Third day keiko
Two classes held today - evening training at Tsukuba
Morning class
Katate dori kokyu nage
Nemoto sensei's special buki waza
Evening class
Morning class
Katate dori kokyu nage
Nemoto sensei's special buki waza
Second day keiko
Three classes held today - midday training at Mito and evening training at Tsukuba
Morning class
Sankyo and yonkyo from katate dori.
On sankyo urawaza make sure you are parallel to your partner before performing the spinning part. On imote use three steps to pin, where 1) is stepping around 2) is step back on the other leg 3) is the pin.
Afternoon class
Irimi nage 3 breakouts shomen uchi on the move
Evening class
Ikkyo omote and uruwaza and nikkyo urawaza only from morote dori. Ki musubi no tachi - a blending technique which is separate from the five kumi tachi
Morning class
Sankyo and yonkyo from katate dori.
On sankyo urawaza make sure you are parallel to your partner before performing the spinning part. On imote use three steps to pin, where 1) is stepping around 2) is step back on the other leg 3) is the pin.
Afternoon class
Irimi nage 3 breakouts shomen uchi on the move
Evening class
Ikkyo omote and uruwaza and nikkyo urawaza only from morote dori. Ki musubi no tachi - a blending technique which is separate from the five kumi tachi
First evening keiko
This is a summary of the points we picked up from the class.
Tai no henko
All in all a really good class with lots of dame's which we thought was great because it showed that Sensei perceived that we were trying.
Tai no henko
- Offer your hand flat out (facing the floor) as it invites someone to attack whereas your palm facing the wall doesn't.
- On finishing the technique make sure your fingers are spread wide apart with your hands almost parallel to the floor
- Enter deeper by putting your front foot's toes by the side of your partner's middle part of their foot
- Use full hip rotation and extended rotation of your arms (past your hips)
- Extend yourself by being directly over your partner's arm keeping it near to your knee
- Get both knees down to your partner's arm at the same time when approaching the floor
- Make sure you hold your partner's thumb with your thumb
- Make all movements in all techniques flowing otherwise there is opportunity for your partner to grab your feet
All in all a really good class with lots of dame's which we thought was great because it showed that Sensei perceived that we were trying.
Darn you Google maps . . .
After a decent sleep in the hotel and a light breakfast we made our way to the train station and got to Iwama in an hour or so on the Joban line from Kashiwa. As we arrived we thought we'd walk to Aiki house and trusted Google maps to guide us, but unfortunately we ended up outside Sensei Nemoto's actual house! After a couple of phone calls we got Sensei to meet us at the train station and we made our way to Aiki house which as described by Peter Sensei was 'head to the hills as you get out of the station', not head to the fields, walk along the 'dog's leg bend' and cross the rail tracks with a 100 kilos worth of luggage...
Sensei showed us the house and explained some of the house rules. We settled in and made our way to the supermarket to get some lunch, having more fun with Google translate trying to figure out if the homogenised milk was pastuerised as well. Am still not sure what we ended up buying, but it tastes like full cream and makes a decent cup of tea.
Since Sensei said evening training would start at 7pm we had to time for walk about. So we went on the other side of the railway track and made our way to the Jinja shrine which is where the festival held on April 29th will be held.
Walking past Saito Sensei's house we noticed some students wearing hakama so we walked over to say hello. We introduced ourselves to Sensei Magnus from Sweden who comes under Sensei Ulf's dojo and he was kind enough to let us in the dojo so we could place the sake which we bought at the shrine.
Feeling accomplished and rather fortunate we headed back to Aiki house to prepare for evening keiko.
On his 3rd outing to Iwama, Senpai Gates had the pleasure of Trevor, Justin and Kelvin joining him. The entries made in this blog will be a composite of our experiences and thoughts.
Justin
1st Kyu Grading
Tomorrow I take my 1st kyu grading. Although my techniques are not flawless I think that they are of quite a decent standard most likely worthy of a first kyu status. Hopefully my instructor will agree. As this will be my last grading before shodan, this is likely a transition into some serious training building up over the next 6 - 12 months towards that all elusive shodan.
Every dojo, every instructor is different holding up a different standard at different grading levels. Fortunately the world of Iwama Ryu is consistent in both technique and standards. My understanding is that at Shodan level the test participant should demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques, clearly showing the basics.
