tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44689389464294344562024-03-08T03:49:07.961-08:00So, You Want To Start Aikido?The adventures and journeys of an all singing, all dancing Aikidocca, minus the all singing part.aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-74693751645829348842018-07-23T13:02:00.002-07:002018-07-23T13:02:21.970-07:00Chapter 82: Opps..I may have started somethingWow, over a year since my last post. Well I should tell you there is a very good reason for that. The IVF finally worked and we are now a family.<br />
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Obviously I took some time away from the mat. I still helped teach kids up until I was about 6 months pregnant but didn't actually train as I felt it was too much of a risk to take.<br />
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Anyway, I've been back for a few months and am slowly regaining my fitness. Boy does pregnancy change things. I've noticed although we have two new adult women who have moved from other clubs, we have not kept any girls in our kids class. We have moved to a new location and had new students join, just not girls.<br />
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I have found out, as I suspected all along that as we have a class of boisterous boys this can put some girls off. I'm well used to new girls supergluing themselves to my Gi leg, but can't help feeling that as a club we could do more to encourage and keep girls.<br />
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So speaking to other mums at various baby groups I found that many new mums find getting the time and confidence to exercise difficult. I also found that there are no martial art clubs offering ladies only classes. As a club we have been asked to provide ladies only classes in the past. But as an instructor I have shied away from providing such a class before since I felt that if Aikido was supposed to be a martial art where women can compete equally with men, then a ladies only class would defeat this principle.<br />
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However since having my wee beastie things have changed. Coming back to Aikido was extremely hard and I nearly didn't continue. It was hard as I was still recovering from some complications during birth and delivery so perhaps that was the reason. But if I felt that way - then surely other women mums or not must feel the same way?<br />
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I posted on social media for interest and I have potentially 30 ladies, some bringing sisters, others teenage daughters- all wanting to come. Well at least to my 'Come and Try' session anyway. In the past we have never generated this much interest. Maybe because I spoke as a woman and a mum and not through a club poster or flyer. Well watch this space...<br />
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<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-41327727047481823252017-04-11T13:12:00.001-07:002017-04-11T13:12:22.752-07:00Chapter 81: Owner or Custodian of a Club/Dojo? ...Does a dojo belong to a particular person?Are you an Owner or Custodian of a Club/Dojo? Does the Club belong sorely to a particular Sensei or are we as instructors whilst being in charge and run the dojo just custodians? An interesting question perhaps?<br />
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Over the last two years, I have pretty much gone from being someone who just turned up, assisted a little with new starters and trained just for me to an assistant instructor with heavy involvement in running and teaching at the Club. It has been a steep learning curve, one which whilst being hard at times has ultimately been very rewarding. I never thought that one day, 11 years down the line be the person stood on the mat saying to a terrified new beginner 'Right, shoes off, socks off let's get you started'.<br />
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But does the Club actually belong to the instructors who teach there? Yes this is my club, I belong here, I help run it, I've helped build it into a good place not only to train but to be part of a community. I feel this to be true because there are always people asking me in the changing room, corridors etc (people who I do not know who they are, not really) asking me how the club is, how training is going. And the answers I give are always positive ones. Especially about our Juniors class.<br />
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I was reading an article about the different generations a club has or goes through. It talked about the first generation teacher(s) the person or people who set it up and establish what the club principles and purposes are and the second generation who then takes up the baton when the first generation is no longer there and builds on this work. It also talked about what changes each generation may make as well.<br />
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But as an instructor is this club ours? Do we own it? Perhaps because we're the first to have had the baton passed onto, it still feels a little new. But more recently it feels that whilst we're making the club ours, in some ways maybe we're really only looking after it until the next people come along to pass the baton onto. But isn't that the point of being a club? We work together to make the club work as a whole, we train together, we work towards the future. We as instructors, along with our students, in way are like a stepping stone towards that future for the club and the art as a whole. Each one of us has our own contribution to make our club and the martial art we practise great.aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-49604610499805519072017-03-29T12:47:00.004-07:002017-03-29T12:47:37.663-07:00Chapter 80: When saying 'No' does not make you weak.... sometimes you just have to go with the flowThose of you who visit regularly here know that 4 years ago I was diagnosed with endometriosis after years of pain and illness. Since diagnosis I have been encouraged to try and conceive to help my symptoms, with no success. To cut a very long story short at the beginning of last year I had IVF treatment and right from the start I was not well at all and it ended in Ovarian Hyperstimulation (OHSS) which is a serious complication and I was hospitalised as a result. This last year has therefore been a very long year of both healing and pain.<br />
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As a result of the OHSS, it would appear that this has triggered the endometriosis to grow back - big style. So this last year has been trying to find what works for me and frankly failing at it. Due to the pain and fatigue I could not train for Aikido and could do even less for Iaido which means effectively putting gradings and seminars on hold. Oh yes, and the guilt and feeling that my club mates were leaving me behind. So I was in a vicious circle. Pain, fatigue, pain, fatigue.<br />
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But there comes a point of where you have to stop looking at what cannot be done, and working at what can. I started teaching kids Aikido again, and they now enjoy the class so much that many of them come 15-20 mins early- just to practise! And we seem to be multiplying in numbers, they bring their friends, their cousins, anyone they know in fact to class. This is great as an Aikido coach, not so great if you're a Mudan in Iaido who really really needs to practise. But we go with the flow right?<br />
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So with this in mind as I really needed help other than painkillers, I've gone back to using Prostap, so am effectively now in a medical menopause. It is helping a little, but still struggling with the pain each day. But hey, I managed 5 burpees at Aikido at the start of March and last week managed 10 (sort of, before landing in a very dignified 'splat'). So what? some would say, but that could not have happened a year ago. So we are healing, and we are accepting that this is where we are and we have to work with that.<br />
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When people hear that I'm still in the dojo, they are amazed. But I don't train for anything other than for me at the moment and it's strangely liberating in a way. I can just enjoy Aikido and Iaido for me. I can enjoy bringing other Aikidoca on. It doesn't matter that I should now be 1st Dan working towards 2nd Dan. This is me. Fighting and battling on, because that's what I'm good at.<br />
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There will be those who argue what's the point of training if you may not ever grade again? Here's the thing - any martial art is a lifelong learning journey seeking and striving for perfection. We never achieve this as we simply don't live long enough. We also never stop learning. A decision to grade or not is a personal one, and part of our own journey. For me, if I was to achieve my 1st Dan in Aikido that would be a huge achievement and not just because of ongoing health issues. Aikido has taught me so much about 'going with the flow'. So this me- doing what I do best, 'going with the flow'.<br />
<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-33210603320984733122016-02-20T13:28:00.003-08:002016-02-20T13:28:29.771-08:00Chapter 79: Student, Kohai, Senpai, Coach, Sensei - The many different roles you fulfil over time in a dojo My inspiration for this post came from reflecting on how my role at my club has changed, especially over the last year.<br />
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Two years ago, I was just a student who assisted with a little bit of administration and made sure that leaflets advertising the club were always at the front desk of the sports centre where we train. My biggest worry/concern each week was merely whether or not the endometriosis would cut me some slack this week to train followed by if the bus for once, would be on time for me to get to class.<br />
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Now what is my role? Well, I'm now usually the second highest (or at least the third highest) grade in attendance on the mat each week. That was the first change. And it was a big one. Whereas before I received direction, suddenly I had to direct lower grades. If Sensei was talking to a parent after the Juniors class, it was now suddenly my responsibility as a higher grade to start the warm up and basic drills to prepare the adults class so that we were ready for Sensei to start teaching. As a result of me having to lead, I guess I began to earn the respect of the lower grades. So much so, that I was started to be addressed as 'Senpai'. I have never insisted that I was and am to be addressed as such, just my first name is fine by me. But there are a few lower grades who wish to show me that respect, therefore I have to accept that they wish to demonstrate their respect in this way. I found this quite hard at first. I still do not feel that I have fully earned the title of 'Senpai', it is not something that sits well with me. But as the weeks have gone by, I feel that I am starting to 'grow' into the role of a Senior student. Perhaps this is the natural order of things - who knows?<br />
