So how are all the walking wounded today?

[Trek420]

Went to the dojo, class starts with a 15 minute warm up which is mostly yoga. I can hardly move, I'm so stiff, so little range of motion, this can't go on, got to do something. More yoga, more stretching.

Then training itself started, Saturday is weapons (sword, jo, tanto) which gives me a chance to relaxe and breath. I know that's an odd thought that it's relaxing to have someone go at ya' with a sword but .... after so many years it's just how it feels.

I'm starting to warm up, feel a little better.

We start doing variations on technique and I'm working with a beginner. He's gotta sword, I've got one too, he takes a slice at me, I step aside and .... throw then pin him with his sword.

Now I've got his and my weapon and him pinned on the mat or should.

A word about the weapon these are practice swords, heavy, thick, made of solid Japanese oak. Not the narrow lithe slice of metal you may imagine.

Stepping aside - no problem, throw - no problem, pin - no big deal but I have teeny tiny mousey paws so grasping both weapons during the pin is not working as shown by our instructor. So I have to come up with a variation which will work for my mousey paws.

I've got it figured out when newby guy criticizes me for doing something different on the pin. Now I'll take the helpful hint on the mat from anyone but did I mention that he's a beginner and I'm working towards my Sandan (that's 3rd degree black belt. In other words I'm the senior Nidan, 2nd degree in our school)

Bill hears this and corrects him subtly but publicly, as part of the class. I think it goes over newbys head.

So I'm more motivated than ever to recover and train now. In the loving, non violent, peaceful spirit of protecting all things that is the art of Aikido ..... I'll have to show him why I'm a Nidan and he isn't .... yet

... and why you don't critique your Sempei (senior students) without their ok, nor do you diss women students senior or otherwise.

That .... and my black belt is getting a little tight