Much like passing your driving test you only really learn to drive once you have passed the test having gained a basic ability to control the car in a safe manner and can prove you understand the rules of the road.
I am not going to concern myself too much with thinking about it, as I once heard 'with one eye on the next grading that only leaves one eye for the training'. But it is natural to occasional ponder the futures possibilities.
Every dojo, every instructor is different holding up a different standard at different grading levels. Fortunately the world of Iwama Ryu is consistent in both technique and standards. My understanding is that at Shodan level the test participant should demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques, clearly showing the basics.
Much like passing your driving test you only really learn to drive once you have passed the test having gained a basic ability to control the car in a safe manner and can prove you understand the rules of the road.
I am not going to concern myself too much with thinking about it, as I once heard 'with one eye on the next grading that only leaves one eye for the training'. But it is natural to occasional ponder the futures possibilities.
Sayonara Keiko
Tonights class was taught my Watahiki Sensei, I believe that Watahiki Sensei is now in his 80's or at least late 70's. His high falls give us all hope, that A, we still have time to learn, and B: that it is possible to keep going with vigor and enthusiasm.
He has quite a unique way of getting his point across and will grab peoples arms, hands, whatever to get them to do the technique more correctly. I have to say sometimes with absolute beginners you can say, "put your left foot there" and point one inch from the spot, and yet somehow this translates as 'put my right foot somewhere over here'. So the tactic of physically moving their body for them sometimes saves time and frustration. I remember when I trained as a very small child, I think I must have been 5-6, that the instructor had little feet shapes that he used to place on the ground to show us where our feet should go. This was only used once or twice, but as I remember it worked quite well, for small children. You could lay out a pattern, numbering and colouring them, for a technique say katatedori shihonge and get the kids to follow along. I am sure there are better ways to teach kids, and the emphasis is totally different, but its a thought.
Tomorrow I leave for Tokyo, where I will have a couple of days to do a bit of touristy stuff. A few days to relax and ponder over everything that I have learned, I am not talking about techniques as such, more what the overall experience has taught me. Before I leave I will do a big clean up of the house top to bottom, as I have said before Nemoto Sensei doesn't get on the case of his uchideshi but trusts that they will do what is expected of them, what is fair and reasonable.
I have had a great time in Iwama, practiced Saito's Bukiwaza with arguably one of the worlds best exponents, trained in O'Sensei's old dojo, with great supervision. Prayed and chanted at the Aiki-Jinja. Met some great new people, trained quite hard (my feet are pretty sore), I have some new techniques and Bukiwaza practices to take home with me. Overall despite it was a short trip only three weeks, I have learned a lot, a lot about my own motivations, and goals for my Aikido path. I am very lucky to have a supportive partner who positively encourages me to chase my dreams, and make them a reality.
He has quite a unique way of getting his point across and will grab peoples arms, hands, whatever to get them to do the technique more correctly. I have to say sometimes with absolute beginners you can say, "put your left foot there" and point one inch from the spot, and yet somehow this translates as 'put my right foot somewhere over here'. So the tactic of physically moving their body for them sometimes saves time and frustration. I remember when I trained as a very small child, I think I must have been 5-6, that the instructor had little feet shapes that he used to place on the ground to show us where our feet should go. This was only used once or twice, but as I remember it worked quite well, for small children. You could lay out a pattern, numbering and colouring them, for a technique say katatedori shihonge and get the kids to follow along. I am sure there are better ways to teach kids, and the emphasis is totally different, but its a thought.
Tomorrow I leave for Tokyo, where I will have a couple of days to do a bit of touristy stuff. A few days to relax and ponder over everything that I have learned, I am not talking about techniques as such, more what the overall experience has taught me. Before I leave I will do a big clean up of the house top to bottom, as I have said before Nemoto Sensei doesn't get on the case of his uchideshi but trusts that they will do what is expected of them, what is fair and reasonable.
I have had a great time in Iwama, practiced Saito's Bukiwaza with arguably one of the worlds best exponents, trained in O'Sensei's old dojo, with great supervision. Prayed and chanted at the Aiki-Jinja. Met some great new people, trained quite hard (my feet are pretty sore), I have some new techniques and Bukiwaza practices to take home with me. Overall despite it was a short trip only three weeks, I have learned a lot, a lot about my own motivations, and goals for my Aikido path. I am very lucky to have a supportive partner who positively encourages me to chase my dreams, and make them a reality.
