Aikido practice for 06/26/2009 at Boulder Aikikai

Friday morning as I was leaving for work, I heard a noise in the air and then grabbed my camera and took this photo of an identified flying object:
Friday afternoon, I drove to Boulder for two classes at Boulder Aikikai.

The first class was taught by Don (maybe?) Sensei and we worked on katatedori kokyu-nages along with shiohnage and iriminage.

Ikeda Sensei taught the second class and after warming we practiced the following techniques:

• katatedori kokyunage (2-3 variations)
• kosadori katatedori iriminage
• kosadori katatedori ikkyo. In teaching students, I feel getting ikkyo is especially important and Ikeda Sensei's demonstrated ikkyo in a smooth and direct motion.
• We worked on more techniques (Next time I need to write down the techniques after the class and not trying to recall from two days ago)
  

During training in both classes, I enjoyed being a student of Aikido, absorbing as much as I could during the instructor's classes. I quickly realizing that my cardio training when running cannot replace intense practicing Aikido on the mat. I was often out of breath, sweating like a porcine, and looking the part with my red splocy face. I always kept up with my partner and even at times, I felt very out of physical shape.

After class, I talked with Ikeda Sensei for a bit and I can't wait until Summer Camp to spent more time with him.