I'll be the first to admit that I've slacked. I had my kyu test on March 20, and since then I think I've hit the dojo about a half dozen times. It's been sad.
Two weeks ago, I slept in a strange position and my back muscles had spasm issues. Last Thursday we had its all-school music program. All the grades, k-8, sang, and the teachers had to be there to watch our students, and make sure they all got where they belonged on time and quietly. Needless to say, there was no Aikido last week.
This Tuesday I took my class of 24, plus about 14 chaperons on our annual trip to Madison, Wisconsin. We toured the university, the historical museum, and the state capital. We also ate at this place called Ella's Deli, which, I'm told, is a Madison landmark. The restaurant decor features lots of antique toy collections, all interestingly displayed. They also have a 100-year-old carousel, and all the kids got to take a ride. After, we went to the state capital building. We got to meet our state assemblymen, and took a tour of the building. We sat in the senate and assembly chambers, too.
I think we got home a bit before 7:00 PM, and once all the kids were picked up, and I had put everything I was responsible for back into the classroom, it was close to 7:30. Again, no dojo.
I finally got a chance to practice last night. We had in attendance, one nidan, one shodan, one first kyu, one second, one third (me), one fourth, and one fifth. We had a very intense practice, including a few techniques that ended in breakfalls. I took more than I gave. But I have to admit, my breakfalls are getting better. At one point not too long ago, I was pretty hesitant to do a break fall, now I'm getting more comfortable with the idea, and even had a few good ones. I'm tired today, but I feel good. We have practice again tomorrow, but I'm conflicted in that I really need to buy a new car.
And that's a whole 'nother story.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Bend Over and Say "Ouch"
And so it is that I slept in an odd position sometime early last week. I've been dealing with muscle spasms at the dead center of my back for over a week now. I couldn't make it to class at all this week. Every time I would bend over my muscles would just go crazy. My lovely wife called the doctor for me, and luckily, got them to call in a prescriptions without my having to have an office visit. I'm combining naproxin/aleve, hot/cold rub (Ben-Gay), and a muscle relaxant.
I tried the muscle relaxant last night, and I have to say I was very relaxed. I'll try again tonight, but it seems that the hot/cold rub has had the best effect in helping relieve the pain and spasms.
I am hopeful that I can get to class on Tuesday without re-injuring myself.
I tried the muscle relaxant last night, and I have to say I was very relaxed. I'll try again tonight, but it seems that the hot/cold rub has had the best effect in helping relieve the pain and spasms.
I am hopeful that I can get to class on Tuesday without re-injuring myself.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Classroom Fatigue and the Dojo
I promised myself that I keep this blog up, even though I write elsewhere (OpenDiary.com) as my main source of creating expression, i.e. that's where I dump.
Class has been hit and miss for me lately, not much motivation right now. Not unlike the way I'm approaching my classroom for the last two weeks. Something happened over spring break to take the wind out of my sails.
I've been promised a delivery of a class set of Wrinkle in Time. It's written at a sixth grade level, so it's going to be a challenge for my fourth graders, but I'm certain that most can do it with little assistance. It's just that I know what the other teachers assign through eighth grade, and I just can't see these kids getting into high school without reading that book. We've also read Indian in the Cupboard, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, and Phantom Tollbooth. Most of these books are a bit long in the tooth, but I can't justify passing up these classics.
I've been to two classes in the last two weeks. I feel like a slug, but I can't get myself going right now. I think this coming week will be better. I started doing some resistance training last weekend, and I'm feeling pretty good right now. I know that at my age it's important to supplement my dojo work with cross training of some type. I think the extra training will help.
Class has been hit and miss for me lately, not much motivation right now. Not unlike the way I'm approaching my classroom for the last two weeks. Something happened over spring break to take the wind out of my sails.
I've been promised a delivery of a class set of Wrinkle in Time. It's written at a sixth grade level, so it's going to be a challenge for my fourth graders, but I'm certain that most can do it with little assistance. It's just that I know what the other teachers assign through eighth grade, and I just can't see these kids getting into high school without reading that book. We've also read Indian in the Cupboard, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, and Phantom Tollbooth. Most of these books are a bit long in the tooth, but I can't justify passing up these classics.
