Lens Cap Was Off At Least

I was going to film this morning's class for our upcoming aikido video.
I had everything set up and ready to go, but I failed the test! After
you set it up, you need to push the little red button, or so they say.
So it was a dry run for next week. Still, assuming we were being taped
was kind of distracting until the end of class. Tomorrow night we have
a special class, as Sensei's friend Stan from MA is going to be in town,
as will Jason also. Matt will be the camera guy for this production.
Maybe I should mention the little red button. Ahem.

A good class. Occasionally I do something pretty well. My ukemi still
feels pretty goofy at times however. It is nice though to have Danny, a
brand new beginner, to give me perspective, as I generally consider
myself the new guy.

Long Time No Post!

I was reminded today that occasionally people actually read this thing,
and I haven't posted in long time!

I haven't been to class since last Friday, and fortunately will have the
chance to go tonight, which should be much better than the AM classes
energy-wise. I actually went out for a run Monday, so I'm not a total
vegetable, but let's just say I'm not in my 20's anymore.

Memorable from this past week.. Josh taught both classes last Weds. and
Fri. AM. Sensei usually stops by during class. I often feel on the
spot when he looks on from the edge of the mat. Like: YOU ARE BEING
WATCHED! That kind of feeling. Then when he leaves I say to myself:
"Whew, OK I can screw up now." It's not as if he is intimidating, just
that my lack of confidence in my technique becomes tangible. If I feel
like I know exactly what I'm doing, my feeling is the same no matter who
is watching, but if I'm at all hesitant or unsure, there is an obvious
tension when I'm under the watchful eye.

At the end of class I practiced ju waza (any technique) from ryotetori
(two on two hand grab). It was fun working with Dan, but I didn't have
it together. We'll see how it goes tonight.