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The next big change was when I qualified as a coach. I skipped quite happily back to my club full of enthusiasm and positivity. But be warned, the one thing that the coaching course did not quite prepare me for was the psychological side of coaching, especially children and disruptive ones at that. But I am learning what makes each of the Junior students 'tick' about their Aikido. Some like just to be shown once and left to practice. Some like to 'walk' or 'mirror' me through a technique, then practice. Others like to have the technical aspects broken down and shown bit by bit first, then left to work on it. Every student is different. One thing that both children and adults have in common is that they like to feel that they are listened to and that their opinions as club members are valued. So I think I am getting the hang of coaching slowly but surely.<br />
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The next big change would be for me to have my own club I guess. It has been discussed. But I am not sure if that is the next step for me once I achieve 1st Dan. I still feel that I am growing in my role as a coach, and there will be a transition period of where I 'grow' into feeling comfortable as a 1st Dan. So we shall see. At the moment I am quite enjoying teaching. I might not be the one to win gold medals at the next Championships but I can coach and I do coach well. I think I have finally found my niche in Aikido.<br />
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<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-38582105076722371292016-01-03T12:22:00.000-08:002016-01-03T12:22:00.722-08:00Chapter 78: Ten Years on, How the Time Flies....<br />
So here we are - at my 10th Anniversary of starting Aikido tomorrow. My first Aikido lesson was 4th January 2006. How time flies.<br />
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What have I learnt from Aikido? How has it changed me? How has it developed me as a person? Over the last 10 years I have lost count of the number of people who exclaim in disbelief 'Martial arts - You!' Proof that you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover and that still quiet waters really do run deep.<br />
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So here are 10 things I have learnt from Aikido and martial arts in general:<br />
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<ol>
<li>The most scariest looking person on the mat is usually the nicest, gentlest person you will ever know and they are likely to become a friend for life.</li>
<li>Once you get your Gi and pass your first grading you really feel part of the club.</li>
<li>Your club mates very quickly become your second family, and most of your mobile texts and Facebook posts revolve around Aikido or whichever martial art you practice.</li>
<li>If you relax things really do hurt alot less! Yes, really!</li>
<li>You become very fit over time, but only have to have a couple of weeks away from training to feel like you're back at square one when you do return.</li>
<li>Whenever there is someone new, you look at them and wonder 'Was I that scared too?'</li>
<li>You develop muscle mass which is not accommodated by most clothing stores.</li>
<li> You can differentiate between what sort of pain is a 'Its ok, keep going but be careful' pain and that which is 'Ow! Stop Right now!' pain.</li>
<li>The best Christmas/Birthday presents are usually in the form of first aid such as muscle balms, and ice spray.</li>
<li>Nothing short of Armageddon stops you from coming to training. Even if you're injured you come to 'watch' and still end up on the mat helping some of the junior grades since they needed help and you weren't doing anything anyway. </li>
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So how has Aikido developed me as a person? Let's see:<br />
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<ol>
<li>I am now more confident at asserting myself around people</li>
<li>I am physically stronger and fitter than I was- I can nearly touch my toes!</li>
<li>I am quite good at explaining complex concepts to people - Well, Aikido can get complicated!</li>
<li>I have good awareness, well not so much about not tripping up over things - more about certain situations and how people will react.</li>
<li>I can 'scare' people with just one look. That can be quite fun at times.</li>
</ol>
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So there you have it. 10 years on, I'm a 1st Kyu and Assistant Coach. Not bad for someone who wanted to run away before she had even got through the Dojo door!</div>
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<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-15827308162515313522015-08-23T13:00:00.001-07:002015-08-23T13:00:21.315-07:00Chapter 77: It's funny how things come full circle...I was talking to two old friends today, friends who I have trained with a long time. Although we haven't trained together for a while as we've moved away to different places for work we have stayed in contact.<br />
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One of these friends was my first Senpai. I have known her for 9 years now, and my other friend for 7 years. What brought our friendship together was our Aikido training. My other friend I trained with just after we got our 3rd Kyu, and we trained together for our 2nd Kyu.<br />
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The title of this blog post is things coming full circle. Nine years on, I am now a 1st Kyu the same level as my old Senpai was when I first started Aikido. Like her, I am the Assistant Coach at the club.<br />
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What started this blog post was that we now have two new adult beginners, and also someone who has just joined us after getting their 1st Kyu. It's strange how the same things I was told and helped with by my friend, I am now telling them and helping them too. And yes, this includes the pre-requisite haul to the feet when it looks like they might be about to give up on me. I have flashbacks about what helped me, and am trying to incorporate that into my coaching. Although I'm finding being a coach quite tiring at times, its also very rewarding. I like being able to give back to the art that I've gotten so much out of.<br />
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It still feels strange to be the second highest grade some weeks. Some weeks I'm the third highest grade. I'm slowly getting used to the idea of being a Senpai, but it does feel strange to be on the other side 9 years later. It seems strange to think how that nervous beginner has grown into a 1st Kyu and Assistant Coach. Full circle, see?<br />
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<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-70970534297604743332015-06-20T15:20:00.000-07:002015-06-27T12:32:45.385-07:00Chapter 76: A tribute to a great Sensei and Friend For this post, I would like to make it as a form dedication to an old Sensei of mine, Terry. Today marks the 5th Anniversary of his passing, and I thought I would share the impact Terry-Sensei had on me and my Aikido.<br />
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I first started training at Terry's club in January 2010 when I moved to the city where I now live. Because of where I worked, the location made it difficult to get to training on time using public transport. Terry would come and give me a lift after work to make sure that I could get there. Not many Senseis would go out of their way like he did. He also had a special nickname for me - Babe.<br />
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I was also very much a Jo-girl before I met Terry, I didn't like the Bokken very much at all which is hard to believe now. He did alot of Bokken work at the club and I slowly developed a mutual respect and liking for the Bokken. He did an awful lot of work with me on ukemi as well, and didn't get exasperated when I struggled.<br />
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After a few months, we were going to training one day and Terry mentioned he was going into Hospital for a bone marrow transplant. He told me he had multiple myeloma, and that the transplant was part of the treatment. He could tell immediately that I knew what it was. As a Biomedical Scientist part of my job is to aid in diagnosis of illness, so yes I knew multiple myeloma was a type of blood cancer and that the bone marrow transplant was his best option of treatment to beat it.<br />
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He left the class with Senpai, a 1st Kyu and went into Hospital. He came out of Hospital and appeared to be doing well. He came to do a session, and I remember him asking me if I had a Jo. I said I did, and he asked me to bring it the following week and he would teach me the 31-Jo kata since I had never seen it through to completion.<br />
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That was the last time I saw him fit and well. The following week he was re-admitted to Hospital with graft versus host disease. The way to explain it is this. If I was to donate a kidney to you, you would need to take medication for the rest of your life to stop your body rejecting the kidney. In graft versus host disease, the bone marrow attacks the recipient. And there is very little that can be done.<br />
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I went to see him in Hospital where he was in good spirits despite being so poorly. I remember him telling me that he wanted me to go and train in the club where I train now. My current club has a bit of a reputation for hard training, which can put people off. I remember he said that it might be better to let Senpai and the other 1st Kyu to test the waters first so to speak because (and I quote) 'They would snap the likes of you in half like a matchstick, Babe - especially as your ukemi is not strong at the moment'. I promised him I would think about it. We then talked about my wedding preparations and where I was going on Honeymoon.<br />
