but I am afraid of not being able to do what I am supposed to do which is to attack right.

Maybe...or more like probably, I am still making unnecessary movements (including stupid unuseful thinking in my head), I should try to reduce any extra moves before trying to get any faster. Thats what I will try... before Urayasu embu, that sounds more reasonable : )

I am very very simple minded, so it makes it so much easier to have something (not somethings) in my mind to achive for at a time. Also, at the end of the day, you are the only person who can push you the hardest, its not Sensei nor training buddies, its only you, I mean...me.
If you keep training in the same manner, you still get better but if you try to push yourself everyday for even an inch...that makes a huge difference, I believe it does. Going through the tough class is one thing, and how well to do them is another. That strength can not be given even by the greatest teachers. I think you have to find it in yourself and push it out from you, I think they became the greatest because they found it for themselves.

Not having "this is enough" is one of the things I love about it.

Thursday 7:00, April 17, 2008

2008-04-17T11:51:00.000+09:00

Kokyu-ho

Suwariwaza Ryote Mochi Kokyu-ho-1 & 2
Ryote Mochi Kokyunage-1 & 2

Note:
Class of 6. I do remember having the hardest time when I first learned Kokyu-ho. It still is difficult, I don't think I can never get it right or anything but I do see some points in some parts, at least what I am totally not doing right : )

The points I try to get are:
To keep Uke on the edge of the line, so Uke can not let the hands go or push back.
To keep the strong kamae, throw comes from the hips (like everything else...)

The hip tilting action. I recently realized I can do it in a "kinda" way, even in Suwari. I dont think I was nearly there to do it 3 years ago. That is a big progress! Mike Sensei shows it to us all the time, and I remember Robert Sensei often ( or all the time) shows, and its clear that where Mike Sensei learned it from. Also, I hear that Takeno Sensei often shows it too, that they learned from late Shioda Sensei...going through generations...the idea is neat : )

I don't know exactly how long its been going on...maybe with the new apartment...or its just because spring...Lucy wakes up at 3:00am everyday...and annoyingly, wake me up everyday...
I do remember similar pattern happend last year, so maybe because spring is the reason.

Spring can be tough to go through, herb tea helps, but only by a little bit, so maybe I should change the direction of my bed or something...maybe worth looking into stuff like that. I just need a decent sleep... my back is so tight!!

Wednesday 7:00, April 16 2008

2008-04-16T12:37:00.000+09:00

Hajime was happening on the other side...

I missed "hajime" today, since I was assigned to be with a person who came to try aikido for the first time. We were going through very basic movements, then Mike Sensei came to tell us to spare more space for the other group that were working on some technique.

Most of the people who were in the other group just finished beginners course. I don't think they knew what they could expect even when Sensei was explaning what they were supposed to do in Hajime session.

It was really too bad that I could not even take a good glance for whats going on...I was just too busy. Still, I could hear Sensei's voice getting louder as it went on,
"You guys are not fast enough!!, GO GO GO!!!"
It did sound like something fun was going on : )

I think its not so easy to conduct a class with Hajime session. At lease people have to know what to do, I think they learn how well to do with experience.

Many people get lost in tiredness...they cant even keep up with the call of "hajime"...thats understandable but it doesnt happen or hasnt happened to me yet. Even when I am behind the call, I some manage to keep up with the call so I am aware if I am on the call or behind it.

I don't look for it, but when I get to do Hajime, I could say I do it well, or I want to do it well otherwise, I regret it very badly.

April 13, 2008

2008-04-14T11:59:00.001+09:00

Roppongi Yoshinkan 7th Anniversary Embu

It's over! I'm happy that it's done, it went well and no one died : )

I was running around from the day before, teachers were talking to the audience to open the embu...then I realized, "oh sh*t, no more practice time!"

RYA Embu 2008

More pictures will be up shortly, I will put more note up shortly... I think.

Friday before Embu...

2008-04-11T12:21:00.000+09:00

We are almost there!

We had 4 weeks for Embu training this year. It felt like long and short.

And we have so many people participating compare to last year... its a very first embu for many people.

I do things like embu, test...as a part of the whole thing, I'm not so sure if I can say that I "look forward" to those events. Or, I don't ask for hard training such as like...hajime, but I sure do it when the time comes, and I hate not being able to go through, so I push hard. I do like the feeling, " I did it!" after going through them especially the hard ones, and I believe we get better after that.

Yes, this is what I like. To be able to train and get better.