Final Keiko with Nemoto Sensei
It was a the final Keiko with Nemoto Sensei. Nemoto sensei had me go through the 1st kyu grading, ikkyo-gokkyo suwariwaza, and three ways from each group: koshinage, iriminage, kokyunage, kotegaishi, ushiro, hanmi handachi, jo dori, tachi-dori, of tnken-dori. We didn't cover kaiten nage, men-nage, juji garami. Not sure if these are not on the test or whether we were running out of time.
Sensei said if it were a real test I would have needed better kiai, and to have performed the techniques more crisply and with more vigor. It was an unexpected "mock test" and I knew it wasn't a real test so challenged myself a little bit and didn't go for necessarily the easiest choices or put much ki into it. I wouldn't have passed me on the basis of my own performance.
Sensei said if it were a real test I would have needed better kiai, and to have performed the techniques more crisply and with more vigor. It was an unexpected "mock test" and I knew it wasn't a real test so challenged myself a little bit and didn't go for necessarily the easiest choices or put much ki into it. I wouldn't have passed me on the basis of my own performance.
7 Ken Suburi
7 Ken Suburi
This is me doing a little Suburi practice. I can see a few things to work on !!
This is me doing a little Suburi practice. I can see a few things to work on !!
Final Keiko with Inagaki Sensei
This evening was the last Keiko with Inagaki Sensei for the trip. Every single class that of his that I have been present at he was spent at least 5-10 mins talking about reigi and specifically proper bowing etiquette. Stressing the importance of making eye contact before, and after, not dipping the head so that peripheral vision is lost and making sure the bow is done awase, also bowing, stopping for a couple of seconds at the bottom then coming back up, he also talking about keeping the back straight, and the head in line with the back. Then he discussed from an old Aikido text book, the proper way to stand up and sit down out of seiza. Up, left foot then right foot, down, left foot then right foot.
We then continued with the theme Katate-dori Kokyu-nage. Completing the series 21-23.
21 Using kokyu to take the balance up stepping forward and use kokyu on inside elbow step forward and throw. This is the version if the nage blocks the atemi to their face
22 Step forward to atemi face, then grab lapel and pull back going down onto back knees, front knee up at right angles, hips remain forwards
23 ki no nagare, as uke steps in to grab, nage step back a draws up like a wave then projects towards nage's centre with the wrist bent forwards and the arm and hand relaxed.
After class I requested a photo and everybody was kind enough to placate me !!
We then continued with the theme Katate-dori Kokyu-nage. Completing the series 21-23.
21 Using kokyu to take the balance up stepping forward and use kokyu on inside elbow step forward and throw. This is the version if the nage blocks the atemi to their face
22 Step forward to atemi face, then grab lapel and pull back going down onto back knees, front knee up at right angles, hips remain forwards
23 ki no nagare, as uke steps in to grab, nage step back a draws up like a wave then projects towards nage's centre with the wrist bent forwards and the arm and hand relaxed.
After class I requested a photo and everybody was kind enough to placate me !!
Morning Keiko
This morning we went over the entire Jo syllabus, as well as the Ken-Tai-Jo, Sensei permitted me to bring a note book and make notes. Which will prove to be very useful. I was also able to clarify the the couple of 'missing' kumitachi-henka.
I am now quite confident that I understand the differences between Peter Sensei teaching and Nemoto Sensei's. I dont think one is right and one is wrong, I doubt it is a simple as that, especially knowing that at different times things were taught in slightly different ways. But is useful that I can now at least be clear about where the distinctions are. I am going to record myself doing the solo bukiwaza practices more out for nostalgia so that in future I can look back and see how my weapons have improved. It's hard to do because if I can see even the slightest mistake, even one foot get dragged along the floor, I will be tempted to do it again. I will have to make a good effort to do it right and be happy that, thats it, at least for now.
I am now quite confident that I understand the differences between Peter Sensei teaching and Nemoto Sensei's. I dont think one is right and one is wrong, I doubt it is a simple as that, especially knowing that at different times things were taught in slightly different ways. But is useful that I can now at least be clear about where the distinctions are. I am going to record myself doing the solo bukiwaza practices more out for nostalgia so that in future I can look back and see how my weapons have improved. It's hard to do because if I can see even the slightest mistake, even one foot get dragged along the floor, I will be tempted to do it again. I will have to make a good effort to do it right and be happy that, thats it, at least for now.