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The following week, Senpai gave me a wedding card from Terry and the club. He said that Terry had specifically asked him to get it, and make sure everyone in the club signed it. Even though he was so poorly, he still remembered a small detail like that. Shortly before going on Honeymoon, I learnt he had discharged himself from Hospital because he wanted to be at home.<br />
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The day I returned home, I received the news that Terry had passed away in the early hours of the morning, Sunday 27th June 2010 at 2am. We returned to the club, but it felt empty, like it had lost its soul. We attended the funeral, which was a fitting send off. I still can't stand the hymn 'Abide with me' which was sung at his funeral. At the wake, we met my current Sensei and were invited to come and train at his club.<br />
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For a month we still couldn't decide what to do. On one hand, we wanted to keep Terry's club going, but on the other none of us had the experience coaching or admin wise to run a club. But the strange thing was, I still felt a presence there, watching us, Terry's presence. The day we decided to go and train at the other club, the presence left. It's ironic now, but on that last day when everyone was talking about if we should close the club and go to the other club I said that it didn't matter where we trained, because although no one could say where we would be in 2 years, 5 years or even 10 years so long as one of us kept training we would still keep a small part of Terry with us. 5 years later, I am the only student of Terry's left on the mat. Looking back I fully understand and appreciate why Senpai didn't feel that he could keep the club going. I am at the same level as him now, and know how he must have felt that he had some extremely large shoes to fill.<br />
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Have you ever felt that our loved ones never truly leave us even after death? At the beginning of May this year, I was still in alot of pain from the Endometriosis. I remember I was due my monthly in about 10 days but was having horrendous lower back and abdo pain. I got to Aikido early so I could stretch off. I seem to remember lying there thinking how I couldn't do this week in, week out anymore it just hurt too much. Remember how I said I felt Terry's presence when we were trying to decide what to do about our club? Well, I felt that same presence. I sat up and saw him at the side of the mat looking over the top of his glasses as if to say 'And what so you think you're doing Babe?'. I took this as a sign that I'm not meant to quit, I have to go on and get my Shodan. Because if I don't, it looks as if Terry will haunt me! And knowing him, he would too. Since then, I am finding training a little easier. I guess Terry felt I needed a bit of help.<br />
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So this post has been a dedication to Terry, who was more than just a Sensei but a great friend and mentor. Not only did he encourage me in my Aikido, he gave me a love of Bokken work and one of the reasons I am now studying and learning Iaido.<br />
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<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-49458817689790001152015-06-13T13:08:00.001-07:002015-06-13T13:08:10.861-07:00Chapter 75: Aikido, what's that? What made you start thinking about starting a martial art? Was it something your parents took you along to? Was it something a friend, family member or work colleague was doing? Was it because you wanted something specific out of it - such as self defence?<br />
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I started Aikido for two reasons; one to widen my social circle and the second was to learn some self defence. The above questions are some that I've been asking myself over the last few weeks. Not because I'm thinking of quitting - far from it, it's just that as a newly qualified coach I've been trying with little or no success to boost our kids and adults classes.<br />
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The Sports Centre where we are based, has recently been refurbished with a dedicated dojo room and brand new mats. So clearly, the venue isn't the problem. I've put posters up in the shops near to where the centre is, but not one enquiry.<br />
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The funny thing is, I get stopped in the ladies changing room and asked what martial art I do all the time - but I can't convince these ladies to walk across the corridor and into the dojo. Why? They all say I'm a nice gentle-looking soul but it still doesn't get them to come and watch, much less even try.<br />
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It's a crying shame. Aikido is a wonderful martial art for people, especially for women to do. One of our dan grades bumped into another dan grade who trains at a different club. Apparently, this club is struggling to recruit and retain new members too. So clearly, as a club, as coaches, we are not putting people off starting and coming back. But something is stopping new people from trying.<br />
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I think I got my answer a few weeks ago. A lady in the changing room was asking me about Aikido and if we had many new people, because if there were she might consider it. During class, there was a 5th Kyu, me and three dan grades on the mat. A guy who looked to be in his 20s was watching through the door, but clocked the number of dan grades and did a runner. He did come back this week with a couple of other people, but again as soon as you make eye contact, they leg it! The only answer I have is that people are intimidated by black belts, and are unsure of starting a new hobby by themselves, especially if they come by themselves.<br />
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So we've decided to start a 10 week beginner course for both kids and adults. What has generated some interest is that as a female coach, I will be sharing the teaching with a dan grade. Interest from both men and women I might add. Why? I asked a work colleague about this. The answer was that people don't want someone who stands in a corner of a mat barking orders like a drill sergeant. Apparently, a woman is less likely to behave like this. Do people really believe that a Sensei is a drill sergeant and that the role of other higher grades is to knock the snot out of the lower grades?<br />
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I've also been taking to a friend who had children about children getting black belts. They argued as a parent they wanted to see their child physically achieve something. I am of the opinion that there should be a minimum universal age to be awarded a dan grade - and I explained to my friend why. I told them the story of the origin of the black belt, that the belt becomes more blacker with dirt the longer you practise, hence the term 'black belt'. I also pointed out that many people see the black belt as the penultimate achievement but really, that it's just the start, that you pass on your knowledge and in doing so, develops your Aikido further. At the end of this conversion, my friend thanked me, having not known this before, but pointed out that as a martial art, Aikido should really promote the strengths of the art in adaptability, competition and how this develops both adults and children.<br />
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I think my friend is right. We all know of the big martial arts schools in your home town, which are able to offer gradings every couple of months. That's fine - that's the nature of their art. We cannot promise people a black belt within 2 years, we cannot offer gradings every 2-3 months, the process of learning Aikido does not allow for that. So we in a way, as a traditional art, we lose students because we cannot offer this. And we should not offer this.<br />
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As part of our beginner's course, I am planning a demo so people can see what Aikido is and how it can work for them. I also hope to teach a small amount of aikido-related self defence as well. So I've moved away from taking about gradings with people (especially parents) and have trying promoting Aikido in terms of personal development. I think this approach is working - I now have three adults wanting to start the beginner's course. I hasten to add that they are all women - I think my club will shortly be turning team pink!<br />
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aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-28497771639779936342015-02-14T12:05:00.000-08:002015-02-14T12:05:05.954-08:00Chapter 74: A New Year, A New WaySo here we are again. A lot has happened since my last post, namely I have had my 4th Laporoscopy and have recovered reasonably well. And for anyone wondering if the surgery has made me pain free- um, no. If anything the endometriosis is worse than ever.<br />
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I have returned to participating in ukemi and attempting (when pain levels permit) to train twice a week. I think I am an odd 1st Kyu preparing for Shodan, the most difficult thing I find about training at the moment is that some ukemi and some of the Koryu kata can be painful not remembering what I have to do in each technique!<br />
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Anyway, due to the fact that there are some aspects of Aikido training are nigh near impossible for me to perform at the moment - I have found a new martial practice, Iaido.<br />
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I didn't just decide to do Iaido because I am struggling with Aikido at the moment, I also have always loved the sword and Jo work I have done. My only regret is that I don't get to use my weapons in the dojo enough.<br />
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Iaido may seem a strange art to practice. One thing that was strange at first was the fact there are no opponents - it is a non contact art. But I am really enjoying Iaido, I am finding that it is feeding back into my Aikido practice and it doesn't aggravate my pelvic pain. A lot of things we do in Aikido make more sense now!<br />
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<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-47709365629658841302014-09-20T06:58:00.000-07:002014-09-20T06:58:37.089-07:00Chapter 73: Training goes up a level...and down a levelWisely or unwisely I have started training for my 1st Dan. Perhaps this is wise you may think as it is the next step after achieving 1st Kyu. But in my case I am not so sure. <br />
