Summer Training

For the training sesion yesterday it felt very warm and airless in the dojo, and a few of us were panting like carthorses after some more dynamic parts of the lesson. Sensei Chris was going back to basics with some of the newer students practicing techniques from ai hamni, with orange belts doing techniques from gyaku hamni. For a couple of us, the next step is green belt, which is a big step up in terms of doing Aikido with some style and flow rather than some of the bad habits we have fallen into. I was very aware the last couple of weeks that I seem to have developed two left feet when it comes to following my opponent without over-reaching. Hopefully a habit that can be broken now my mind is on it.

We did some more weapons training this week, courtesy of Sensei John, starting to practice jo exercises in pairs, rather than just as a solo kata. I found a video on Youtube that shows where this is going...

We're Back, Actually Always Still Here

I could give lots of excuses, but I've taken my eye off the ball, and I've failed to keep the blog up-to-date. I hope to do better from now on with help from my fellow Aikidoka at the club.

We continue to train in our small (but perfectly formed) Aikido club. As of today we have 7 students and 2 Dan-grade teachers. Sensei Chris, who started the club, is our principal teacher; In the last year we have also benefitted a lot from the regular classes from Sensei John, who leads our weapons classes, and who is also a great stylist at the open-hand techniques.

New members are always welcome, so please come along to the Bridge Youth Centre on a Saturday morning and join us. The first lesson is free, so you can't lose anything by trying!