2021 Meiryukan joint tests/seminar

This post is a couple of weeks late, but better late than never.

On Saturday, June 26th we held our annual Yoshinkan Aikido Meiryukan joint tests and special Ando shihan seminar at the Kasukabe city budokan.

The dojo was open from 12pm for warming up. Rehearsal at 12:45, then we got started at 1:15.

A total of 4 kids tested in front of Ando sensei. 1 for shodan, and the other 3 for nidan. The kids were as genki as ever and did an awesome job!

As anyone would be testing in front of Ando sensei, a little nervous and stiff, however, their basis were spot on and jiyuwaza crisp and dynamic.

Congratulations to all 4!

Next up shokyu. All 3 of them from the Meiryukan Saitama club, and all 3 of them tested for 2nd kyu. 

A few mistakes during the random basic technique section. Lack of concentration or maybe lack of training??

It should go without saying but, remembering the techniques is just the starting point...

There were 2 people who tested for adult shodan. Both have improved, but still a long way to go. 

The form was there, but not the intent. For a blackbelt test, there should be meaning behind the movements, and more importantly, an understanding of the techniques.

To the left is a picture of 76 year old shodan gokakusha Tanabe-san.

Tanabe-san joined the Meiryukan Noda club in 2014. At least 2 classes a week, sometimes more. From the hot and humid summer days to the frosty winter mornings. No excuses, no special senior service, no complaints.

Congratulations! Well deserved!

Finished the tests off with 2 for 2dan, and 1 for 3dan. All 3 of them have really picked up the pace and been working hard the last few months.

Unfortunately 3 months is not enough time to smooth off those rough edges. Especially when the focus is on the wrong places. Lets not forget the "Aiki" in Aikido.

More uke and more jiyuwaza...

After some thorough feedback from Ando sensei on the tests, we went right into our special seminar. The focus was on proper flow of techniques. We have to first understand how to move as uke in order to be shite. The techniques were - tai no henko ichi, katate mochi sokumen iriminage ichi, katate mochi nikajo osae ichi.

Thanks to Ando sensei for making the time to come out to Saitama. Thanks to the Meiryukan instructors for the full day of teamwork. Thanks to the all the students and their families for their effort and support.