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The problem at the moment is training seems to be aggravating the endometriosis. I noticed at the beginning of the year that I seemed to be bleeding and in pain after training, and no, it was not at the point in the month when I expected it. I started to keep a diary of when it happened, and it seemed to be worse following ukemi. And yes, I did ask my Doctor but they didn't know why-suggesting it maybe adhesions and the endometriosis returning.<br />
<br />
So I now am not doing any large ukemi, and at the most am doing sit down backwards ukemi, but even this is giving me some problems with the pain. I am still working on kata and techniques for 1st Dan, but some weeks this is extremely painful.<br />
<br />
I am currently waiting for my 4th surgery, which is also my third in 2 years. Hopefully following this, I should have less pain and I can go back to training properly for 1st Dan. There are some weeks I do think that I am slightly insane for carrying on training, but I don't really have a choice. Exercise does, to some extent help with the pain. In all honesty, I am not even sure if this next round of surgery will reduce my pain levels enough for me to achieve 1st Dan so I am continuing on, in the hope that one day I can grade.<br />
<br />
Anyway, onto the point of this post. I knew training for 1st Dan would be hard physically, but never thought I would feel emotionally and mentally drained as well. Each week, I get some thing akin to what a Dan grade should be able to do, and at the same time I can't get a technique right that I was perfectly able to do the previous week. This week was especially difficult. Last week was bleeding week but I trained anyway. This week is usually my tired week. And yes, come training night I was shattered. What didn't help was that I had a cold and my bus isn't running properly due to roadworks so had to walk nearly 1.5 miles to the dojo from work. So I was already wanting to curl up and sleep when I got there. Then there was the pain. I was doing 1-17 with the tanto, and my hips really didn't like this kata this week! Oh well, I slept really well anyway despite my cold so there are some benefits to chronic illness causing exhaustion.<br />
<br />
My question is not why is training for 1st Dan so hard, but why is it that you can do one thing right one week and then just not get it together the next week?aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-91405055754062704482014-09-20T06:10:00.000-07:002014-09-20T06:10:11.634-07:00Chapter 72: What is the difference between a Sensei and a Senpai?Yet another strange random blog post. What is the difference between a Sensei and a Senpai? A good question I think. This is something I have been pondering over the last few weeks following a few training sessions.<br />
<br />
What started this train of thought was that one night at the beginner's class I was addressed by my name and then 'Sensei'. Perhaps I should explain that at this class I am the highest grade after Sensei, so I guess it seemed sensible by my classmate to address me as such, especially as I was helping to teach.<br />
<br />
But my first thought was 'Arrgh-No! I am not a Sensei'. I then explained that I wasn't a Sensei, but since I knew this person liked to follow etiquette I suggested Senpai instead. <br />
<br />
Again, this happened at another class the following week with another classmate (who is a lower grade than me) who was very insistent that they address me as 'Sensei'. Their point was that because I was taking the first part of the class as Sensei was talking to a parent (we had just finished the kids class before hand) I was teaching and therefore was 'Sensei' not 'Senpai'.<br />
<br />
I would just like to say that I try and encourage people to use my first name only on the mat. If they are insistent on following etiquette, I try and encourage them to use 'Senpai' but only in place of 'Sensei'.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure what to think to be honest. I try and help lower grades where ever I can, and indeed at a grading this week I had someone come and personally thank me for the help I had given them. But I am not sure if this makes me Senpai, or just a helpful higher grade.<br />
<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-23958823315607253052014-06-02T11:50:00.000-07:002014-06-02T11:50:15.700-07:00Chapter 71: Kohai to Senpai...How does this transition change your Aikido?Well it just proves how busy life gets when you realise that you haven't posted for 6 months!<br />
<br />
I think alot of my time has been spent on me to be honest. I'm training nearly every week but not for the full session yet and only doing light Ukemi. I am not being a wimp, honest! I am just following Doctor's orders regarding the certain rest period during my cycle.<br />
<br />
The decision I made in December to carry on training for my Shodan and not quit has changed me as a martial artist in some respects. The pain from the endometriosis has changed me. There are two of me on the tantami at anytime, one is the part of my mind which knows which pain and how I can push through and the other is the part which screams 'enough!'. It is a strange mindset to be in-to be aware of pain but not aware of it.<br />
<br />
The hip and pelvic pain means that I cannot move through each technique as quickly as needed. But Aikido is not about speed necessarily, but about application. Yes, you need some speed or the technique just will not work but equally just speed on its own isn't enough.<br />
<br />
So how is this linked to the blog title?<br />
<br />
Well, rather than being a lower grade, yes I know its strange a brown belt being a lower grade but my club has four Dan grades against two Kyu grades so I've never felt like a higher grade you see. Which suited me just fine. Recently a large number of red belts joined us, so I'm not a Kohai anymore. As I can't always train, I coach instead. I now take the warm up as well. So I guess I am now more Senpai than Kohai, leading by example.<br />
<br />
But what is a Senpai? And more for that matter a Kohai? What do these terms mean? If you look up the definitions of Senpai and Kohai they loosely translate as 'Senior' and 'Junior' student. So if we were to take the definitions literally, Dan grades are Senpai, Kyu grades are Kohai. Right? Not strictly true in my experience. My first Senpai was a brown belt, and I owe them alot for encouraging me to continue training when I felt like giving up. It was their voice I heard when considering to continue or not back in December.<br />
<br />
This delicate relationship is a difficult one to explain. How many people who are non-martial artists have asked you about this relationship, taking 'orders' as it were from the higher grades? This really is not true. At least not with a good Senpai. Senpai are supposed to teach and guide their Kohai, Kohai are supposed to respect their Senpai and learn everything they can. When both truely respect and learn from one another, a life long bond establishes. I am still in contact with my first Senpai even now after not training with them for four years. And yes, even though we are now the same grade, there is no way I would stand ahead in line if we ever trained together again. I respect them too much for that. This is not a 'Yes Sir, No Sir, Three bags full Sir' situation, and just following etiquette rules, I truely do not feel I should stand ahead of them.That is what respect is.<br />
<br />
So yes, being a higher grade has changed my Aikido. I am constantly aware of how I behave on the mat towards those of both a lower and higher grade then me. I take time to work each technique with each person regardless of grade. I cannot say if my Aikido is harder or softer or even improved for that matter, it is just more of the fact that I am more aware of my Aikido and how it flows and works.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-82460475956533495972013-12-13T03:35:00.002-08:002013-12-13T03:35:20.284-08:00Chapter 70: Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back into the saddle girl!So, after the optimistic last post, the title of this post is quite different by comparison.<br />
<br />
I
haven't really trained since my last grading, and haven't really trained properly due to the endometriosis pain returning. I was aware of some hip pain after
the grading in July, but was inclined to ignore it-I usually ache after training
so it wasn't anything new. <br />
<br />
To cut an extremely long story short, the general theory is that the endometriosis has returned, and I've exhausted all treatment options for the moment. Yes, I know it sucks- but its the same for any long time chronic illness. There comes a point when you simply have to accept that modern medicine can do no more.<br />
<br />
I
have been really struggling to walk and driving a manual car hurts, so for
some weeks I haven't made it even to training to even watch. Grrr. Even swimming was
hurting, never before has swimming failed me but such is the nature of
this disease. Just when you think you've got the hang of managing it, it
pulls the rug out from underneath your feet.<br />
<br />
So as you
can imagine I am getting 'cabin fever' or perhaps for want of a better
term 'mat fever'. But for the first time in 7 years of training, a few weeks ago, I was starting to question the 'Q' thought. Yes, quitting. So I decided to go back to figure out what to do. As a martial artist, you can't seem to ignore the 'call' of the dojo.<br />
<br />
Well, I think I've found my niche. Coaching. I seem to have a knack of explaining something and teaching it too! So I left the session feeling a lot happier. The next session, I was training with someone who I hadn't trained with for a while and found that watching and coaching from the mat side had improved my kata somewhat. So I was quite a happy bunny really.<br />
<br />
I also found something which convinced me I'm not doing too badly- I've shared it below:<br />
<br />
<i>'On average, every year 10,000 people start/join a martial art. Half of these people will quit in the first 6 months. Of these 5,000 people, only 1,000 will complete a year of training and then quit. 500 of these people will train for two years but only 100 of these people will see their third anniversary of training. Only 10 of these 100 people will make 1st Dan, and only 1 or 2 will achieve 2nd Dan.'</i><br />
<br />
It goes on to say:<br />
'<i>I shall teach go on to teach others what he/she has learned, for martial arts are now part of their life and they shall go on to share this life with others</i>.'<br />
<br />