Monday...in the middle of Embu Training days

2008-03-31T13:21:00.000+09:00

In the middle of Embu Training. Started doing serious Jiyuwaza practice since...my test training in December.

February 26, Tuesday 7:00

2008-02-26T11:37:00.000+09:00

Sensei asks me, "Do you like teaching?"

... I don't know if I do or not...

It's easier to be a student, it was easier to train with big guys who knew more than me...all I had to do was "to try hard"...

February 26, Tuesday 5:45

2008-02-26T09:25:00.000+09:00

Sankajo and Shihonage

Back to Training!
I got flu last week even had a fever after 20-so years!

I stand very light light light...not so good...

28: January 30, Wednesday 7:00

2008-02-05T17:39:00.001+09:00

Nikajo

Class of 7

27: January 30, Wednesday 5:45

2008-02-05T17:38:00.000+09:00

Nikajo

Note:
Class of 2

26: January 29, Tuesday 7:00

2008-02-05T17:37:00.000+09:00

Kangeiko Day2- Ikkajo

Technique:

Note:
Class of ...

25: January 29, Tuesday 5:45

2008-02-05T17:35:00.000+09:00

Series continues...to learn how you supposed to move.

Shihonage
Ikkajo

Note:
Class of 2

24: January 28, Monday 7:00

2008-01-28T14:10:00.001+09:00

Kangeiko Day 1: Shihonage

Basic:
Kihon Dosa

Technique:
Katate Mochi Shihonage-1 & 2
Hanmi Handachi Katate Mochi Shihonage-1 & 2
Ryote Mochi Shihonage-1 & 2
Hanmi Handachi Ryote Mochi Shihonage
Yokomen Uchi Shihonage-1 & 2

Note:
Class of 7, with 2 Senseis. Kangeiko Started with 7 people. Hope to have more people in the next 10 days.

My worst Uke technique...Shihonage...I hit my head 3 times today on the demo. I tried to find the spot before going down, still my body made a turn in peculiar direction. I need to find the right position to put myself before fall comes.

23: January 26, Saturday 18:15

2008-01-28T14:00:00.000+09:00

Where you position yourself to do warm ups decides what your next 90 mins going to be...sometimes.

All Sokumen Iriminage

Basic:
Tai no Henko-1 & 2 with partner

Technique:
Katate Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-1
Hiji Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-2
Yokomen Uchi Sokumen Iriminage
Yokomen Uchi, Yonkajo, Sokumen Iriminage

Note:
Class of 5 with 2 Senseis. I was paired up with One of Senseis...for the whole 90 mins!
I did not break (barely), and survived!

I hate being so bad at falling backwards...actually, I'm pretty tired of being so bad at it.
I feels like I do NOT have the space to go around, and I end up smashing myself onto the mat.
It could be an angle, or distance I am having with Shite.

I know there was a huge improvement in my Uke for Suwari techniques as I somehow learned how to use my shoulder to bounce back. Its not quite the same for Tachi techniques since I am VERY vertically challenged, still there must be a way to do it better.

I should add this topic to my Aikido goal for this year.

22: January 25, Friday 19:00

2008-01-28T13:45:00.000+09:00

Nikajo

Katate Mochi Nikajo Osae-1

Nikajo Practice

Hiji Mochi Nikajo Osae-2
Katate Aya Mochi Nikajo Osae-1

Note:
Class of 3,

21: January 24, Thursday 7:00

2008-01-25T12:52:00.000+09:00

Shihonage, again? yes, again!

Basic:
Shikkoho (3 rounds)
Forward rolls
Flips

Shomen Tsuki Practice

Technique:
Shomen Tsuki Shionage (with throw)

Note:
Class of 7, Sensei told me, "I was meant to do Hijiate, but Uke moved for me to Shihonage, so we did Shihonage again".

20: January 24, Thursday 5:45

2008-01-25T12:42:00.000+09:00

Series continues...

Ushiro Sankajo

Yokomen Uchi Shihonage-1

and more...

Note:
Class of 2. As the series continues, the amazing discovery continues as well.

We learn as we try to imitate what teachers are doing, but many times the interpretation is not quite the way they are doing. For example, how you put yourself preparing to fall is very important, maybe more than falling itself.

19: January 23, Wednesday 7:00

2008-01-23T09:58:00.000+09:00

Ryote Mochi Techniques

...What's up with this SNOW!! How am I going to get home.....I'm riding my bike today!