I've been to two classes in the last two weeks. I feel like a slug, but I can't get myself going right now. I think this coming week will be better. I started doing some resistance training last weekend, and I'm feeling pretty good right now. I know that at my age it's important to supplement my dojo work with cross training of some type. I think the extra training will help.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Playing at Third Kyu
I expect more from myself, now that I am sankyu. On Saturday we were doing a katate dori into a standing kaiten-nage. Once again, I did not take the first circular move of my hands down far enough; I wasn't getting uke down. That's why it was so difficult getting uke's arm over the top and his body into the forward roll. Once sensei reminded me, I improved immediately and things quickly improved.
Later, our chief sensei grabbed me to do ukemi on a henka-waza technique that started in an uchi-style sankyo, that moved into a kokyu-nage throw. He was going to use me to demonstrate to the rest of the class, which is always an honor. I even did three break falls on my ukemi, which for me was great.
I realized recently that I will be able to do all these moves again, but it's going to take me longer to get there. Take those break falls, for example: I often land full body on the mat, which is hard on my body. Saturday's break falls were different, mostly. On my first and last, I felt myself go over, I extended my arm, and felt my hand slap the mat before my legs hit. That was pretty good, I thought. I was also able to get up off the mat without too many after-effects. Carlos, a first kyu, who is good enough to be a shodan, said he was impressed by the break fall I took in front of the class. I felt pretty good about that, considering my old-man body.
Later, our chief sensei grabbed me to do ukemi on a henka-waza technique that started in an uchi-style sankyo, that moved into a kokyu-nage throw. He was going to use me to demonstrate to the rest of the class, which is always an honor. I even did three break falls on my ukemi, which for me was great.
I realized recently that I will be able to do all these moves again, but it's going to take me longer to get there. Take those break falls, for example: I often land full body on the mat, which is hard on my body. Saturday's break falls were different, mostly. On my first and last, I felt myself go over, I extended my arm, and felt my hand slap the mat before my legs hit. That was pretty good, I thought. I was also able to get up off the mat without too many after-effects. Carlos, a first kyu, who is good enough to be a shodan, said he was impressed by the break fall I took in front of the class. I felt pretty good about that, considering my old-man body.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Leaving it all on the Mat
Today was spring test day at our Aikikai dojo. We are affiliated with the Midwest Aikido Center in Chicago, but that is not to say that they tested today. Sensei asked me several weeks ago which week I'd like to test, and I chose the one farthest out. I figured I needed as much time as I could get. Perhaps I was the only one asked, but I was certainly senior student being tested.
Regular class was scheduled from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M., then we broke to take a new dojo photo for our web site. I was disappointed because one of our members sprained her ankle (somewhere else), and wasn't included in today's photo.
We had one student test for 6th kyu, four for 5th kyu, one for fourth, and I tested for third (san) kyu. While I was waiting for my test, I sat quietly on the mat thinking about my techniques. I was less nervous than I thought I'd be. So much so, that I got a good night's sleep last night, which was a surprise. I thought I'd be up most of the night stressing about today. While I was waiting for my test, I was almost what I might call calm.
One young woman who was one of my two ukes today was sad because she thought she was going to be passed over for being my uke. We both enjoy working with each other. She is the next rank above me, and she was hoping to be my uke today (that's tradition). When she asked me who was going to be my uke, I told her who I'd been working with. She has not been to class in nearly one month. She's been out riding horses instead. I think she was surprised when she was called out on the mat immediately after me.
When she knelt next to me I could tell she was raring to go, but I purposely took my time with my bows, giving each a bit more solemnity. It was my way of showing that I was taking this very seriously. Our chief instructor started calling techniques, and I went into each smoothly and without hesitation. My only big goof was in my nikkyo ura. I went into the first tenshin step, changed the handgrip to nikkyo, then went straight into the second tenshin step without doing the nikkyo move between. The second time I did the technique (the other side) I remembered that time and included it. About halfway through the test, I got a new uke. He is a first kyu, and as noted above I'd been working with him for several practice days, so I was expecting that change. He and I worked well together, too. He even did a couple of break falls for me.
