Monday Night at the Dojo 12/18

Aikidokas: Randy, Martin, Oliver, Sheila, and Kim.

Ukemi: Not bad. Didn't do the tumbleweed rolls. Took some big falls and landed not-so-hot on one rightside. Made my calf muscle tense up somehow. Stretched it out and experienced no aftereffects.

The Walk: nothing unusual.

Releases: Worked with Oliver.

Techniques: Worked with Oliver. Did 3 sets of 1-10 with Sensei Raymond watching and critiquing. I may be testing for Sankyu on Wednesday! :0

Gedan-ate: Propel uke off-balance with the off-hand above your head, not just above your shoulder. Return to neutral posture before moving away from uke.

Ushiro-ate: I'm getting the entry well, I think. I'm not "hooking" uke with the acting hand on his should. That need to improve.

Oshi-taoshi and Ude-gaeshi: Make certain uke's hand is in a vertical line with his elbow before you push the elbow through his ear.

Ude-hineri: Small steps. Get out of uke's way in a hurry so he doesn't fall onto your shin.

Hiki-taoshi: Small steps. Hand position before the throw. Make certain your off hand is able to handle uke's friends if necessary. Don't have it trapped by the acting hand.

Waki-gatame: Operate at your shoulder level, no higher.

Aftermath: I was beat. Mentally and physically tired. Going back tonight for more run-throughs with Oliver.