I had missed the past week of aikido due to Carrie’s MRI and homework, so tonight I had a little catching up to do. We learned a new technique to defend against a knifehand to the head. Basically you just continue them on their slightly spinning journey, right to the ground. When we switched partners I got to train with one of the female black belts. I felt the difference immediately. My aikido was very much improved by her aikido. I tried to match her pace, and she could quickly correct major errors, like using muscle, or keeping my elbow up. It was really excellent.
We also worked on the kotagaeshi technique against a wrist grab. Once again, when I switched partners, I got a black belt, Jeremy (I think). Since we’ve done this one quite a bit I was able to just go with it, and not think too much. I still had to work out kinks at first, but then I just blended. It felt really nice! He corrected a few things, pointed out some ways to improve my technique, and for the first time I think I really felt that flow. I’m sure in time this will be easier to attain, but it was very pleasant to taste aikido’s grace.
We also received a short lesson on the difference between aikido and karate. In karate, you show your power. In aikido, the power is hidden. Everything is smooth and soft, so the person does not realize they are being attacked until the technique has already occurred. That makes them less apt to resist the technique, making it more effective. And in the end, hidden power is more effective. Well, that’s my opinion based on limited experience. I learn so many new things each week, philosophically and physically. I really love aikido.