Perhaps because there were so many test, and we'd been at it almost an hour, I wasn't asked to do many optional techniques, but I felt ready.
I was already feeling good about my test, but it was nice that so many people came up and told me what a good job I'd done, including both our instructors. My second uke said, "You started throwing me around, and I was wondering, 'where did this guy come from'?" Meaning I normally practice in a very soft, slow style, but I was going through the test today putting everything I had into it. He didn't expect me to use such a hard, fast style. The next student under me in rank said he wanted to start working with me on these techniques, as his test will probably come in the fall.
Last night was the annual Father/Daughter Girl Scout dance. My daughter and I went for the first time. It was terrific. I could tell how much my daughter appreciated going. I'm glad we went.
Regular class was scheduled from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M., then we broke to take a new dojo photo for our web site. I was disappointed because one of our members sprained her ankle (somewhere else), and wasn't included in today's photo.
We had one student test for 6th kyu, four for 5th kyu, one for fourth, and I tested for third (san) kyu. While I was waiting for my test, I sat quietly on the mat thinking about my techniques. I was less nervous than I thought I'd be. So much so, that I got a good night's sleep last night, which was a surprise. I thought I'd be up most of the night stressing about today. While I was waiting for my test, I was almost what I might call calm.
One young woman who was one of my two ukes today was sad because she thought she was going to be passed over for being my uke. We both enjoy working with each other. She is the next rank above me, and she was hoping to be my uke today (that's tradition). When she asked me who was going to be my uke, I told her who I'd been working with. She has not been to class in nearly one month. She's been out riding horses instead. I think she was surprised when she was called out on the mat immediately after me.
When she knelt next to me I could tell she was raring to go, but I purposely took my time with my bows, giving each a bit more solemnity. It was my way of showing that I was taking this very seriously. Our chief instructor started calling techniques, and I went into each smoothly and without hesitation. My only big goof was in my nikkyo ura. I went into the first tenshin step, changed the handgrip to nikkyo, then went straight into the second tenshin step without doing the nikkyo move between. The second time I did the technique (the other side) I remembered that time and included it. About halfway through the test, I got a new uke. He is a first kyu, and as noted above I'd been working with him for several practice days, so I was expecting that change. He and I worked well together, too. He even did a couple of break falls for me.
Perhaps because there were so many test, and we'd been at it almost an hour, I wasn't asked to do many optional techniques, but I felt ready.
I was already feeling good about my test, but it was nice that so many people came up and told me what a good job I'd done, including both our instructors. My second uke said, "You started throwing me around, and I was wondering, 'where did this guy come from'?" Meaning I normally practice in a very soft, slow style, but I was going through the test today putting everything I had into it. He didn't expect me to use such a hard, fast style. The next student under me in rank said he wanted to start working with me on these techniques, as his test will probably come in the fall.
Last night was the annual Father/Daughter Girl Scout dance. My daughter and I went for the first time. It was terrific. I could tell how much my daughter appreciated going. I'm glad we went.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Two Weeks
My 3rd kyu test is two weeks from today. All the techniques I'm being tested on are really starting to come together. Today, however, was not a particularly good day. My work was fine, but I was feeling very "blah." I really didn't want to be at class today, but I feel pressure because of my test. This is nothing new, it seems that after each test, those being tested start to miss class again. Right now I'm feeling pretty overworked. I could use some rest days just to regroup, but that doesn't seem to be an option. There are two days before my next class. I hope my motivation returns by then.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Getting Closer
My test is March 20; one month away. I've been told by sensei that I need to smooth everything out and move with more circular motions. My feet still hurt, so sitting seiza - and especially kneeling in kiza for suwari waza - is painful. There are many suwari waza techniques on my test.