Alright the English doesn't make complete sense but its a beautiful statement nevertheless. So for some weeks although I can't train, and some I can't even breakfall- I can still contribute and train through coaching... its just a different way of learning. Coaching is making me think about not just how a technique is executed but why it is executed in that way. It has allowed me to think about and adapt my Aikido so it works for me without causing too much pain. So although I might be a gimpy 1st Kyu limping about on the side lines- I can still execute a wicked set of techniques. How cool is that?<br />
<br />
<br />
aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-48487594487831553912013-07-12T10:33:00.000-07:002013-07-12T10:33:58.948-07:00Chapter 69: Drumroll please...After 4 Years and 7 months...Ta Da! I have finally, finally achieved my brown belt (1st Kyu).<br />
<br />
What made me decide to grade? I don't know really. The subject of me grading to brown was broached a few weeks ago. I normally avoid talking about gradings because I don't like them.At first, I said no, but a little voice said 'why not?' so I said yes instead. <br />
<br />
I have been doing Aikido for 7 years now. I never started Aikido to grade, it was just something that the other beginners in the club that had started with me were up for doing so I went along with them. Gradings are supposed to be 'good' for your Aikido I was told. Then after that, we all had our eyes on our yellow belts, then our orange, and so on. I never really thought about why I was grading, I was just told when there would be one and then spend many hours worrying about it until then.<br />
<br />
I remember all my gradings, probably because they became such an ordeal for me. I remember nearly being sick in the ladies before my orange belt grading, and how in the month before my green belt grading, nothing went right in training. I was never really athletic at school, I was good at long distance running, discus and table tennis. That was it. So I guess grading became important to me because I wanted to prove I could be good at something physical as well as intellectual. And yes, I know that is not what grading is supposed to be about, but when you're desperate to prove to yourself that you can do something, it becomes slightly obsessive.<br />
<br />
I remember talking to a Dan grade at a competition about grading once. I was at green belt, and was thinking about grading to blue, but wasn't sure if I was grading for the right reasons. I wasn't sure that I was 'ready'. He said that gradings shouldn't be a big thing as such, they should just be something that you're ready for. I then asked how you know when you are ready. I always remember his answer. He said to always remember that gradings are you just demostrating that you are performing at the next level, and he said that if I could do that, and not feel it was a huge ordeal, then I was ready. <br />
<br />
So, the grading. Actually, this time was different. I didn't feel nervous at all. Getting changed, as I put on 'good old blue' as I call my blue belt I noticed it was looking a little bit manky to be honest. When I first got it, it was a beautiful periwinkle blue, now it was a brownish shade of blue. Slightly ironic considering what I was about to do. I'm very fond of my blue belt, its seen alot of action. But now it was time to see if I was ready for a change.<br />
<br />
I did start feeling slightly sick when the table and chairs were being set up at the side of the mat and told myself that I was being ridiculous. Me, having had emergency surgery and further borderline major surgery last year scared of table and chairs at the side of the mat! This was what I had been working towards and training for, I was ready. No need for nerves. <br />
<br />
After that, it was nearly plain sailing. More or less everything came together at the right time, even doing left handed kata. I could almost say I quite enjoyed the grading, which is a first. There were a few things that weren't quite right, but no grading is perfect.<br />
<br />
The strange thing is, I don't feel especially excited or estactic about getting my Shokyu. Not like after getting all the others. But this one feels the most right one. Perhaps its because I graded when I was ready, and not because I felt I should.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-14449135435680155352013-06-05T13:04:00.000-07:002013-06-05T13:04:36.046-07:00Chapter 68: The art of patience and balanceRather a contrast to the title of the last blog post don't you think?<br />
<br />
So, the topic of this post is mostly patience with a mixture of balance thrown in for good measure.<br />
As a child, I was often told that patience is a virtue. I suppose I was quite stubborn as a child, and patience did not come naturally to me. It still doesn't even now, as an adult. Don't get me wrong, I am prepared to put time and effort into something, so long as I'm making progress, I just don't like the feeling of 'treading water' so to speak.<br />
<br />
No, this is not a post about my grading to brown belt, more of what the last year has taught me about what I want and in some ways more importantly, need from my training. I have always said that I never started Aikido to get the much converted Dan grade, I just wanted to learn. But this last year has taught me how much I had forgotten the reasons why I turned up each week.<br />
<br />
When I became ill through Endometriosis last year, and I couldn't train in the way I had become accustomed too, or even some weeks not train at all because of the pain I had, I began to despair of ever training properly or even grading again.<br />
<br />
So why not just quit? It could be argued that I had good reason! But I didn't. Not because I was too stubborn to admit I was struggling after surgery still, but because the enforced rest period had changed my mind set. I found that the weeks when I couldn't breakfall or manage randori, I really began to enjoy the basics of Aikido again. Because of the chronic hip pain I had as a result of the Endometriosis, I found that I had some VERY bad habits but by working on these essential basics after surgery I had a chance of ironing them out. It felt like I was achieving something. There was a point to training again.<br />
<br />
I felt a big difference this week. As part of our fitness drills we were doing 20 backwards ukemi into burpees. This time last year, I collapsed in a heap after 4. This time, I managed 12, only because my blood pressure was dropping too much, not because of the pain. But this is where the 'balance' comes in. I find that if I do too much, my body 'punishes' me so to speak the next day, but by pushing the boundaries little by little each week I am becoming me again. I am not necessarily focusing on grading soon, I just want to enjoy being me again, enjoying my Aikido.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-62242723926005060712013-03-24T11:38:00.000-07:002013-03-24T11:38:19.873-07:00Chapter 67: And...Breathe and try not to scream with frustrationThis post is in recognition of this Month (March 2013) being Endometriosis Awareness Month.<br />
Around 1.5 million women in the UK alone have this condition, including me! So please do read the following, there is an Aikido link, I promise....<br />
<br />
<br />
But before I get ahead of myself, I think I should at least try and explain what exactly endometriosis is.<br />
I think the best way of explaining it is this. All us ladies of child-bearing age have a menstrual cycle. This, as I'm sure many husbands, fathers, boyfriends and partners will agree turns the most agreeable, sweet natured woman into a hormonal screaming banshee for about a week every month. As we all know, if a woman is not pregnant, the uterus (womb) lining breaks down and she bleeds. The cycle then starts again, with the womb lining being built up again in preparation for the next month. With endometriosis, the womb lining grows outside the womb, and is found around the uterus, its ligaments, tubes and ovaries. It can also spread to grow on the bladder and bowel and rarely the lungs. As its womb lining, every month when the bleeding occurs, the endometriosis bleeds too. As there is nowhere for the blood to go, it becomes trapped, causing pain. This blood then sticks to other organs in the pelvis causing further problems. <br />
<br />
So onto the actual post, or reason why I'm posting anyway. <br />
<br />
Grrrr...there is a saying 'never count your chickens before they are hatched'. How true this is.<br />
<br />
<br />
Although I had been feeling alot better since the laporoscopy, the endometriosis pain had been creeping up on me again. I was so glad not to be in constant pain (the endometriosis I had was growing in a few places where there are alot of nerves) that I dismissed it at first, enjoying my first run of good health for a least 3 years. That was pretty stupid of me as it turns out. So I'm now back where I was a few months ago now.<br />
<br />
Since my diagnosis, I'm finding that many people haven't actually heard of Endometriosis,
and those who have, sadly are under the impression that it is 'just bad
period pain'. The most annoying thing about endometriosis is that you
have good days and bad days with it. Some days I have just too much pain
and feel too tired and wiped out to do very much, and other days, I
have too much energy. Its just the way it is. But I do wish that my
'energy days' could happen more on training days. I might have a shot at
being able to train for my 1st Kyu.<br />
<br />
I am not sure how many people there are who practise martial arts who have a chronic long term medical condition, but I am finding with Aikido at least, there is still training I can do, despite the pain and fatigue. Okay, so I can't do randori every session, but I can do basic foot and hand movements and still keep some flexibility by stretching to warm up and cool down. Oh, and breathing helps too with pain relief. I think that the adaptability of Aikido is one of my most favourite things about this art, I'm not sure that many other martial arts would be as quite so adaptable for people such as myself.<br />
<br />
So at the minute, its very basic training for me. Little or no breakfalls, with emphasis on basic movement. This might drive some people crazy, but for me, its working. The most important thing is that by doing this, training slowly and going back to basic movement, means that I'm ironing out old and bad habits. <br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading. I know that the first half was perhaps too personal and hard to read. But its important that people know how debilitating this disease can be. And awareness starts with people being willing to talk and share experience.<br />
<br />
