Back for More

Today was my first day back to the dojo. I was thinking about how glad I was to be returning. It felt good to put on my uniform once again. In the locker room was a man who had just bought his uniform at the front desk. He had to ask another guy how to fasten the drawstrings of the pants. It reminded me that I had not practiced in over a month! In a way I felt like a novice again.

The 4th floor dojo was closed during March for renovations, but the only thing I noticed was that the clock had been replaced; everything else looked the same. I wondered what else had been updated. Maybe I'll never know.

There were a lot fewer students in the dojo this morning. Technically, the Golden Week holiday ends today, so I imagine lots of people are still out of town. Still, between 25 and 30 were in attendance. It was noticeable in that I had lots more room during our warmup stretch routine.

Before class, I inquired at the front desk about participating in the annual demonstration later this month at the Nippon Budokan. There is a short segment where kyu- and dan-ranked members can participate in floor routines in one big group. I thought it would be interesting to be a part of it -- not to mention good blog material! All I had to do was sign my name on a sheet of paper in the dojo after class. It was as simple as that. There were quite a few names on the list already, but since it will be held at such a large place, everyone can be accommodated. However, we have to arrive with a partner, so I'll have to find one beforehand.

I learned something new about my ukemi today. We practiced kote-gaeshi (entering and grabbing uke's wrist and then turning and manipulating his wrist in a throw). This move intimidates me since it can cause severe damage to the wrist. I was taking ukemi for a yudansha, and I wasn't moving my feet enough because I was too busy anticipating the sudden twist to my wrist. Irie Sensei showed me that I need to follow tori as he leads me around in a circle. At least we weren't doing it at full speed today.

My partner for irimi-nage was a small college student. I usually work the hardest with small female college students because they have so much energy! I try and keep up with their pace and it really wears me out. Oh well, it's a good cardiovascular workout at least -- something I do need.

There is a foreign student that I have seen on Sunday mornings for the past year and a half. Since I am shy and not good at breaking the ice, he finally initiated after class and we talked for quite some time. He is from Sri Lanka, and we have several things in common. It's really good to get to know my fellow aikidoka!