Tonight I got to do jiyu-waza for the first time. The term translates to "free expression," and is facing an attack when you don't know which one it will be. (For our levels, they are limited to one of four.) I've participated as the attacker in these scenarios, but kind of dreaded being the one standing in the circle. I worried that I'd lock up ( Read more... )

Tested tonight for my fifth kyu, second orange belt. First test with a weapons component, so I got to demonstrate the 22-count jo (short staff) kata. I was swinging wildly between "you got this" and "oh my god I can't" right up until I started the test. Towards the end there was a lot of heavy breathing, and not the sexy kind, but I managed to ( Read more... )

Today was a day that rolled along more or less smoothly. I got things done in a competent manner, problems were resolved, tickets were purchased, and I am full of relief ( Read more... )

Took my bike over to a local volunteer spare parts/repair place and they're going to be on the lookout for a new rear wheel. Fingers crossed ( Read more... )

My LJ account has run out of paid time, and I think I'll just let it sit like this for a while. But it's weird how much I already miss my big list of icons. When I was over at Diaryland, the format didn't include icons, and I had no idea how addictive the blasted things are ( Read more... )

Have just passed my 7th kyu test. I knew three other people were testing with me, and assumed that we'd all start off together, but nope, I was up there all alone, nerve-wracked and panting like a tiny steam engine going up a hill. However, I got through it with some blips but nothing terrible, and no passing out or vomiting on the nice clean mats ( Read more... )

For my own benefit. I was going to put up youtube videos for each of these, but can't find good ones for most of them - the videos all seem to be the more advanced level takes on each technique, some of them involving more dramatic breakfalls ( Read more... )

Sensei says I can start prepping for my first test, which, once passed, will let me stay for the second class. Most importantly, it means that I can start weapons work. (Old sensei snorted a bit at this, every sensai having his or her Right Way To Do Things that sometimes overlap and sometimes do not. Old sensai was what you might call Weapons ( Read more... )

I have bruises on both forearms - faint, but visible, just about two shades darker than my skin, which is still hanging on tenaciously to the remains of whatever tan I picked up this summer. They don't really hurt unless I lean on them by accident, or unless I bump them into the frame of a door as I walk through - something I do frequently because ( Read more... )

Open Mat at aikido tonight and tomorrow! Know what that means? 31 count Jo Kata, bitches! Woo!