6 more Kokyu-nage
Last night at the Shibu Dojo we continued with the theme katate-dori kokyu-nage, and completed a further six variations taking the count up to 20. This series is shihonage based.
15 (shihonage based) same as basic
16 (shihonage based) arm break
17 (shihonage based) head lock
18 (shihonage based) tenkan right angle arm
19 (shihonage based) half tenkan arm break over shoulder
20 (shihonage based) reverse ikkyo nasty lock
I guess technically you could argue that some of these are actually pins and not throws so should they really be called kokyunage, perhaps not but that's semantics.
This morning Nemoto and I went over the Ken-Tai-Jo, so in effect that completes the entire weapons syllabus, which has taken about 20 days, at 1.5 hours per day, or 30 hours. It is easy to see why if you only train bukiwaza once a week it takes so long to get through the syllabus, and by the time you get back round to the beginning you have forgotten at least some of it.. Which is why I am so lucky to get the chance to come out and train intensively like this, especially one on one with one of Saito's top deshi. Which means I am one step closer to having the kumi-jo and kumi-tachi well cemented in my brain and body so that I can make the most of the training when we do cover it.
I have found that videoing myself has been a really useful way of seeing what is happening, its just as easy to criticize yourself on camera as it is to criticize somebody else. Which I definitely want to do more of, well at least until I cant see anything which I don't like, and that could take a while, which is good, because a while is all I have got. It is really useful way of seeing where you are going wrong, and picking up your own mistakes. I think that the ability to self correct is paramount to successful development. It's mostly little things, like slight hip mis-position, bad foot alignment, stuff like that, but these all add up.
It think it would be good for some of the other people back home to give it a try too, once you see yourself from a third person perspective that critical eye can be put to good use, rather than wasting it on other peoples form.
Not sure what bukiwaza we will do from now on, if I get the chance I'd like to go over the kumitachi-henka again, but will be happy to do anything. Only 6-7 more sessions to go !!! Then back to reality, the old grindstone.
15 (shihonage based) same as basic
16 (shihonage based) arm break
17 (shihonage based) head lock
18 (shihonage based) tenkan right angle arm
19 (shihonage based) half tenkan arm break over shoulder
20 (shihonage based) reverse ikkyo nasty lock
I guess technically you could argue that some of these are actually pins and not throws so should they really be called kokyunage, perhaps not but that's semantics.
This morning Nemoto and I went over the Ken-Tai-Jo, so in effect that completes the entire weapons syllabus, which has taken about 20 days, at 1.5 hours per day, or 30 hours. It is easy to see why if you only train bukiwaza once a week it takes so long to get through the syllabus, and by the time you get back round to the beginning you have forgotten at least some of it.. Which is why I am so lucky to get the chance to come out and train intensively like this, especially one on one with one of Saito's top deshi. Which means I am one step closer to having the kumi-jo and kumi-tachi well cemented in my brain and body so that I can make the most of the training when we do cover it.
I have found that videoing myself has been a really useful way of seeing what is happening, its just as easy to criticize yourself on camera as it is to criticize somebody else. Which I definitely want to do more of, well at least until I cant see anything which I don't like, and that could take a while, which is good, because a while is all I have got. It is really useful way of seeing where you are going wrong, and picking up your own mistakes. I think that the ability to self correct is paramount to successful development. It's mostly little things, like slight hip mis-position, bad foot alignment, stuff like that, but these all add up.
It think it would be good for some of the other people back home to give it a try too, once you see yourself from a third person perspective that critical eye can be put to good use, rather than wasting it on other peoples form.
Not sure what bukiwaza we will do from now on, if I get the chance I'd like to go over the kumitachi-henka again, but will be happy to do anything. Only 6-7 more sessions to go !!! Then back to reality, the old grindstone.
Fairwell Party
Last night, being my last wednesday was my fairwell party. Just Nemoto Sensei and myself were in attendance. Nemoto Sensei presented me with the certificate of attendance, which is a nice keepsake.
We chatted about some specific Aikido techniques, as well as Aikido in general. We also talked a fair bit about the political situation in Iwama, and what the future might hold for the Shibu Dojo once this generation of teachers has passed. I suggested that they could move it piece by piece to Europe, which made Sensei laugh quite a lot. Although I think that I remember hearing a story a while back when the future of the dojo looked grim, that there was actually a serious suggestion of this, made my the French I think. Sensei suggests it is likely to become a museum. Sure that the Aikikai wouldn't let that happen, although as for the Iwama techniques and Bukiwaza.
