I was already a seasoned uke when Chino sensei came and asked me to demonstrate with him. I’d participated in tens of performances and had plenty of experience with a wide range of instructors, some of whom held higher rank than him, were more aggressive and stronger. Seemingly, I had no reason for concern besides …
Facing Godzilla – Part Two of Sensei Jekyll and Sensei Hyde Read More »
Less than an hour after I spoke with Payet sensei he came into the Sho-Dojo and asked me to follow him. “Where to, Sensei?” “You’re having a private conversation with Chino sensei.” Without further explanation he motioned me to follow. I jumped to my feet and walked behind him past the office, my heart …
A Lesson In Salt And Pepper – Part 2 of The Confrontational Instructor Read More »
Payet sensei raised his eyes from his meal as I entered the kitchen. He studied my troubled expression for a moment, nodded when I bowed to him, then returned to his food. He had no way of knowing what troubled me on that fateful day since I had never discussed the topic with him. Even …
Crystal Clear Path – Part Three of Total Disaster Read More »
I didn’t find David’s words as amusing as he did. But they did cause the idea to arise that perhaps, just perhaps, I was wasting my time trying to comprehend Kancho’s aikido by walking in Chida’s steps, that maybe there was a more suitable path that I should take. Naturally, the best course of action …
I was so preoccupied with the position of my elbows that I could hardly think of anything else. It was most frustrating to realize that placing them in the center line of my body was a gigantic task. The main obstacle was the tightness in my shoulders, a serious lack of flexibility that kept dragging …
In the Name of the Center – Part Four Of Total Disaster Read More »
“What’s up?” Tessa sighed as she lay on the futon and watched me pacing the narrow space of our room, four steps from one tin wall to the other. “You’re driving me insane!” she said but I ignored her warning and continued walking, stepping over her legs with every second step. “Final warning!” she said …
Fungus and Chopsticks – Part Five of Total Disaster Read More »
Something bizarre and wonderful occurred during the morning session with the kokusai senshusei (‘foreign instructor course’). There was nothing to indicate that anything out of the ordinary was about to happen. It was just another day at the dojo. I was standing at attention, observing Jacques Payet sensei, the foreign head instructor, as he demonstrated …
Teaching Myself – Sixth and final part of Total Disaster Read More »
I sat on the roof of the guesthouse and took a sip from the beer bottle, deep in thoughts over the upcoming training session and demonstration with Chino sensei. Technically, I had no doubt in my mind that I was more than ready for him. I was in great physical shape and there was nothing …
Winning with Ukemi – Part Three Of Sensei Jekyll and Sensei Hyde Read More »
ברוכים הבאים לוורדפרס. זה הפוסט הראשון באתר. ניתן למחוק או לערוך אותו, ולהתחיל לכתוב.
