This seminar was a great opportunity to learn so many aikido teaching principles. We had a great group of senseis! There are many memorable moments, and I thought I'd take a moment to write down a few of them. I hope you enjoy!
1. Listen like you're hearing this for the first time.
2. Listen like this is the last time I'll say it.
3. Listen like I'm talking to you, personally.
Isn't this great, on so many levels? 1. Even if I've learned a technique before, if I open my mind while learning it, I'll be able to observe and practice without bias. Sometimes different can be good. Who says that the way you do it is the best? 2. If I listen as if it's the last time I'll hear such valuable information, I would pay so much more attention. 3. Nakayama sensei said that when you're talking to a group of people, everyone thinks you are talking to the person next to them. Stop that and pay attention, you're a part of the group. :)
Kevin MacBeth sensei gave us the helpful tip for smoothing out our rolls. It's called "rapid fire rolls." You do 1 roll, tenkan, do another roll, tenkan, do another roll, etc. You're doing it right if you end up doing every roll on one spot of the mat. If you do 10+ sets of these every class, you're rolls will soon be very smooth!
Ken MacBeth sensei taught us the importance of order. He gave inexperienced aikidokas an opportunity to do impromptu demos and teach the class. I had no order in mind, and I got stuck repeating one technique over and over again during my demo. Soon afterwards, we created a mental list of techniques we would be prepared to execute at anytime. Then we practiced those techniques - it really helps with executing a wider variety of techniques. So have a list of ordered techniques, and when you're comfortable with those, create a second list of ordered techniques, and so on.
Dyer sensei reminded us about the importance of breathing. We did one exercise where we did techniques while focusing on our breath - some did so audibly, understanding the importance of this exercise. One technique we worked on in particular was the shomenuchi ikkyo. She taught us the "window wiper" movement, which really helped with my technique - no more fighting the shomenuchi attack!
Katz sensei quoted John Damien sensei when he said something along the lines of "When your partner is hard, be soft. When you partner is soft, be softer." Even though I've heard this saying numerous times, it finally only sank in that day. I stopped grabbing so hard, and focused on my center to provide all the energy I needed.
Kevin Kalahar sensei - Along the same lines of being soft, we practiced being a "weeble." This consisted of the uke being relaxed and connected enough to realize when the uke accidentally (or purposefully) gives the uke an opening, and then taking advantage of the opportunity by regaining balance. This is a recipe for a very interactive and varied practice for both uke and nage.
Toyoda sensei - We should learn and teach as much as we can, but be weary of spoon-feeding your students. Students should be encouraged to figure out things for themselves. This way, they are not completely dependent on senseis for their progress, and things they figure out for themselves mean more and are remembered better. Teachers, teach, but don't overteach; students, go out and practice on your own! :)
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