Speaking of Iwama techniques this morning we covered kumitachi henka. In total there were 20, Four for each Kumitachi, two ken-henka and two nage-henka. I attempted to write down a description of all 20 and perhaps got 15. I am crossing my fingers that we will go over it again tomorrow, or else I may ask Sensei to help me clarify them. Most of them are covered in the Saito Aiki-ken DVD but quite a few aren't. I am sure that Peter-sensei knows them all anyway, as we have covered them, and sure that we will get to that.
The only thing left on the Bukiwaza syllabus is the Ken-tai-jo then we will have covered the lot. I would say that I am getting on with all the weapons quite well really, especially for a 2nd kyu. I am under no delusion about my own standing, but compared to some of the dodgy looking attempts you seen on You-tube and the likes, even by yundsha, I'd say I am doing okay. Guess the key is keeping good company, and I am lucky here and in Aus, which is always going to help !!
The weather has really warmed up, I could almost pour the olive oil out of the jar this afternoon!!
We chatted about some specific Aikido techniques, as well as Aikido in general. We also talked a fair bit about the political situation in Iwama, and what the future might hold for the Shibu Dojo once this generation of teachers has passed. I suggested that they could move it piece by piece to Europe, which made Sensei laugh quite a lot. Although I think that I remember hearing a story a while back when the future of the dojo looked grim, that there was actually a serious suggestion of this, made my the French I think. Sensei suggests it is likely to become a museum. Sure that the Aikikai wouldn't let that happen, although as for the Iwama techniques and Bukiwaza.
Speaking of Iwama techniques this morning we covered kumitachi henka. In total there were 20, Four for each Kumitachi, two ken-henka and two nage-henka. I attempted to write down a description of all 20 and perhaps got 15. I am crossing my fingers that we will go over it again tomorrow, or else I may ask Sensei to help me clarify them. Most of them are covered in the Saito Aiki-ken DVD but quite a few aren't. I am sure that Peter-sensei knows them all anyway, as we have covered them, and sure that we will get to that.
The only thing left on the Bukiwaza syllabus is the Ken-tai-jo then we will have covered the lot. I would say that I am getting on with all the weapons quite well really, especially for a 2nd kyu. I am under no delusion about my own standing, but compared to some of the dodgy looking attempts you seen on You-tube and the likes, even by yundsha, I'd say I am doing okay. Guess the key is keeping good company, and I am lucky here and in Aus, which is always going to help !!
The weather has really warmed up, I could almost pour the olive oil out of the jar this afternoon!!
Iwama hombu style
So I had another run in with my favorite uke. This time we were practicing one of the forms of Yokomen-uchi irimi-nage. It was going well, happy smiling faces. At some point, he decided that the way I was doing the yokomen attack was incorrect, and got those angry eyes as he tried to explain how to do it correctly. "Side of the head" he said, to which I replied in my mind, "that is the side of your head", "right along that line in your skull". I know that I do yokomenuchi attack pretty well in an Iwama way, from the top of head, letting the hips do the turning, the same as yokomen-uchi with a bokken.
He continued to explain, getting more frustrated as I got confused as to what exactly how he wanted me to do it, Sensei was watching carefully. Eventually he gave up trying to explain and thought that maybe I would understand better if he had the mat tell me. I am not saying he was trying to hurt me, I doubt that, but his frustration did turn into what I would call over zealous behavior. I grabbed his back as he threw me. Later I thought it was lucky didn't grab the back of his head as it would have pulled he face right into the back of my head. I landed without a sound.
After class, I asked a couple of the deshi and they basically said he gets angry mostly with the foreigners, never the nationals. One deshi told me on their very first day he got really angry and went off at them. This placated me a little as at least it confirms that it is not just me, being a bad uke. I realize now all he wanted was a very sidewards yokomen and have me move off the line and around to the side and keep nice and loose and follow through smoothly so he could do the technique more ki-no-nagare Aiki-hombu style.
After class he came and spoke to me in the change room, asked me where I was from, how long I was staying, (I can hold down this sort of conversation in Japanese okay). Seemed to be a genuine attempt at being friendly. I think he just has a short fuse and cannot control his frustration when his training partner doesn't do it how he wants them them to. Although it is a little concerning that he only gets angry with the foreigners and couldn't really tell if he was being genuine or not, which is a shame. I always copy my senpai even if they do it in a way which is alien or seems illogical. Although as I said before, I came to Iwama for Iwama Aikido and I didn't choose to go to Hombu-dojo.
