Snag Thursday

With the last official training session of the year approaching, I felt a pang of regret that I let the year slip by me so fast. Looking back at just how much I have accomplished by dedicating myself to NinjaSA, I almost felt like not going to class would afford me more time to reflect, but I quickly moved these silly thoughts from my head as I got into my uniform.

It was raining again and I stood outside for a bit to look at how the thunder stroke across the twilight sky. I felt at peace with myself as I saw the trees waved many thanks to the cool rain. The last couple of days have been scorching. The class was small and only the true diehards were in attendance. The Sensei laughed at me when I told him it was a tough choice between him and the couch and told me I would have failed the grading had I not come...

We agreed that we were going to just focus on questions for the grading and correct techniques where necessary. My friend felt very comfortable with his level so I grabbed my weapons and started swinging the jo. All went well so I went over to the Tonfa. I was hoping to free style the moves, but the Sensei told me to use this grip and that grip and do it this way and that way. I was thankful that he finally had some critique for me, I was starting to feel a bit left out. I watched and listened intently, taking each move and making it my own.

By the end of the class, I felt no different about my ability to grade successfully. I am ready, but one last training session tonight will make all the difference...

Embrace the shadow