Aikido for 09/02/2010

Tip taught class and I was his uke for most of the techniques. I really enjoy being uke because I am constantly moving the entire class with very little rest. Last night we practiced the following techniques:

• katatetori kokyunage multiple variations
• shomenuchi katennage
• katatetori nikkyo, for this nikyo nage steps around to the closed side of uke and then applies a ura-style nikkyo pin to uke's wrist. I was having some difficultly working with Ken because I trying to use too much muscle when I wasn't getting the angle right. Ken then suggest I focus on moving the far shoulder and relax into uke, that small suggestion really transformed how effective and efficient my nikkyo wrist technique works.
• katatetori hijinage

I enjoyed myself and gained some new insight into my Aikido practice. The new floor is stiffer but I found the mats great to practice on.

Saturday I am teaching both of Garry's classes. I was given a key to the dojo last night and so now I am official.