He continued to explain, getting more frustrated as I got confused as to what exactly how he wanted me to do it, Sensei was watching carefully. Eventually he gave up trying to explain and thought that maybe I would understand better if he had the mat tell me. I am not saying he was trying to hurt me, I doubt that, but his frustration did turn into what I would call over zealous behavior. I grabbed his back as he threw me. Later I thought it was lucky didn't grab the back of his head as it would have pulled he face right into the back of my head. I landed without a sound.
After class, I asked a couple of the deshi and they basically said he gets angry mostly with the foreigners, never the nationals. One deshi told me on their very first day he got really angry and went off at them. This placated me a little as at least it confirms that it is not just me, being a bad uke. I realize now all he wanted was a very sidewards yokomen and have me move off the line and around to the side and keep nice and loose and follow through smoothly so he could do the technique more ki-no-nagare Aiki-hombu style.
After class he came and spoke to me in the change room, asked me where I was from, how long I was staying, (I can hold down this sort of conversation in Japanese okay). Seemed to be a genuine attempt at being friendly. I think he just has a short fuse and cannot control his frustration when his training partner doesn't do it how he wants them them to. Although it is a little concerning that he only gets angry with the foreigners and couldn't really tell if he was being genuine or not, which is a shame. I always copy my senpai even if they do it in a way which is alien or seems illogical. Although as I said before, I came to Iwama for Iwama Aikido and I didn't choose to go to Hombu-dojo.
Kotegaishi Series
This morning Robin-Jinks came to the morning training as he normally does every tuesday, this provides a great opportunity to do some Taijitsu. So as always, got up around 4.45am, into the dark and the cold and had a cup of tea.
We practiced Kote-gaishi, in all we practiced 13 variations as follows:
1 Muna-dori (Static)
2 Muna-dori (Kihon)
3 Kosa-dori (1 - lead with the thumb)
4 Kosa-dori (2 - rotate hand out)
5 Katate-dori (Stepping across with the rear foot)
6 Kata-dori (push hand in face and punch then step back as uke steps forward)
7 Yokomen-uchi (stepping around with uke)
8 Shomen-uchi
9 Ushiro-ryokata (1 - stepping to the side, arms in the air 'banzai' then rotate)
10 Ushiro-ryokata (2 - hand on top of the head rooster style)
11 Ushiro-ryokatate (1 - normal grip)
12 Ushiro-ryokatate (2 - pulling arms together, twisting wrist out)
13 Ushiro-ryokata Ki no Nagare (move one way then then other - airplane feel)
Pretty sure that Nemoto Sensei follows a set pattern for each technique although I am sure that he knows a lot more variations. His kotegaishi is obviously very strong, he uses the hips and a fast movement at the end to throw, moving kinda diagonally backwards, to be clear of a punch in the face from uke. I also got shown a slightly different way to turn uke over which was interesting. Although I always feel this is a bit of a mute point from a martial perspective as they are already lying flat on their back with you standing over the top of them !!
We then, as usual, did 30 mins of sit ups, squats, press ups etc.. Robin made much easier work of it than he had last week. I also feel that I have also improved a great deal in such a short space of time, I even got a 'subarashi' from Nemoto Sensei when I was doing the body raises, because they were consistently so much higher than before when I could hardly even finish the reps.
We practiced Kote-gaishi, in all we practiced 13 variations as follows:
1 Muna-dori (Static)
2 Muna-dori (Kihon)
3 Kosa-dori (1 - lead with the thumb)
4 Kosa-dori (2 - rotate hand out)
5 Katate-dori (Stepping across with the rear foot)
6 Kata-dori (push hand in face and punch then step back as uke steps forward)
7 Yokomen-uchi (stepping around with uke)
8 Shomen-uchi
9 Ushiro-ryokata (1 - stepping to the side, arms in the air 'banzai' then rotate)
10 Ushiro-ryokata (2 - hand on top of the head rooster style)
11 Ushiro-ryokatate (1 - normal grip)
12 Ushiro-ryokatate (2 - pulling arms together, twisting wrist out)
13 Ushiro-ryokata Ki no Nagare (move one way then then other - airplane feel)
Pretty sure that Nemoto Sensei follows a set pattern for each technique although I am sure that he knows a lot more variations. His kotegaishi is obviously very strong, he uses the hips and a fast movement at the end to throw, moving kinda diagonally backwards, to be clear of a punch in the face from uke. I also got shown a slightly different way to turn uke over which was interesting. Although I always feel this is a bit of a mute point from a martial perspective as they are already lying flat on their back with you standing over the top of them !!
