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RE: what do you do?

pete — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 07:53:33 GMT

As my wife has been known to say:

"It could be worse, your butt could fall off."

As an absolute beginner, I find that roughly every other class is pretty shaky. I like that. I may become discouraged during those classes, but I appreciate them in hindsight. To quote a horribly cliche' shall-not-be-named-here movie, "There are no problems, only challenges."

RE: what do you do?

faemorpheus — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 20:56:53 GMT

Adam,

I wasn't there, but I understand what you are talking about. I've had many instances of it myself. I've barely held back tears on the mat many times. And i have lost my cool a few times. It happens. Especially when you love the art. Try to brush it off. Take a deep breath, and let it go. It probably won't be your last "bad day", but they get a little easier each time.

RE: what do you do?

dangerwit — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 16:11:36 GMT

Sorry Adam, it will happen again and again. And I promise, there's no need to apologize for your learning curve, everyone's is different. Take solace knowing you are NOT special in this case, it affects everyone.

That said, be patient, you'll get it only when you're ready. Then it'll *click* and you'll never forget it. Of course, your chances of getting it to click greatly increase with the more classes you attend... *ahem*

*Phil

(BTW, I'm teasing. No. Really.)

RE: what do you do?

abzmt — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 11:55:19 GMT

Thanks Sensei.

For some reason it just wasn't clicking Friday and it got to me.

thanks for the words of encouragement

Adam

RE: what do you do?

Onikoroshi — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 11:20:16 GMT

Adam,

Everyone has good days and bad days. You will get to the point where your "bad days" look like what your "good days" used to. And you really won't even know it.

I've said it many, many times before. "If Aikido were easy, everyone would do it."

That being said; I know what you are feeling, I had the same issue with my ukemi back in the day. Turning on a dime, requires you to stay relaxed while taking ukemi. It's definitely a learned response and doesn't happen overnight.

There is a big difference in being able to receive a technique, and being able to take a technique being done to you.

RE: what do you do?

Tristan — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 09:48:53 GMT

You bet, buddy! Anytime...

RE: what do you do?

abzmt — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 09:25:25 GMT

Thanks T.

Adam

RE: what do you do?

Tristan — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 08:53:56 GMT

Firstly, I was not put off - not even remotely. You kept your humor about you even in the face of what was obviously a block. Sometimes the brain just won't accept what you would like it to (and especially when you would like it to).

It seems even worse in instances when you think 'this should be no big deal, what is my problem?' or 'I've done this before, why can't I do it now?'. All I can say is that you will win the battle in time (probably no time at all). Let loose and relax, and fall back on your love of the art. Let go of the feeling that you need to get something down that very minute. I've discovered that leads to forcing things, which we know produces the worst results.

Intense focus ruins the light touch that aikido movements require and flaws your perception. Not that you don't know all this, Adam, because you do. I've fallen into the same trap of trying to force my way through a movement and I believe everyone who practices aikido has done the same. In fact, I feel myself standing right in front of that trap every single time I attend class. We're all human and I expect we will be there to help each other out of those traps on a regular basis.

what do you do?

abzmt — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 08:16:06 GMT

Those who attended the Friday night class in Burnsville probably all ready know this but I was having a bad night. nothing seemed to work. My techniques seemed "forced" I just couldn't relax and for some reason breakfalls really sucked! I mean normally I can breakfall OK not great but OK but Friday man I just couldn't do it. I've had bad nights before and normally just chalk it up to an off night, shrug it off and remember I have many many years to figure it out. But for some reason Friday I just lost it. First I want to apologize to the group if I hindered anyone's training (Tristan in particular Sorry dude!) Second, Has anyone had one of those days? and what did you do while it was happening during class to nip it in the bud. I'm past it now. I actually was over it about later that night after I had a Beer and some quiet reflection. I just don't want it to happen again. Any suggestions?

Adam