Well, I started camp this morning with the 6:30 class taught by an older, diminutive instructor. After, that I took Saotome Sensei's outdoor weapons class which had a Hamlet theme, "to be or not to be". Using a wooden bokkan requires focus with the knowledge that death is always present and if you lose your concentration, you will cease to be.
The third class I attended was Ushiro Sensei's class that focused on ki exercises following his karate tradition. An interesting side effect of taking Ushiro Sensei classes are that most of the black belts are at the same level of training as I am, so it does level the field. Too often to my liking, Aikido becomes so insular and while my sempi are better, it doesn't reflect the board and depth of modern budo.
The forth class was Doran Sensei's tachi-waza class (open-hand). Doran Sensei used two different iremi variations based on the sword to illustrate the ikkyo, nikkyo, and sankyo techniques. The first is the standard slide in, palm down. The second variation is hand-up with sku strike to the throat of uke.
The fifth class was Ikeda Sensei's outdoors weapon classes. We practiced pair bokken and although I have once or twice practices these techniques, it was great to be taught these techniques from a master.
I am sore and ready to go sleep, but I am headed to Glenwood Spring's Hot pool for some relaxation and I may hit a bar afterward. I am the driver so minimal alcohol consumption tonight. I don't want to stay up too late because I am going to try to make to the 6:30 class tomorrow morning.
No comments:
Post a Comment