2021年8月3日火曜日

Aiki Olympics


Usually at this time of the year we hold our all day shochu geiko (summer training). However, due to the circumstances it didn`t seem like a good idea to have 80 to 100 sweaty people in one building up close grabbing and throwing each other for the whole day (unless you are hosting the Olympics :)






It has been a year and a half without any aikido events whatsoever. The kids miss their friends, miss the camaraderie, miss the connection that aikido brings.



We decided to have a mini joint seminar, only 18 people, yellow belts and up, from any of the Meiryukan clubs, students only.

Just one hour and 15 minutes of focused training, followed by 30 minutes of activities.
The kids were all fairly advanced so we started with kihon dosa with a partner. Which will be required for when they become junior-high students and graduate to the general aikido class.

Next into techniques, katate mochi tai henko kokyunage, katate mochi kokyunage, katate mochi shihonage, shihonage →kotegaeshi renzoku

Many of the kids have done shomen uchi jiyu waza, but for most it was their first attempt at katate mochi. Great practice for their uke as well.

The brown belts and up enjoyed playing around with a few oyowaza / renzoku waza. Some new artillery for their jiyu waza arsenal.



At the end of training we had a few random pairs come up and show their new techniques within some jiyuwaza.

It has been awhile since they have been put under the light and pressured to perform in front of anyone. They were nervous, but did awesome!

Hopefully sometime soon, on a bigger stage...

After a short water break, which was definitely needed in this hot, humid weather, we went into our Aiki Olympics.

3 groups of 6 competed in team activities, some related to aikido and others just for fun. Although difficult to see the smiles through these masks, the happiness in their eyes was undeniable.

Before we knew it the 2 hours was over and it was time to say goodbye. Although just a short time and only a few of our friends, it was at least something to cheer them up and keep them motivated.

Thanks again to the parents for their continuous support. See everyone again back at our usual dojo.

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