Aikido for 11/19/2009

I left Gunnison at noon and I made it in plenty of time to make the 6pm Aikido funmendmental class taught by Mike Sensei. After warming up, we practiced the following techniques:

yokomenuchi kokyunages (2 variations)

yokomenuchi ikkyo omote and ura

yokomenuchi irminage

yokomenuchi kotegashei

yokomunchi shihonage omote and ura

For all of the yokomenuchi techniques, Mike Sensei had has enter into uke instead of turning 180 degrees and blending as is the common varation. Mike Sensei had us focus on nage entering and displacing uke's center. This style is different from what I have practiced in the past and I look forward to practicing it again in Gunnison.

The second class was taught by Ikeda Sensei. After warming up, tenkan and irmi exercises, Ikeda Sensei had us practice the following techniques:

kosadori kokyunage

kosadori ikkyo omote and ura

kosadori kaitennage omote and ura

kosadori irim-style kokyunage

kosadori hijinage

moratetori kokyunage (2 variations)

ryokatetori kokyunage

We practiced more techniques than I have listed here but not very many more. Before class I was talking to Ikeda Sensei and he gave me my Shodon registration to fill out by December! I have to increase my activity level and Aikido practice as now it is becoming very real that I'll be testing for my next rank. I am nervous but excitied as well.