We then, as usual, did 30 mins of sit ups, squats, press ups etc.. Robin made much easier work of it than he had last week. I also feel that I have also improved a great deal in such a short space of time, I even got a 'subarashi' from Nemoto Sensei when I was doing the body raises, because they were consistently so much higher than before when I could hardly even finish the reps.
More katate dori kokyu nage
At the shibu dojo with Inagaki Sensei we continued the theme of Kokyu-nage, from katate dori, after a quick review of the previous 9 variations we then practiced a further 5.
10 Iriminage (style) pulling the shoulder back on itself grabbing their hand
11 Iriminage (style) tenkan as in the morote-dori kokyu-ho ura version
12 (Tenchi-nage style) Sweeping the leg away one handed (tenchi-nage style)
13 (Tenchi-nage style) Kokyu under chin
14 Enter turning elbow over as you tenkan, with hand at elbow no lower use kokyu to drive their head down and throw them.
I believe there are a few more to come from katate-dori, with a bit of luck we will finish the series (katate-dori) before I leave in just over a week from now.
10 Iriminage (style) pulling the shoulder back on itself grabbing their hand
11 Iriminage (style) tenkan as in the morote-dori kokyu-ho ura version
12 (Tenchi-nage style) Sweeping the leg away one handed (tenchi-nage style)
13 (Tenchi-nage style) Kokyu under chin
14 Enter turning elbow over as you tenkan, with hand at elbow no lower use kokyu to drive their head down and throw them.
I believe there are a few more to come from katate-dori, with a bit of luck we will finish the series (katate-dori) before I leave in just over a week from now.
White Rabbit
You see white rabbits quite a lot on Japanese advertising bill boards and TV adverts. Yesterday I saw a wonderful little white rabbit that somebody had made out of snow sitting outside O'Sensei's old room at the Shibu Dojo. This is also the room that the Doshu uses when he comes to visit.
This got me to wondering about the significance of the white rabbit, if there was one. I am not entirely sure that the white-rabbit and the moon rabbit are one and the same but you would have to assume that it is quite likely. The moon rabbit, or jade rabbit is a feature of many East Asian (and Meso-American) cultures. Rather than seeing the image of a man in the moon they see a Rabbit. It can be seen pounding away at a giant pestle and mortar, perhaps making the elixir of life, or making even making Moshi.
How did the Rabbit get his image on the moon?
"In the Buddhist Śaśajâtaka (Jataka Tale 316),[3] a monkey, an otter, a jackal, and a rabbit resolved to practice charity on the day of the full moon (Uposatha), believing a demonstration of great virtue would earn a great reward.
When an old man begged for food, the monkey gathered fruits from the trees and the otter collected fish, while the jackal wrongfully pilfered a lizard and a pot of milk-curd. The rabbit, who knew only how to gather grass, instead offered its own body, throwing itself into a fire the man had built. The rabbit, however, was not burnt. The old man revealed himself to be Śakra and, touched by the rabbit's virtue, drew the likeness of the rabbit on the moon for all to see. It is said the lunar image is still draped in the smoke that rose when the rabbit cast itself into the fire." (Wikipeadia)
This got me to wondering about the significance of the white rabbit, if there was one. I am not entirely sure that the white-rabbit and the moon rabbit are one and the same but you would have to assume that it is quite likely. The moon rabbit, or jade rabbit is a feature of many East Asian (and Meso-American) cultures. Rather than seeing the image of a man in the moon they see a Rabbit. It can be seen pounding away at a giant pestle and mortar, perhaps making the elixir of life, or making even making Moshi.
How did the Rabbit get his image on the moon?
"In the Buddhist Śaśajâtaka (Jataka Tale 316),[3] a monkey, an otter, a jackal, and a rabbit resolved to practice charity on the day of the full moon (Uposatha), believing a demonstration of great virtue would earn a great reward.