<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-15432517567249238622013-02-02T12:57:00.000-08:002013-02-02T12:57:40.882-08:00Chapter 66: New year, New Aikilass :DOkay, I know I am about a month late with the 'New Year' bit for the title. But it seems fitting some how.<br />
<br />
I am now 12 weeks post op from my laporoscopy and feel pretty good actually, considering how ill I was 6 months ago. I wish I could say that I am now completely asymptomatic, but unfortunately I still get easily tired and still have certain monthly 'lady' issues. But for the benefit of any male readers I will stop right there.<br />
<br />
I guess since I have had the endometriosis 'growing' for so long, I am bound to still have a few problems, but these are easily managed with good pain meds and rest. Yes, rest. I do rest now. Being ill has taught that I'm not superwoman! And nor should I try to be. I should do what I can, when I can.<br />
<br />
This is the philosophy I'm currently applying to training. I'm now training for about 4 hours a week, but am careful not to overdo it at each session. The Senpai and Sensi are keeping a close eye on me, never fear! I sometimes find that because I seem to have a high pain and tiredness threshold, I can easily overdo it and these guys aren't afraid to tell me 'enough now'. This is a big help for me, enough though it may seem to an outsider that they are being overcautious, they are just looking after me. <br />
<br />
Because of this, I can now Uke for others for about 30-45 minutes. Two weeks ago, I only managed 15 minutes before collapsing in a heap. A diginifed heap, but a heap none the less. This week I managed about 30 minutes. Without breaks. So you see, I am slowly getting better all the time.<br />
<br />
I don't think I would have recovered so quickly and so well, (to the amazement of my GP) without my Aikido training. Any martial arts training condition you in certain ways. Aikido is good for you getting to know you. Thats how I know I'm recovering well. My Aikido now feels good, and strong, and I feel that it is improving all the time now I'm not in so much pain. I now feel that I've got the strenght and energy to try for my next grade. And I haven't felt like that for a long time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-67608199774659811112012-12-24T10:10:00.000-08:002012-12-24T10:10:42.140-08:00Chapter 65: Final part of the Summary of the journey so far...Of course I did go in! You really didn't think a scary entrance would put me off now<b> </b>would you?<br />
<br />
So, after 6 years or there abouts now. I have found my 'home'. I am very happy where I am. I don't think I've been more settled. I feel really part of the club as a whole, I wonder how many other people can say that?<br />
<br />
I have a Sensei who understands me and my training needs. Who took me on, warts and all. I have Senpai, who are the best I have ever trained with, and I really do mean that.<br />
<br />
We train hard, but we learn, respect and trust one another too. And thats what for me, my Aikido is about. Not getting a black belt or shiny gold medals, but having that key relationship between each and everyone who trains there.<br />
<br />
<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-13517419885325497222012-12-23T08:43:00.001-08:002012-12-23T08:43:04.876-08:00Chapter 65: Summary of the journey thus so far...(part 4)Well I hope you have enjoyed these instalments so far. Here is the fourth part.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>What makes a Senpai, a Senpai?</b><br />
<br />
This may seem like a strange sub title in the middle of a story. But it leads on from where I left off in the previous post, so please bear with me.<b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I am often asked questions about the relationship between the kyu grade and the dan grade. Not necessarily between the Sensei and the student. No, the non-martial artist usually wants to know what it is like to 'take orders' from the higher grades. I've placed that question in inverted commas because we all know that this is not true. I'm sure that I have already touched on this in a previous post. The learning and teaching in all martial arts is entirely voluntary. With no teacher, there is no club. With no members, be they 6th Dan or white belt, there is no club. We train because we want to learn and grow. End of. No 'taking orders' necessary.<br />
<br />
So, now that matter is cleared up, what exactly is a Senpai? I believe the definition of a Senpai is a higher grade who is a mentor of sorts to a lower grade. The Senpai of the club is not necessarily the highest grade on the mat after Sensei! I say this because there are higher grades who don't know how to tailor their training to meet the current needs (i.e training with injuries) of their partner. Not their fault! They just have not learnt this skill yet.<br />
<br />
These in my eyes, are not my true Senpai, not to me. They have my respect because they are the higher grade, and yes I will learn from training with them don't get me wrong. No, for me, my Senpai is someone who knows me and I know them, we trust and respect one another. From this, grows a very deep and lasting bond. Its not one you can explain, but an analogy I could use is this. You are struggling to uke or tori a particular technique. The higher grade will either throw you hard or just not breakfall. The Senpai will work with you, drag a crash mat out or walk through the technique. That's the difference. You learn not just the martial art, but trust and respect.<br />
<br />
So on with the story....<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<b>Was I mad to do this? </b><br />
<br />
So there you have it. I was travelling up to two hours in total to train at a club around 40 miles away just so I could train. With hindsight being the wonderful thing it is, maybe I should have taken up Judo or even Karate instead. But I didn't. Nor did I regret the journey I made every week (except in the snow maybe).<br />
<br />
I think after about 2-3 months, I heard that my old club had found somewhere to set up again. Admittedly, it was in a small hall out of town, in the middle of no where, slap bang in the middlish part of a very muddy field. But it was somewhere to train. <br />
<br />
I had a quite a BIG decision to make. At the time, I was just settling in at the other place and preparing for my blue belt grading. Should I say goodbye and thank you for giving me a training 'home' so to speak to my new Sensei, which seemed rude at the time or, did I say no, I like where I am to a former Senpai who had helped me so much and now needed help setting up somewhere new with lower grades? Well, in the end I trained at both regularly. Why you may ask? I suppose the reason was that I wanted to give back to my old club, but at the same time still train for myself.<br />
<br />
<b>New job, New home, Saying goodbye </b><br />
<br />
Eventually came the time for me to train to a specialist level in my profession. Sadly, this was over 100 miles away. But something I wanted to do. It was difficult leaving friends, family and a town I had grown up in, but it was my dream job, one I felt fulfilled my professional calling.<br />
<br />
So I said goodbye, leaving behind two clubs I really felt a part of. It almost felt like I'd lost part of myself. Shortly after I left, one of my former clubs had had to close. So it really felt like a chapter had closed in my life.<br />
<br />
I found a club and started training again. Perhaps a little more traditional then I was used to, but I was made to feel very welcome and soon settled in.<br />
<br />
Then came I think, the darkest point for me in my aiki journey so far. On returning from honeymoon, I learnt that our Sensei had passed away. <br />
<br />
We all had a difficult decision to make. The higher grades wanted to try and keep the club open, but with no coaching experience or insurance, we really couldn't do it. The club sadly folded. So again, for the second time for me, I was clubless.<br />
<br />
We had very kindly been invited by another club, who knew about Sensei to join them. I had to admit at this point I very nearly gave Aikido. I felt jinxed, which is utter nonsense of course, but I wanted, after 4 years of training, a dojo to call 'home' if you will. I just did not feel that joining my 5th club in 4 years was a good track record. Perhaps Aikido for me was not meant to be?<br />
<br />
About a month after Sensei's passing, we decided to give it a go. It was with some trepidation I will be honest because this club was in a rougher part of town. I remember standing at the grill at the entrance thinking two things. One- is this bullet proof? and second, could I do this all again?<br />
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<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-52070481570780399022012-12-20T15:05:00.000-08:002012-12-20T15:05:09.032-08:00Chapter 65: Summary of the journey so far continued (part 3)....<b> </b>I must apologise for leaving you on a bit of a cliff hanger at the end of the previous entry. It seemed a good point to end so that I could continue further. The next part comes during a time when I had been training for about 3 years, and had just graded to green belt when the club was forced to close. So to continue...<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Clubless-but not all is lost it would seem</b><br />
<br />
Right, there I was 4 weeks post op from my first laporoscopy (incidentally where the endometriosis was missed, but never mind), with 3 weeks to go until the next big summer school camp thing that was good to go to with no club. So, two choices- give up Aikido or find another club and train, hard.<br />
<br />
Hmm, well obviously I choose option 2. The only problem was that the club was about an hour away with traffic and so I only had about an hour and 15 minutes from finishing work, getting across town, and travelling 40 miles or so and then back again after training. Oh, yes and I also had to eat and hydrate at some point along the way. That was mad, insane even! But worth it. <br />
<br />
I remember my first session there. Funny story- I think you'll like it. Well, I bowed onto the mat, introduced myself as you do. When I recognised one person. It had been someone I had met at a course about six months previously, had thrown me particularly all morning mainly using Gedan-ate (over the knee) during ninadori. I swear I knew exactly how many roof tiles there were in the ceiling by the end of that session.<br />
<br />
I think its fair to say at this point my thought was 'Oh God no! No! Its you! To interject here, I have never liked breakfalling from Gedan-ate, presumably because its painful due to IBS and what I now know was endometriosis.<br />
