A Bit More Progress

The snow started falling on Tuesday. The school district cancelled all activities as of the end of the school day. The dojo cancelled class. We had a snow day on Wednesday. My wife and I were out for three hours working together to clear snow. We got about two hours help from our neighbor, who has a big snow thrower. We really couldn't have done it without him. We had another snow day Thursday, and again, the dojo cancelled class.

Saturday was the first regular class in a week, and I've been really feeling it. I'm sore, but it that really good way that says 'I had a really good Aikido class.' Our chief instructor was back after getting a muscle tear in his calf while teaching at Midwest Aikido Center. We had an open hand class instead of weapons, which is alright, considering I really like when our chief instructor teaches. Those always seem to be really great classes.

The dojo's other 3rd kyu and I have ben debating on how to line up. She tested in October '09. I tested in March of '10. She's been lining up before me ever since I joined the dojo. Over the summer, she took time off, while I came to every class. I now have six more hours of practice at rank, so we thought I should line up first. Our chief instructor said that hours don't matter as much as date of testing. Since she tested five months before me, she'll always line up first, even though I have more hours. At least we settled that.

One of our members spent the last month in Tokyo, and was able to visit Hombu Dojo for a few classes. He demonstrated a technique he learned there, which we all got to practice. We also worked on an ushiro technique that ended in a kaiten nage. We lined up in two groups. Our group included one 1st, two 3rd, and a fourth kyu. We were really working it, and our chief instructor noticed my intensity. I was glad. I am really hoping to be ready to test in the fall. I want a brown belt. My instructors also want me in a brown belt, first, because they believe I deserve it, and second, it's better for me and the dojo since I'll be an instructor. I know it's "just" a kids class, but I'll still be an instructor.

Finally, we had another of our beginners classes this Saturday. While everyone else went on to the second hour of class with weapons, I worked with our regular instructor and helped teach the beginners. He used me as uke throughout, I demonstrated, and I worked one-on-one with the three students helping them position their hands and bodies properly. I'll keep doing this for the next three weeks.