Since I've last written, we've lost a member of our dojo. He died of a heart attack at the age of 43. The heart attack was made worse through complications due to his type 2 diabetes. He was a shodan (1st degree black belt) from ASU (Aikido Schools of Ueshiba). Unlike one of our more "gentle" (I use the word in context of the fact that pretty much everything hurts in Aikido) Aikikai techniques, his shiho-nage about twisted my head off my shoulders. I heard from another who was uke to his Ikkyo, that he was able to knock the breath out of him by pushing his arm back into his body. He was amazing, rank not withstanding. He was also a wonderful person, and a great teacher. His weapons work was equally impressive. We will miss him.
Now another of our ranks has been hospitalized due to a weak heart valve. Sadly, due to several unfortunate turns in his life, he has no insurance coverage. This is going to be tough for him. I also wonder if he will return to us. I never said anything, but the last few time I saw him I thought he looked terrible. He has always seemed to struggle with his weight as well. I wish him the best.
Work continues on the new dojo, although I have been unable to take part in most of the construction work. My wife is taking a class that meets on Saturday, and the time conflicts with the work sessions. Due to the dangers at the work site, I need to keep my children home to watch them. I've been over there for some of the bigger projects, such as stripping off the old roof, which save the dojo $2000. I also did a lot of demolition work. Sensei say he understands, and I can only hope he does. When I talk with his girlfriend, she assures me he does.
We are using our new mats at the old space. They are apparently very popular with dojos around the world. They are vinyl on top and spongy underneath. The green top mimics tatami. They come in long rolls about four feet wide. Compared to our old canvas mats, they are absolutely wonderful. I have not received a mat burn since we began using them.
I am under 30 hours to my 2nd kyu (low brown belt) test. I'll probably test in June - just when school lets out. I am looking forward to it. I've been a blue belt for a very long time - three years, I think. That's how long I've been fourth, then third kyu. I remember getting my third kyu belt, and looking at the 200 hour training requirement, and thinking that 200 hours seemed like so much practice, and that it would take a very long time to get there. Sensei said that it would go by faster than I realized. He was right. I feel good. I am strong, and have pretty good endurance despite my lack of any other endurance training. I don't run, and I've gotten tired of being hit by cars, so I don't ride my bike, either. In all, my endurance is still good enough to test.
Technique-wise, I also feel good. About a month ago I was practicing my koshi-nage, and was able to pick up my uke and balance him easily on my hip. What makes this so different, is that this particular uke is 6-foot-five, and outweighs me by about 100 pounds. When I work with everyone else, it's not a problem. I'm about 165 pounds. There is one other student who is a bit lighter than me. Most of the others are in the 170 pound range. We have a six-foot 1st kyu who is probably closer to 190. I can pick all of them up and throw them without a problem. Being able to pick up and throwing someone who weighs 250 pounds or more has been good for my confidence.
My test preparation has not started yet. That 1st kyu mentioned above is going to test for shodan at the upcoming udansha seminar in Chicago this April. We have all been working to prepare him, which is fine with me. I probably won't test until June, which is right around the corner.
Professionally, our school had Parent/Teacher confrontations the last two evenings. I enjoy talking with the parents. Some parents are always shocked when I tell them how wonderful their child is. It seems to come as such a surprise, because, the parents tell me, their child is so naughty at home. It's the same with our daughters. They can be terrible at home, but always the angels at school.