<br />
Well, of course I hadn't travelled for over an hour to chicken out. Nope, I got on with it. Yeah, about 10 minutes in I must admit I wished I stayed home! I wasn't unfit, just unused to such ferocious training. I was the only woman by the way, and most of them were double my weight.<br />
<br />
Yep, took some getting used to. But after a while, we all settled down. I tried not to be too much of a whimp, they tried not to pulverise me too much. Seemed a fair deal.<br />
<br />
But it was tough. Mentally and physically. I could now see what my dad had meant by giving everything and then having to give it all again. I did feel at times, I should throw in the towel, give in, admit defeat. But I didn't. It wasn't sempai that saved my sanity this time. No, it was another female student of about the same grade. We trained together, encouraged each other and where on hand to give hugs and tissues in the changing room afterwards when sometimes it seemed all too much.<br />
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I think it was about this time that I found that not all higher grades are nice and cuddly when training with lower grades. I'm sorry if I offend anyone by saying this but its true. There are some sempai who will help you, teach you, work with you and you grow from that. And there are other higher grades who slam you so hard your teeth rattle. Please don't misunderstand me, sometimes you do need someone to be hard with you, but not all the time. Its counter productive. The lower grade avoids the higher grade because they're afraid, and the higher grade doesn't learn from their mistake. I learned here that you don't have to instill fear to gain respect or maintain discipline.<br />
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<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-35248166515212731702012-12-06T13:04:00.000-08:002012-12-09T03:04:41.623-08:00Chapter 65: Summary of my journey so far continued (part 2)....<br />
I hope you enjoyed the previous instalment, here is the next.<br />
<br />
<b>The first six months are the hardest</b><br />
<br />
My first six months of training, I think its fair to say were a baptism of fire. I remember my dad warning me that the hardest thing at first would be the etiquette, followed by the post training pain, then exhaustion, then having to give everything after you have given everything you've got.<br />
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I didn't struggle with the etiquette very much, it pretty much made sense to me-there were rules, and a hierarchy to follow. No, I think I struggled most with the muscular pain. I was used to some pain after having experienced IBS for a number of years by this stage. What I was not used to was the slow burning, deep joint aching pain that you get as a beginner. <br />
<br />
It was at this point that the sempai would step in, haul me to my feet (usually by the scruff of my neck) and encourage me to continue. One pointed out, very kindly, that she had to 'go hard' occasionally, it was no good for us beginners for everyone to be 'nice' to us all the time-we just had to 'toughen up', condition ourselves as it were.<br />
<br />
I think my poor parent's water and heating bills increased due to the amount of time I would hog the bathroom for a long hot bath post training! It was at this stage I found the muscle soak bath stuff VERY nice-in those first six months I think I went through about a bottle a week.<br />
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<b>Sempai - a friend, ally, mentor all in one!</b><br />
<br />
In the run up to my first and second gradings (white and yellow), I seem to remember that everything about Aikido, and I mean everything went out of the window. At the time, nerves seemed to just make my mind a complete blank.<br />
<br />
It might not seem a big deal, but for me it was-everyone else seemed to know what they were doing. To cap it all, one of my sempai gave me a lift home one night after training and casually mentioned that we would also be tested on our Japanese terminology as well as everything else.<br />
<br />
At this point, I was sure I was going to fail-hell, I couldn't even manage a backwards ukemi and the foot movements? Forget it!<br />
<br />
Again, the sempai stepped in. Encouraged me to practise, got the backwards and side ukemi going, tested me on japanese terminology on the way home. Why, you may ask? I don't know is the honest answer. But one thing I do know is that I won't be sat here writing this blog had they not done that for me.<br />
<br />
That is not to say they wouldn't tease me sometimes to try and bring me out of my shell! I seem to recall the very first session that I wore a Gi, we were practising sacrifice techniques. One of them, I remember pinned me to the mat after completing the throw and proceeded to 'tickle-torture' me. Even to this very day whenever I meet up with my now former sempai, I remind them of this, hee hee. (This was about 6 years ago by the way!)<br />
<br />
I also discovered my love of crash mats for practising big ukemi about the same time I got my yellow belt. Again many thanks to one of my sempai for throwing me repeatedly into them without complaining how tried their arms got! I adore crash mats, there is just something about them that releases your inner child- usually it has to be said by running across the mat and somersaulting head first into one.<br />
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<b>Blogging!</b><br />
<br />
I'm not sure about anyone else, but I always kept a kind of basic diary of training. Nothing complicated, more thoughts, feelings etc about how I was finding training. I remember showing it to my boyfriend (now husband) and he thought it was pretty good and I should do more with it.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it exactly, I only kept it as a way of documenting learning points during training. But on having a closer look, and with husband's help, I decided to make it into a blog.<br />
Why? Well, I guess I wanted to try and help other beginners the way my sempai had helped me. I wasn't interested in any financial gain, just a sense of being able to hand knowledge on, abeit in a little bit of a strange way. But I have to say, I am not one for following convention. So, this is how 'So, you want to start Aikido?' was born. Born in an afternoon, developed from a training diary that was a year old. <br />
<br />
I realise that it has now grown with me, which is an interesting point. I look at former posts and remember what made me write that particular post. Sometimes my posts develop not necessarily from mat experience or from a particular class but more often they come from conversations that happen in changing rooms, off the mat, and even travelling back home. So I guess whilst its not a blog for beginners per say unless they read from chapter 1, I think it demonstrates how Aikido has developed me as person.<br />
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<b>Sempai, Sensei</b><br />
<br />
Just shortly after I became a yellow belt, my sempai decided to open their own club. I went along, to see what they were doing, more out of curiosity really, but also because their club location and training times were more convenient for me with work and study commitments.<br />
<br />
I really loved that club. I learnt such a great deal from there. No doubt you're possibly wondering whether it was hard for me to accept my former sempai as my Sensei. Yes and no is the answer to that.<br />
Yes I suppose, a little bit at times, because they did have to be occasionally hard, mainly because we were in a way friends off the mat and they had to maintain discipline. But to be honest, mainly no. They enjoyed teaching, and I enjoyed learning-so it was a good balance really you see. <br />
<br />
Sadly after eighteen months, the hall condemned the mats we were using (they had lots of holes and were really old) and so, the club had to fold. I think its fair to say we felt bereft- we looked everywhere for places to train, but to no avail. It looked like our club had to close permanently.<br />
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<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-15648584574968896842012-12-06T11:56:00.001-08:002012-12-06T13:50:30.915-08:00Chapter 65: A summary of the journey thus so far....The inspiration for this post only came to me today, and I hope you enjoy it. I hope you're sitting nice and comfortably, and here goes..<br />
<br />
This morning I was reviewing some of my older blog posts especially those I had written about three to four years ago. I have to say, I quite enjoyed the trip down memory lane- remembering all of those I have trained with in the past, everything I have learnt from them- some still living who I see occasionally and one person who sadly isn't. Therefore, this post is a tribute if you like to everyone I've trained with and learned from thus so far.<br />
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I was looking at the dates of some of these posts, and realised (with some surprise!) that my blog is about 5 years old. So, this post is in recognition of that, because I'm still not quite sure how I've managed to survive this long! I think I will subtitle this particular post as I go along since it probably will be a long one.<br />
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<b>How did it all begin?</b><br />
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I guess my interest in martial arts started when I was about 5-6 years old at the height of the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtle craze. My dad had done Judo as a child, so I was always asking him about it- what he did, what he learned. Eventually he taught me to punch and strangely enough how to judo roll in our hallway at home (although that one didn't work out so well, sorry dad!) But I never learned martial arts as a child, I don't know why. Perhaps it was cost?<br />
<br />
Anyway, fast-forward 13 years. I'm now working full-time, most of my friends are away at university and whilst we still meet up during holidays, its not the same as our days at college. So, yeah I guess I was bit lonely. I'm sure I've already mentioned this earlier, but attacks were becoming more common on women in our town, even taking place in reasonably well-lit areas during early evenings.Well, at this point I decided I wanted to do something, rather than just wait to be a 'victim' as it were. So, I started looking for self-defence courses of which of course, there were none. <br />
<br />
