Randori

I had the opportunity to practice a more free-flowing form of randori last night. I've practiced more controlled versions before, but last night was more "anything goes." I did well. Some others said so, too, which was nice.

It's so rare that someone else comments on my Aikido. When Sensei demonstrates a technique in class, it's our dojo's practice that whoever's doing ukemi for Sensei will then work with Sensei after his/her demonstration, i.e. when everyone else is practicing what Sensei just demonstrated. When I do ukemi, then practice with Sensei, as nage, I'll do my technique four times: left and right, both omote, and ura. When I'm finished, Sensei will simply say, "Thank  you," then I'll go find someone else to practice with, while Sensei watches others looking for ways to help. And that's all I ever get with Sensei: four tries and a 'thank you.' When he works with other dojo members he seems to take more time with them and work more on their techniques.

Our chief instructor taught class last night. His girlfriend was there, too. I worked with her on an irimi nage, once palm up style, then palm down. Four tries, left, right, palm up, palm down. I played with Sensei's girlfriend, who is either 1st or 2nd kyu. Whichever, she's a brown belt, and she's very good. She complimented me on my ukemi.

So that was nice. One compliment on my ukemi, another on my randori.