Already Oct 2016
Had a very eventful year in martial arts

Back into Judo,

 still find the challenges in technique, movement and off balance. I wonder why I like the armbars and strangles when I really wont be teaching or using them. Well, it is still part of knowledge and understanding which converts to developing my practice.

 

Russian Systema 

managed a month August. I'm sure I had a hairline fracture in the upper rib due to not wearing a push punch, letting it penetrate. I guess I wasn't expecting the intensity. Having a fight with two monsters ie the lemon tree and kiwi vine didn't help the healing but all is well now and the monsters flourishing. Was also great to refresh tactics like face smears

 

Went to Aikido summer school in Tassie and did Tenchi farm, We still did all the training eventhough evacuated because of bushfires. At summer school I did the last 2 days with the Japanese guests...very detailed lectures, I would have liked more practice. I

spent the next 4 months at different dojos from my regular....good experience but difficulty with distance and time.

June 2015- Jan 2016

So both Systema (1mth) and Judo (5months) season passed last year and I haven’t written a word.

My annual month of Systema was great training; applying the wave to dissipate and project energy into force. Having to receive strikes that penetrate is tough but a welcomed experience. Also the warm-ups…. tensing, release and breath control have much significance for me.

I always feel perhaps Judo is not relevant to me at my age and don t compete but it’s challenge and the myriad of throwing, tripping, sweeping techniques still makes it interesting. This year, I was thown off the deep end having to skip a grade and so perform more techniques. Also learning the names of techniques in grading is a worthwhile task as names hold keys, if you understand their meaning. I guess the skipping of a grade was due to my years of experience with the club. I can’t walk on my hands but I can certainly strangle or arm bar an opponent. As for the handstands, I may get the incentive to take on the challenge. Being a Capricorn I prefer my legs grounded to balance.

It is Aikikai season and a very difficult year it is going to be. I have to change dojos because I dont feel appreciated or welcome. This means my routines will change and travel time and cost will increase, an unwanted necessity…. Another impediment to continue grading. Since Oct I have undergone much stress due to allegations.

I nearly didn’t go to summer school in Tassie but I had already made plans with a couple of friends.

I attended 2 days of summer school with the Japanese Shihan Kuboto. The seminars were listening intensive rather than practical, there was a little practice. Hearing the difference in interpretation of Aikido was worthwhile,  focus on the details of the basic stance, ( hamoni) and laughter is the best medicine. DO I NEED A LAUGH! Tenchi farm training was also great with Shihan Tony Smibert, The Belguim Shihan, Lui, and the other senior teachers. Executing variations is daring to find the samurai, even if Iam a Ninja!