Sunday, 4 February 2007

Chapter 3: The first grading…the be all or end all of my sanity

I did have doubts about my suitability for this art, particularly in the run –up to my first grading. I mean, all my techniques went to complete pot; all the terminology and principles of Aikido just disappeared. You know, I felt a bit like David being fed to the lions, that it was an impossible feat, me actually doing my first grading! In front of the whole club! But I got up there (heaven knows how- I was shaking like a leaf) and I did it! I actually graded! I was a bit sorry to go home really.
One of the most amazing things about Aikido is the way it can take one scrawny person and change them into something that’s well, interesting, like they can take on the whole world, at least that’s how I felt after my first grading to white belt-a bit like walking on air out of the dojo.

3 comments:

Scott Zrubek said...

Congratulations! In my two demonstrations I've felt my techniques have disappeared. Thankfully, in my dojo, the demonstration sees to be icing. They've pretty much determined that you deserve the belt but they want to make you sweat for it.

During my last demonstration, for sankyu, I was told that I didn't breathe during my first seven techniques. I might pass out next time if I'm not careful.

Scott Sorley said...
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
Scott Sorley said...

Great post - applies to all martial arts but beautifully sums it up.

Found a link to your post at OZcombat

sorry about deleting the previous comment - I hate typos :)