Sensei Experimenting Tuesday.

I was informed a couple of days ago that I will be taking compulsory leave from my one big client over the Festive season. The result is that I have to pull long hours to make up for the lost time since I don’t get paid if I don’t work. I got home late and barely fell asleep on the couch before I needed to jump up and get dressed.

I got to the Dojo a bit earlier and went through my sword kata. I focused on my foot work and practiced how to sheath the sword right. By the time class started only a few students arrived. We were about five so I was Sempai. One of the senseis drilled us a bit with some push-ups and bicycle crunches followed by some leg raises. I was already sweating by the time I took the stretches and I decided to keep the pressure on and by the end of the stretches I was dripping like an old tap.

The Sensei said that we will be doing an experiment with him in preparation for the Grading. It was seventh kyu takedowns with a bid of a twist. We were ordered to block a strike of his choice to the inside or outside, also of his choice, with the minimum of two strikes to the opponent followed by a takedown of his choice. We impressed him as we went through the motions. I felt good and well rounded.

He told us that the Grading will have a couple of twists. We will need to think a little out of the box. This weekend’s training will be very interesting indeed. Be ready. Be motivated and Be excited...

Embrace the shadows.