Ikeda Semianr Yesterday

So I went to see Ikeda Sensei yesterday and had a pretty decent time. He didnt do too many techniques, but did do alot of teaching on how to take someones center. It was a little advanced for alot of the junior ranked people. But overall was somewhat beneficial.

The last class of the day was taught by Colin Smith Sensei from Bermuda Aikikai and was, As always, AMAZING. Very powerful Aikido. He did different openings including shome, and Katatori. If your ever around when Sensei Smith is teaching at a seminar it would be a great investment if you went to see him...!

At the end of the seminar my friend Kenny and Myself received our Shodan certificates..!! Woot-Woot...

Tomorrow..!!

Heading to ASNJ tomorrow for the Ikeda Sensei Seminar. It will be a good seminar not only because of Ikeda sensei. But also Colin Smith Sensei from Bermuda Aikikai will be making a guest appearance. That means I will be seeing some of my Bermudian friends also.

I'm really looking forward to seeing Ikeda Sensei's Koshinage and Iriminage. Some pretty amazing stuff and it would be great if he showed us some of those techniques.

So until tomorrow night, Peace out.

Bonsai Trees

So on top of all the other crazy stuff I do I decided to take up the hobby of collecting Bonsai trees. The good thing is I really dont have to spend money on it cause I can work around and take my specimens. Currently I have two, one's a juniper that was taken from my property. The second is also a juniper I purchased and cut it down and placed in a Bonsai training pot. Just to let everyone know im an extreme newbie. So most of my experience is coming from Bonsai forums and Bonsai websites. Ill post some pictures soon of my two specimens.

Update..

So whats new in the Aikido world and me. In December 2009 I passed my Shodan test and now have rank. Currently waiting on my certificate from Japan and my Yudansha book to come. The test went pretty well it was just the aftermath that irked me a little. As we had some falling out with my teacher due to the in-efficiencies of a few of the people who tested with me and my teacher decided to take it out on all of us. Of course he felt the need to take us into a room and be-little us like we were school children. But he apologized later on and now were off on a new start.

Training is still going well. I split up my time between Aikido Schools of NJ and Aikido of Red Bank. I've been attending alot of the weapons classes at Aikido of Red Bank. Due to alot of exposure to the Jo. Which is roughly a 4-5 ft staff and usually made out of a soft/hard wood like white oak or hickory. Aikido of Red Bank follows the Sugano sensei philosophy of Boken which is very nice and effective, and when your in a small class of more advanced people you really get to train.

Both my Boken and Jo are Applacian Hickory and hand made with no sand paper. Meaning they are made with files and rasps, so you can really feel the grooves and fit nicely into your hands.
They were made at Kingfisher woodworks and were a little costly. But you pay for what you get especially in nicely made wood weapons. If you feel a need to check them out theyre over here:
http://kingfisherwoodworks.com/
Mines in the hand cut section and are an Iwama brand.

Update..

Sorry..!!

Ok so I havent posted anything in a bit and im sorry. Just so much stuff going on Im going to try this again. Wish me luck..!!!