Aikido Training

Hello all,
Well I was able to get in some serious training this week. Single classes on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Then for a special treat traveled into NY to hit NY Aikikai for a double class on Wednesday.

Saturday brought joy to my heart as Sensei Rick Stickles presented us with our Yudansha books, and went on to say how respecting the Aikido lineage is the true way of Budo. Honoring your teacher, is honoring the lineage.

Sunday, Joseph our Deshi taught a great and spirited class. He called me up to take Ukemi three times and proceeded to throw me accross the mat in every direction. Which of course I loved..!!
The techniques were from a shomenuchi attack, and nage stepped in and did an ikkyo opening. Stepped off the line into different attacks from there. It was new for me so it took me a few minutes to get my bearing. But once I picked it up, it was very powerful.. Again, go Joseph..!!

Tuesday was Joseph again and taught something totally different. I can always expect a great class with him. Hes very versatile and loves to teach new and exciting things... You can see he really loves to teach and his movements are very fluid..

Wednesday, NY Aikikai..!! My friend Kenny who works in our head office in NYC was looking to take some sort of martial art. He knew I was doing Aikido for a few years and really liked it and asked for my opinion on the art. So of course from a highly biased opinion I explained why Aikido was my choice of martial art. He liked what I had to say and said he wouldnt mind trying it. So I pointed him in the direction of NY Aikikai, and he joined the following week and has been training the for over eight months. He has never been happier, takes classes everyday.. Just loves having something fun to do. But now he has been asking me for months to come down and train with him. Spend some time training there so he can show me everything he has learned. So I did..!
The first class I took that day was taught by Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei. This gentleman is 72 years old and moves like a twenty something. He is amazing and powerful. We did attacks from Ryotetori for the whole class, and this was after his 4 minute warmup which consisted of breathing exercises. The class was fast paced and fun.
Next up, Douglas Firestone Sensei. Another very good teacher, just not up there in age. I have taken classes and seminars with him before and he never ceases to amaze me. Sensei Firestones stuff is really good, he is similar to my Sensei.
Thursday, back to my school for the intermediate/advanced class at ASNJ. It seemed like Sensei had four espressos and was on fire last night. Everything was from Morotetori attack, and moved fast. Of course I paired up with the higher ranked people so I could catch another beating. But it was a fantastic class, and im feeling it. I never knew your organs could be sore like you muscles. I somewhat feel like im eighty years old and should be walking with a cane.
If I had to give an opinion on how I trained this week, it would have to be awesome-ly..!!
 Overall I feel great..!! Just need some sleep...