When an old man begged for food, the monkey gathered fruits from the trees and the otter collected fish, while the jackal wrongfully pilfered a lizard and a pot of milk-curd. The rabbit, who knew only how to gather grass, instead offered its own body, throwing itself into a fire the man had built. The rabbit, however, was not burnt. The old man revealed himself to be Śakra and, touched by the rabbit's virtue, drew the likeness of the rabbit on the moon for all to see. It is said the lunar image is still draped in the smoke that rose when the rabbit cast itself into the fire." (Wikipeadia)
Drinking Etiquette
At formal occasions the drinking etiquette in Japan seems on the surface to be incredibly polite. It is rude to fill you own glass instead you wait until somebody else offers to fill it for you, at which point you take a sip to make some room in the glass. Offer the glass out with one hand placed flat underneath. Should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation that you need your glass to be filled and nobody seems to have noticed (not all that likely), the easiest way to get attention is to offer to fill up somebody else's glass. This will inevitably lead to them offering in return to fill yours up. Feeling like you have had one too many, perhaps its time to go around the room and politely offer drinks out to people.
It seems a little rude to refuse when somebody offers. It may easily transpire that there are people offering to fill your glass up almost constantly. You could soon find yourself chugging back the drinks much quicker than you would drink if you were drinking at your own pace.
This gentleman from yesterdays event highlights the dangers lurking behind this outwardly incredibly polite drinking etiquette (note the perfectly full glass beside him, he probably never even finished off even one glass).
It seems a little rude to refuse when somebody offers. It may easily transpire that there are people offering to fill your glass up almost constantly. You could soon find yourself chugging back the drinks much quicker than you would drink if you were drinking at your own pace.
This gentleman from yesterdays event highlights the dangers lurking behind this outwardly incredibly polite drinking etiquette (note the perfectly full glass beside him, he probably never even finished off even one glass).
Party with Doshu
So today the Doshu and his entourage came to Iwama. There is always a lot of cleaning, fussing, organizing, confusion and normally descends into a little bit of chaos. It all came to together in the end. The Doshu normally comes to Iwama about once a month, not sure what if any the exact occasion of this particular visit was.
It began with some prayer recitals at the Jinja, followed by a lunch/party in the Dojo itself. Many of the guests gave short speeches prior to lunch, including the Doshu. Then lunch followed with more octopus than you could possibly eat in one sitting, although we tried. We also had sticky rice pudding, made the traditional way, of beating the crap out of it with large wooden hammers in a very large mortar.
Once the eating was essentially over, the Doshu left and then more speeches ensued, in age descending order. There is a particular formula to these occasions as I understand it. It is either a round of anecdotal/funny speeches, taking in turns to do a little dance, or taking it in turns to sing a song. Or a combination of all three.
The event finished at about 4.00pm, the after party then commenced. I decided to pass on this occasion. No training tomorrow morning, as Monday is the official day off for the Aiki-House deshi, but training at Shibu-Dojo tomorrow evening. I am about half way through my stay in Iwama. Hopefully will get through lots more Bukiwaza before I leave. Robin Jinks will come to train on tuesday morning, which will be nice as will have the chance to go through some Tai-jitsu with Nemoto Sensei. It seems to have warmed up a bit now it has snowed. Adds a bit of insulation to the roof too !!
It began with some prayer recitals at the Jinja, followed by a lunch/party in the Dojo itself. Many of the guests gave short speeches prior to lunch, including the Doshu. Then lunch followed with more octopus than you could possibly eat in one sitting, although we tried. We also had sticky rice pudding, made the traditional way, of beating the crap out of it with large wooden hammers in a very large mortar.
Once the eating was essentially over, the Doshu left and then more speeches ensued, in age descending order. There is a particular formula to these occasions as I understand it. It is either a round of anecdotal/funny speeches, taking in turns to do a little dance, or taking it in turns to sing a song. Or a combination of all three.
The event finished at about 4.00pm, the after party then commenced. I decided to pass on this occasion. No training tomorrow morning, as Monday is the official day off for the Aiki-House deshi, but training at Shibu-Dojo tomorrow evening. I am about half way through my stay in Iwama. Hopefully will get through lots more Bukiwaza before I leave. Robin Jinks will come to train on tuesday morning, which will be nice as will have the chance to go through some Tai-jitsu with Nemoto Sensei. It seems to have warmed up a bit now it has snowed. Adds a bit of insulation to the roof too !!
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