Another Honor for kohai * with Edit

I must be developing my aiki spirit or something. Good things keep happening, and I haven't asked for any of it.

I was sick for the first three weeks of November, then my daughter had a concert I attended, then parent/teacher conferences, then Thanksgiving. I finally made it to class on Tuesday, and it was really amazing to be back on the mat. I moved well, my ukemi was good, and my techniques were smooth with well focused ki.

The next two days I was sore from the waist down from all the standing back up again after getting thrown. Today I felt good enough again to get back to the dojo. At first it was just Sensei and me. I arrived at 9:15, and Sensei was already there, so we started putting down the mats. My daughter came with me, and acted as my otomo. She likes helping out by carrying my weapons bag. Today she tried to carry mats with me, but they were too heavy for her, so I had her straighten out the velcro flaps that keep the mats together. Sensei and I had the mat together quickly, which had him say, "It looks like it just might be you and me today." I was fine with that, but I had a feeling that some others might show before 10:00 - and I was right. Three more students showed up, including two who tested last night (Friday) at the Midwest Aikido Center in Chicago.

While we were putting the mats together, Sensei said, "How would you feel about teaching a children's Aikido class?" I was floored, frankly. I replied, "If you think my Aikido is good enough, I'd be happy to." He said he gets many emails each year asking about children's classes, and so far we have not offered any. We decided that I would investigate some opportunities to advertise, such as a Park District flyer. I also said that since I was home in the summer I thought that would be the best time to schedule it. I also said I thought a class of anywhere between four and 10 students would be ideal, because it would be small enough that I could watch everyone and offer individual assistance as needed. When I told my wife, she thought it was wonderful and was very proud of me. I was really honored.

And once again, Sensei asked about how soon I could test for 2nd kyu. I must have something going on that I don't yet see in myself. Mostly I feel very good about classes these days, but once in a while I just don't feel good about some aspect of my Aikido. Today was no different. We were practicing doing a break fall from irimi nage for the very first time. I was having a difficult time of it, I'll tell you. Instead of flipping vertically, I was flipping horizontally, and it was awful. I had to try at least a dozen times before I got even slightly vertical. By the time Sensei said, "Yame," (stop) I was basically getting it. One side was clearly better than the other. Once or twice I had a nice fall on my good side, but I still need some work on my "stupid side," as our resident shodan calls it, as in, "we all have a smart side and a stupid side."

* (edit) I don't know what I did yesterday at class, but I can't believe how sore I am today, particularly in my upper body. Nothing comes to mind. Even the weapons work didn't seem that taxing, so I am at a loss.