Basic:
Shikkoho
Suriashi
Back Sideways Breakfalls (to come up)

Kokyuho Throw Practice

Shumatsu Dosa-1
Shumatsu Dosa-2

Technique:
Ryote Mochi Tenchinage-2
Suwariwaza Ryote Mochi Kokyuho-1

Note: Class of 7.

18: January 23, Wednesday 5:45

2008-01-23T09:55:00.000+09:00

Uke Practice Series 2

Sokumen Iriminage
Shomen Iriminage 1 & 2
Tenchi Nage-1
Kotegaeshi-1

Note:
Class of 2. Uke series continues...There are so many things to do nor not to do. also so many things I do without realizing...

17: January 22, Tuesday 7:00

2008-01-22T09:22:00.000+09:00

Move with your hip, don't leave any of your body parts behind.

Basic
Kamae (staying still while you are pulled, pushed)

Having that Kamae as a basic stance, Hiriki no Yosei-1 & 2 with partner

Technique
Ryote Mochi Shihonage-1 and Hajime
Ryote Mochi Shihonage-2 and Hajime

Note:
Class of 6. I could say..."Hajime" was the least I was expecting to do today...the funny thing about going through those exhausting exercise is how you regain your control as you reach to the certain tiring point. Or your body gets used to the motions you are repeating and you will see better after certain amount of time. Anyways, I always find it fascinating to find those unexpected regaining consciousness when I go beyond the certain tired point.

16: January 22, Tuesday 5:45

2008-01-22T09:20:00.000+09:00

To learn when and how to move as Uke is like what you do when you drive into the yellow signal at the intersection. It requires skill to judge the distance and time you have to go or stop before it tunrs into red as being aware of the cars following you at the same time. It takes practice but you will get it eventually.

Uke Practice Series 1

Nikajo
Sankajo

Note:
Class of 2. Learning When and What to do as Uke can be very tough... if you move too fast, your Shite can not even apply what he/she is supposed to do, but if you move too slow... you mostly have to take all the pain even unnecesarily.

15: January 19, Saturday 18:15

2008-01-21T15:28:00.000+09:00

Sokumen Iriminage ( as Instructed)

Basic:
Tai no Henko-1

Forward Rolls
Flips
Back Rolls
Side Rolls

Technique:
Katate Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-1
Suwariwaza Katate Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-1

Katate Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-2

Ushirowaza Ryote Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-1 & 2

Self defense using Sokumen from Punching

Note: Class of 5, I get stuck with words as I try to explain how to do the techniques...showing is easier telling is harder...

Quote of the year:
No Jagermaister When You Are Already DRUNK,
It Kills You.

14: January 18, Friday 19:00

2008-01-21T15:21:00.000+09:00

Nikajo and Kotegaeshi

Katate Mochi Nikajo Osae-2

Suwariwaza Shomen Uchi Nikajo Osae-1 & 2

Katate Mochi Nikajo Osae - 2 (Non Basic)
Katate Mochi Nikajo Osae, Kotegaeshi (Non Basic)

Katate Aya Mochi Nikajo Osae-1

Note: Class of 6

13: January 16, Wednesday 7:00

2008-01-21T15:20:00.000+09:00

Break falls
Rolls

Shumatsu Dosa -1 & 2

Note: Class of 5

12: January 16, Wednesday 5:45

2008-01-16T15:07:00.000+09:00

Dai San Techniques

Up to Hiji Mochi Sokumen Iriminage-1 & 2

Class of 2

11: January 15, Tueday 7:00

2008-01-16T15:06:00.002+09:00

Shomen Iriminage

Class of 6

10: January 15, Tuesday 5:45

2008-01-16T15:06:00.001+09:00

Dai San Techniques

up to Yokomen Uchi Yonkajo Osae-1 & 2

Class of 2

9: January 14, Monday 16:30

2008-01-16T15:05:00.000+09:00

Chida Sensei Class

Sankajo

Class of 20ish

8: January 14, Monday 15:30

2008-01-16T15:04:00.000+09:00

Chida Sensei Kenshu Class

Ryote Mochi Kotegaeshi-1 & 2
Suwariwaza Ryote Mochi Kokyuho-4

Class of 20ish

7: January 12, Saturday 18:15

2008-01-16T15:03:00.000+09:00

Yonkajo

Class of 6

6: January 11, Friday 19:00

2008-01-16T15:02:00.000+09:00

Sankajo

Class of 6