I am very nervous. I am at the point where I do not know if I will even pass my test. When one of our members took his 2nd kyu test, he honestly did not do his techniques particularly well. At the end of his test, our chief instructor explained that sometimes testing gets a student up to a rank which then allows that student to work up to his new rank. I do not believe he was making excuses for the student's rank promotion: I believe the student was deserving of promotion. His dedication and hard work were above reproach. I think that perhaps his promotion was a recognition of that dedication and hard work. It is not my place to say who is deserving and who is not. I am only hoping that my techniques are proficient enough that it is clear to everyone at the test that I am working at a 3rd kyu level. I don't want there to be any questions about whether I deserve it or not.
I am nervous. Very nervous. I would also feel just utterly defeated if I were not to pass my test.
On a bright side, I have been chosen for "Meet a Dojo Member" on our web site. Our instructor asked all the dojo members to answer three questions: When and how did you start Aikido? What made you stay? What do you like about Aikido? I remember answering the questions last summer, then nothing. First there was one student listed, then another. Each one was listed for three or four months. Now it's my turn. There is a great photo of me doing kaitenage in suwari waza. Ironic, isn't it? I have one hell of a time doing suwari waza, and here's this admittedly great photo of me in suwari waza.
I am very nervous. I am at the point where I do not know if I will even pass my test. When one of our members took his 2nd kyu test, he honestly did not do his techniques particularly well. At the end of his test, our chief instructor explained that sometimes testing gets a student up to a rank which then allows that student to work up to his new rank. I do not believe he was making excuses for the student's rank promotion: I believe the student was deserving of promotion. His dedication and hard work were above reproach. I think that perhaps his promotion was a recognition of that dedication and hard work. It is not my place to say who is deserving and who is not. I am only hoping that my techniques are proficient enough that it is clear to everyone at the test that I am working at a 3rd kyu level. I don't want there to be any questions about whether I deserve it or not.
I am nervous. Very nervous. I would also feel just utterly defeated if I were not to pass my test.
On a bright side, I have been chosen for "Meet a Dojo Member" on our web site. Our instructor asked all the dojo members to answer three questions: When and how did you start Aikido? What made you stay? What do you like about Aikido? I remember answering the questions last summer, then nothing. First there was one student listed, then another. Each one was listed for three or four months. Now it's my turn. There is a great photo of me doing kaitenage in suwari waza. Ironic, isn't it? I have one hell of a time doing suwari waza, and here's this admittedly great photo of me in suwari waza.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Suwari Waza
My feet hurt. I can't count how many times I've bashed my big toes against hard objects. So many times, it seems, that I can't bend my toes backwards much at all. There are numerous suwari waza and hanmi handachi techniques on my test. I'm having a hard time lowering myself down onto my feet before I start my techniques.
This bites.
This bites.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Snow Day
Southeastern Wisconsin - Forecasts call for 10 to 14 inches of snow over the next 24 hours in Southeastern Wisconsin, from the state line up to Milwaukee. Most school districts have canceled school for the day.
My dojo has also canceled tonight's class.
Five weeks until my 3rd Kyu test. I have a fleeting knowledge of all the test techniques, but do not yet feel solid with too many of them. I am not sure if I am supposed to feel all that solid on these techniques, or, if I correctly remember my education psychology classes, the act of testing will solidify them in my brain.
I look at the list of required techniques, and with the exception of the suwari-waza katatetori kaitennage uchi and soto styles, they all feel pretty darn good. This much is a relief.
After a twenty-odd year layoff from practicing Aikido, many of the "additional MAF ttechniques" are hazy.
Five weeks. That's all.
My dojo has also canceled tonight's class.
Five weeks until my 3rd Kyu test. I have a fleeting knowledge of all the test techniques, but do not yet feel solid with too many of them. I am not sure if I am supposed to feel all that solid on these techniques, or, if I correctly remember my education psychology classes, the act of testing will solidify them in my brain.
I look at the list of required techniques, and with the exception of the suwari-waza katatetori kaitennage uchi and soto styles, they all feel pretty darn good. This much is a relief.
After a twenty-odd year layoff from practicing Aikido, many of the "additional MAF ttechniques" are hazy.
- Jujinage (3 ways). I feel good about doing an ushiro jujinage. I can do two more from yokomenuchi and shomenuchi, I suppose.
