WEEK 2 (part 2 of 4)
By now, we knew everyone living at the dojo fairly well. We were more confident about what to expect this week, in terms of aikido training. It was still exciting to learn so much and to train with so many different people! Much of this week was spent learning 4th kyu techniques (what Amjith and I need to know for our next belt test). David, a fellow kenshusei member, had already been preparing for his 4th kyu test and was gracious enough to teach us everything we needed to know! Thanks David! During the weekend, Lori (Ray's fiancee) and Duy (Ray's friend) drove all the way up from Texas to pay Ray a surprise visit! This was a fun weekend! |
| Image courtesy of Toyoda Sensei |
On July 11th, Toyoda Sensei took Ray, Lori, Duy, Amjith, and me out for a night in the city. We ate really good food (can't remember what it's called, or the name of the place, if you guys do, let me know!). We also found some Great White beer just for Duy! After food, we went to the Velvet Lounge for some upscale, hand-made mixed drinks and pleasant conversation. Actually, this is the moment that shaped the rest of my kenshusei training.
I asked Toyoda Sensei, "How do you become such a good nage?"
His response, "Become a good uke."
I thought to myself, "I can do that!"
From that moment, I had a new goal.
The remainder of week 2 consisted of a regular aikido training schedule. For a more detailed account of the aikido techniques we learned, please visit David's kenshusei blog.
I did learn yonkyo this week. To quote Ray, it was "excruciatingly fun!" (Though Ray was actually referring to zazen, I find this quote can be applied to many things during kenshusei.) Here is the proof of my diligent yonkyo practice! Well, you know, in this case, also being a diligent yonkyo uke.
We're off to see Anand and Abi! It's July 17th, and Amjith is going back to Utah on the 18th. We rented a car and went to visit them. We stopped by Dunkin Donuts where Amjith was extremely happy with his coffee and doughnut breakfast. We spent a wonderfully relaxing and entertaining day with Anand, Abi, Padhu, and Padhu's grandmother. We felt a bit silly when we constantly had to ask them to turn down the A/C because we were used to living in 80-90 degree weather, and 70 was just too cold! We enjoyed delicious homemade Indian food (I ate the same amount in one meal there than I've been eating in a single day), games, and relaxed in the jacuzzi. Ah, my muscles loved me then!
A few shout outs:
Dale. Oh how he loved his ice cream! This seemed to be his nightly ritual. Dale was like a little brother to me after Amjith left and I needed someone to talk to.
David found a couple of flutes in the basement. We had a good time playing around with them for a while, or whenever we felt musically inclined!
A shout out to Laura for being the first to realize my need for some girl time (all of the kenshusei students were boys), having lots of fun hanging out, and also, eternally grateful for letting me ride your bike! Paige, you know you are my girl - I've got your back, and I know you've got mine! Shimako, you're the sweetest girl I've ever met, I'm not the least bit surprised your specialty is making sweets! Cathrine, we hung out more as the month wore on. You have a great personality and I love those kokyunages where you throw me to the edges of the mat! Chris, you always made me laugh, isn't that was life is all about? I'll also never forget you being the "rolly-polly" at game night and the "ostrich-walk" at Cathrine's bbq! I'll miss all of you, and everyone else I haven't mentioned here - I do hope our paths cross again!
I asked Toyoda Sensei, "How do you become such a good nage?"
His response, "Become a good uke."
I thought to myself, "I can do that!"
From that moment, I had a new goal.
After more fun and entertainment, we got back to the dojo around 4 or 5am. Ray, Duy, and I decided to go up on the roof and enjoy the night a little longer. In our semi-sober state, we sat and talked, and watched the early morning crowd. As a small tribute to Ray, I must say that once I got to know him a little, he struck me as a wonderful human being. He had patience, was humble, and cared for others. I wish him and his fiancee all of the best. I also remember Ray as the one who taught me how to properly fold a hakama. Thank you Ray!
The remainder of week 2 consisted of a regular aikido training schedule. For a more detailed account of the aikido techniques we learned, please visit David's kenshusei blog.
I did learn yonkyo this week. To quote Ray, it was "excruciatingly fun!" (Though Ray was actually referring to zazen, I find this quote can be applied to many things during kenshusei.) Here is the proof of my diligent yonkyo practice! Well, you know, in this case, also being a diligent yonkyo uke.
We're off to see Anand and Abi! It's July 17th, and Amjith is going back to Utah on the 18th. We rented a car and went to visit them. We stopped by Dunkin Donuts where Amjith was extremely happy with his coffee and doughnut breakfast. We spent a wonderfully relaxing and entertaining day with Anand, Abi, Padhu, and Padhu's grandmother. We felt a bit silly when we constantly had to ask them to turn down the A/C because we were used to living in 80-90 degree weather, and 70 was just too cold! We enjoyed delicious homemade Indian food (I ate the same amount in one meal there than I've been eating in a single day), games, and relaxed in the jacuzzi. Ah, my muscles loved me then!
 |
| Group picture courtesy of Anand |
A few shout outs:
Dale. Oh how he loved his ice cream! This seemed to be his nightly ritual. Dale was like a little brother to me after Amjith left and I needed someone to talk to.
David found a couple of flutes in the basement. We had a good time playing around with them for a while, or whenever we felt musically inclined!
A shout out to Laura for being the first to realize my need for some girl time (all of the kenshusei students were boys), having lots of fun hanging out, and also, eternally grateful for letting me ride your bike! Paige, you know you are my girl - I've got your back, and I know you've got mine! Shimako, you're the sweetest girl I've ever met, I'm not the least bit surprised your specialty is making sweets! Cathrine, we hung out more as the month wore on. You have a great personality and I love those kokyunages where you throw me to the edges of the mat! Chris, you always made me laugh, isn't that was life is all about? I'll also never forget you being the "rolly-polly" at game night and the "ostrich-walk" at Cathrine's bbq! I'll miss all of you, and everyone else I haven't mentioned here - I do hope our paths cross again!
 |
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This marked the halfway point. Week 2 had passed by so quickly! Will the next two weeks go by just as fast? In addition, Amjith was planning on leaving the next day, so my pillar of strength was going to leave and I felt that I had to face the remainder of kenshusei alone.
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