Then one night, after dinner, I remember reading the local paper (I think I was procrastinating from writing a report for uni at the time). My dad then casually mentioned about Aikido, he'd heard it was a good martial art for women to do, and I should turn to the sports page at the back. And there on the second to last page was a picture of a local club, with a phone number and details for new members to join.<br />
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I could say at this point, that the rest is history, and it is- but what a history!<br />
<br />
<b>The first six months-the hardest to get though they say</b><br />
<br />
I remember my first session very well.<br />
<br />
The
club was outside of town, about 15 minutes away. So I set off, feeling
extremely sick, having hadn't convinced my friend to come with me even
just to watch, wondering what to expect. I found my way eventually and
did what many new people do on their first visit to a sports hall cum
dojo, look through the door before deciding to run away very quickly
before any dan grades spot them. Unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough
and found myself being coaxed in.<br />
<br />
About 10 minutes
later, after being asked to remove socks and shoes I was instructed in
the way to enter and leave the dojo and also how to go onto to and leave the
mat. Wow, my brain still hurts now to think about that etiquette talk! Over the years, I've discovered<b> </b>different clubs have different rules regarding what is expected in terms of etiquette. At this one, you waited to be 'bowed on' and 'bowed off' by the Sensei onto the mat, and if he wasn't on the mat, the next highest grade after him. It could get quite complicated considering there was about 5 dan grades, and you had to remember where they came in the line-up to catch the right person's eye to 'bow on'.<br />
<br />
Thew...at this point I have decided to share a story about minding your P's and Q's when training with experienced dan grades. I remember one night that Sensei wasn't on the mat already to bow us on. Instead, there were three experienced dan grades already on the mat, two with their backs to us, chatting. Well, the thing is is that one of these was known as Big G (an affectionate term honestly) who always wore a Hakama, (and I mean ALWAYS) and out of the three was technically the higher grade. He taught weapons, and was always happy to teach us poor saps (sorry, beginners). You would learn alot from him, but equally would not be able to move for three days afterwards. But he was brilliant, and so we three beginners had a healthy respect for him because of that.<br />
<br />
Remember how I said it had to be the HIGHEST dan grade after Sensi who 'bowed' people on? The youngest dan out of the three saw we were waiting and bowed us on. At this point such was the etiquette instilled in us that we all at first refused (politely). It had to be Big G, no one else. He pointed out it would be him in bother not us so we bowed in return. I'm still to this day not exactly sure what happened next, but I swear there is no way Big G could have known we were about to step on-he had his back to us! We had literally put one toe, and I mean one toe on the mat when he turned around and demanded to know who had let us on. Talk about Zanshin! We all jumped backwards as if electrocuted and unfortunately ratted out the dan who had tried 'bowing' us on at this point. Big G bowed us on, and proceeded to 'have a word' with the other dan who had made the etiquette faux par. I think it safe to say we stayed out of his way that night. Not out of fear, but out of a very healthy deep respect for him, after all, we were technically in the wrong.<br />
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So yes, I had a healthy respect for the higher grades who trained there. Not instilled through fear but more through them being willing to teach and help us. One in particular would do their best to help me with ukemi, because goodness knows I needed all the help I could get.<br />
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Wow, this is a long post- I think I'll leave it there for the moment. I hope you've enjoyed it- I'll put the next instalment up soon.aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-84901848583363393592012-11-18T13:49:00.000-08:002012-11-18T13:49:07.739-08:00Chapter 64: The countdown to the return to the tatami has begun!Okay, this is not a post about Aikido per say...but more of what I'm doing to prepare to return to training after about 4-5 months of very little or no training at all.<br />
<br />
Well its been a bit of a rollercoaster of a year, but the surgery to remove the endometriosis went well. I feel a lot better, but still have along way to go yet! Not to sound wimpish or anything, but it still hurts (a bit, anyway) which is normal, I guess- after all I have had my insides cut up and mashed about.<br />
<br />
So, onto the aikido link....<br />
<br />
I want to go back like THIS week, not in five weeks time (<i>sulks, stamps feet</i>). Hmmm, a much recurring theme this impatient streak of mine, need to work on that a bit me thinks. And yes, I know what you're thinking 'Are you mad woman? You've had two lots of surgery and want to go back immediately!<br />
Guess this shows a little bit of a sadist tendency, but if you've ever been off the mat for a while, you'll know exactly how I'm feeling right now (think of a caged tiger crossed with a bear who has a sore head and you've got it in one)<br />
<br />
I have a 'return to training' plan (mentally anyway), since I have not done any ukemi for about five months, my plan is to start completely from the beginning, as a beginner would- and hopefully this will allow me to finally nail that forward roll! I also plan on getting back into the pool in a couple of weeks- I'm sure all the swimming I did before the operation has helped in my stomach muscles knitting together fairly quickly.<br />
<br />
I guess I could take it easy, but I don't really want to. I feel a lot better than I have in a long time.But at the same time, I do have to be sensible, I don't want to go back to square one again. It's very tempting to go back this coming week though....<br />
<br />
It's hard to really know what draws us to the dojo regardless of what martial art you practise. It certainly isn't the bruises, cuts, or shoulder dislocations! There is a beautiful attraction about the tatami (especially if its empty) that sort of draws you in, like a magnet and whispers to you 'go on, do it!' Or maybe its just me.<br />
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<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-25740372881499369592012-10-19T14:12:00.000-07:002012-10-19T14:12:32.437-07:00Chapter 63: The reciprocation of Kata...its a very beautiful thingIsn't performing Kata a beautiful thing? It's through learning and practising Kata, that free play develops, and as free play develops, the martial artist develops too.<br />
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Perhaps a strange introductory sentence, but since I'm not fully training properly at the moment, my mind does tend to wander off on such tangents. And yes you did read that right, I'm back training, in a fashion anyway.<br />
<br />
What started this train of thought was that I am currently banned both medically and also by Sensei <i>not</i> to do any Ukemi unless I have to. Its in my best interests whilst the endometriosis is still active because basically, if I fall badly, that may trigger further bleeding, and it also hurts too much anyway. So frankly, I don't really mind, but I miss it. Again you read that right, the girl who hates Ukemi, misses doing it, even though there is a very valid reason for her not to be doing many breakfalls at the moment.<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough waffle!<br />
<br />
I ended up reflecting on the roles of both Tori and Uke, not as it being one person does the technique and the other is thrown...but more of when you swap over and assume the opposite role. As I can't fully Uke at the moment, I'm finding that the technique doesn't feel fully complete, and that there is something missing. Yes, I can give verbal feedback on being taken to the point of balance, but the last couple of weeks have really taught me the value of ukemi when training with someone.<br />
<br />
I was always given to think that the main reason for ukemi was to practise safely. Well, yes it is- but maybe the underlying reason is that Tori can see that the technique works. If Uke remains on their feet, the technique is not correct. So perharps ukemi and tapping out is Uke saying 'yes this works'.<br />
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<br />aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468938946429434456.post-70566949847186433812012-09-20T12:33:00.000-07:002012-09-20T12:33:53.573-07:00Chapter 62: Training is on hold for the moment.....Yes, you read that right- aikilass is off the mat!<br />
<br />
To summarise very briefly, I've not been well for a while and was finding training difficult. About two months ago, I ended up being admitted urgently to hospital. After investigative surgery, it turns out all my problems are due to Endometriosis. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I have to go for more surgery to remove it, but should be ok for a while after that :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">So what's the Aikido link? Well, I thought I would share with you a little story whilst I was both on the ward and waiting to be knocked out for surgery. When the pain was bad, and I was two hours away from the next round of pain relief I attempted to practise deep breathing- actually worked a little to relieve some of the pain! Anyway, as I was saying when the medical staff were hooking me up to monitoring equipment ready to go for the surgery, I thought since the monitors measured my oxygen sats, pulse and BP I would see what the deep breathing we do does to your heart rate. It actually lowers it by 10 beats per minute! Thats really cool :) Anyway, I had to stop it, as I think I was scaring the scrub nurses at one point. No, I'm not a good patient I'm afraid. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Anyway, whilst I'm off the mat, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">my club mates have been a great rock of support. they've visited, texted, phoned, emailed- it all helps. I really miss it :( but hopefully I'll be back before Christmas.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Thanks guys, don't know what I'd do without you! The people we meet through martial arts are some of the greatest you'll ever know :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>aikilass2006http://www.blogger.com/profile/01307379920336409870noreply@blogger.com0