- Ushiro ryokatatori (3 ways) I got nothing except what I can make up - so not real techniques
- Yokamenuchi (3 ways, not shihonage) Ikkyo, Nikkyo, Sankyo - got 'em
- Ryokatatori (3 ways) I've got the low and high posts down with iriminage. Don't have a third yet.
- Shomenuchi yonko (omote and ura) - know it, but very rusty, hard to get my hand to hit the nerve
- Ushiro ryotetori (tekubitori, 3 ways) - sankyo, jujinage and shihonage
- Suwari waza shomenuchi ikkyo, nikkyo, yonkyo - bad feet and arthritic hips make these very tough
- Hanmi-Handachi ryotetori shihonage - Okay. Omote stay down, ura stand up. I think I have it.
Five weeks. That's all.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Bruised, Not Broken
I did something I normally don't do: Went to the dojo on a Saturday. It's not that I don't like the dojo - I love it. I love playing Aikido. It's just that Saturday's are family time. We go grocery shopping and run other errands that can't be done on the weekdays. It is no coincidence that my wife does not drive, so everything has to wait until the weekend. We also go out to breakfast on Saturday morning. There's this little place near our house where they know us and treat us like family. If the credit card machine is down, they say, "Don't worry about it. Pay us when you come next time."
I left home a bit after 9:00 and arrived before 9:15. I saw our regular instructor's car there. Alone. I parked, went in, and saw that he had moved the tables and was just starting to put down the mats. We finished putting down the 21 mats together, then came the task of putting them together using the velcro tabs. The mats are home made, and I guess there was some debate when they were first made, so they don't fit together particularly well.
Our chief instructor drove up from Chicago and taught yesterday's class. I think we had about 10 or so people on the mat. It was a really good class, except when I hurt myself. We were doing a kokyunage that ended with uke doing a forward roll. The white belt I was working with was having trouble getting the move down, but he had no shortage of strength. He is also about 6'4". I am 5'9". At one point he threw me. Just as my left hand touched the mat and I went into my forward roll, he did something to throw me off balance. I ended up being thrown sideways on to my back. I got up and went on with the rest of class. I guess it wasn't until we bowed out that I stopped moving long enough for my back to suddenly tighten up.
I've used both creams and those peel-off hot pads. I've feeling okay now, but I'm trying to move slowly so as not to aggravate anything. I hope I'm good enough to hit the mat on Tuesday. My 3rd kyu test is March 20, and I need all the extra mat time I can get. So far the worst part is that the arthritis in my hips and knees makes suwari-waza really painful, and difficult to get a good long step in to get behind uke like I need for my irimi-nage or (shudder) my kaitenage, uchi and soto styles, omote and ura. Five weeks to go. I am nervous.
I left home a bit after 9:00 and arrived before 9:15. I saw our regular instructor's car there. Alone. I parked, went in, and saw that he had moved the tables and was just starting to put down the mats. We finished putting down the 21 mats together, then came the task of putting them together using the velcro tabs. The mats are home made, and I guess there was some debate when they were first made, so they don't fit together particularly well.
Our chief instructor drove up from Chicago and taught yesterday's class. I think we had about 10 or so people on the mat. It was a really good class, except when I hurt myself. We were doing a kokyunage that ended with uke doing a forward roll. The white belt I was working with was having trouble getting the move down, but he had no shortage of strength. He is also about 6'4". I am 5'9". At one point he threw me. Just as my left hand touched the mat and I went into my forward roll, he did something to throw me off balance. I ended up being thrown sideways on to my back. I got up and went on with the rest of class. I guess it wasn't until we bowed out that I stopped moving long enough for my back to suddenly tighten up.
I've used both creams and those peel-off hot pads. I've feeling okay now, but I'm trying to move slowly so as not to aggravate anything. I hope I'm good enough to hit the mat on Tuesday. My 3rd kyu test is March 20, and I need all the extra mat time I can get. So far the worst part is that the arthritis in my hips and knees makes suwari-waza really painful, and difficult to get a good long step in to get behind uke like I need for my irimi-nage or (shudder) my kaitenage, uchi and soto styles, omote and ura. Five weeks to go. I am nervous.
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