tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36018012011-09-28T13:28:37.336-05:00LizardCrossing-- At high velocityLizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.comBlogger1441100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1122268106439507882005-07-25T00:08:00.000-05:002005-07-25T00:08:26.443-05:00

And the real reason we're doing all this.. My brother Jason and his baby Lucas-- 7 days to go!

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1122267991151028762005-07-25T00:06:00.000-05:002005-07-25T00:06:31.156-05:00

The backyard-- landscaping in progress.

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1122267917506352352005-07-25T00:05:00.000-05:002005-07-25T00:05:17.510-05:00

Demolition in the kitchen. It's getting better...sort of :)

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1122267812750461192005-07-25T00:03:00.000-05:002005-07-25T00:03:32.756-05:00

My brother the handy man-- poster child for Ridgid tools. Hurray for Home Depot

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1122267712424501212005-07-25T00:01:00.000-05:002005-07-25T00:01:52.476-05:00

the finished deck yay

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1122179807449393192005-07-23T23:36:00.000-05:002005-07-24T12:20:07.210-05:00

Today started my pre-vacation hiatus from work-- a four day weekend. Huzzah! I started my day off the best way possible: 2 hours of aikido first thing in the morning. Was a good class. Strange dynamics though-- our Sensei was at the dojo on his regular "day off" and he wasn't teaching. I felt sorry for our yudansha instructors who were teaching while Sensei was practicing. LOL I actually got to

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1122049418534485912005-07-22T11:08:00.000-05:002005-07-23T23:36:12.186-05:00

I've been remiss in posting.. I don't think I've posted the last 4 classes. O_OTesting is less than a month away, so most of the classes have been geared towards 5th and 4th kyu techniques and preparation.Sensei taught Thursday night Ushiro tekubitori//W/Bob. We practiced the static version-- swinging up and turning your hips then cutting down to get into ai hanmi. Just the opening. Sensei came

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1121136991779808072005-07-11T21:24:00.000-05:002005-07-11T21:56:31.786-05:00

Or "Maybe I should have stayed in bed" O_o Someone requested suwari waza (kneeling techniques) Saturday morning, and I think if my dojomates find out who it was, there might be a riot. Thank goodness class is an hour each on the weekends :) Charly Sensei taught.Shomenuchi iriminage (*groans* it's always iriminage in the morning..heh)W/Paul. Who I've decided is a blast to train with after several

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1120797668314903532005-07-07T22:51:00.000-05:002005-07-07T23:41:08.323-05:00

sometimes it's nice to have a class focused on basics. (A nice change after Tuesday's insanity... O_o) I got to class a little early tonight, and Sensei stopped me walking in. "what's your name again?" *rolls eyes* ^_^ "I think today it's Liz" "So when's testing?" He asked. "I don't know-- isn't this your dojo? I thought you were supposed to know these things" (Sometimes I get a little cheeky

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1120667248704052612005-07-06T10:35:00.000-05:002005-07-06T11:27:28.720-05:00

Beginner's class my foot! :)Sensei taught last night. We had a really quick, quiet warm-up, and I realized Sensei was in "serious mode" Shomenuchi iriminage (backstretch then ukemi) W/Jerry. I was not really high energy last night, probably due to the migraine recovery. I didn't feel bad, I just could have done without iriminage. O_o Not a whole lot to note except we spent alot of time on this

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1120597647291016792005-07-05T15:54:00.000-05:002005-07-05T16:07:27.296-05:00

Class was pretty somber Saturday for the memorial. My Sensei was a longtime student of Tohei Sensei, who also made frequent visits to our dojo before he passed away. Sensei talked a little about Tohei Sensei at the beginning of class- mainly his history and experiences with Aikido and with O'Sensei. It was a very nice class. Sensei demonstrated a technique and then would stop practice to talk

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1120198488792268042005-07-01T00:30:00.000-05:002005-07-01T01:14:48.800-05:00

Sensei was noticibly absent tonight, so Charley and Scott B. taught class. First class-- Charley Sensei. Morotetori kokyunage (omote & ura)W/Klara. Swing up while stepping behind uke then swing down while turning your hips toward uke. For some reason I love this one. It seems so graceful. :) Ura was basically the same only slide in, pivot to face the same direction as uke, tenkan and cut down

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1120113230685176072005-06-30T01:21:00.000-05:002005-06-30T01:52:00.330-05:00

So I missed class over the weekend. *grins sheepishly* Tuesday was a good class. I almost thought about cornering Sensei to throw me a few times just to get the ukemi withdrawls out of my system.. lolBob Sensei taught. Katatetori shihonage (backstretch/ukemi-- omote & ura)W/Jerry. Somehow I think my shihonage improved. It wasn't as akward as it usually is. I asked my partner if I was wrenching

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1119851851630402372005-06-27T00:48:00.000-05:002005-06-27T00:57:31.636-05:00

My brother was in the initial invasion in Iraq, and he is preparing to return again at the end of the year. He posted this open letter to a forum, and he also emailed it to the family. I cannot express my feelings after reading this... I'm angry, sad, scared. My brother has always been invicible, and I have a hard time imagining him feeling this way. He has given much to his country, and I'm am

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1119585859689945642005-06-23T22:35:00.000-05:002005-06-23T23:04:19.696-05:00

After a long week with inventory, it was really nice to get back to the dojo. While warming up, Sensei sat down next Klara and I and asked how many hours we had. aha! I knew I couldn't evade the testing question indefinitely. I told him I didn't honestly know how many hours I had. He grinned and said he'd be counting up my time, reminding me testing was in August. O_oIt was a fun class tonight.

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1119499869235554972005-06-22T22:55:00.000-05:002005-06-22T23:11:09.240-05:00

I've been so caught up at work with inventory preparation, that I failed to post Saturday and Sunday's classes. It's pointless for me to try and remember what we did in class, so I'm going to skip it. Truthfully, Saturday and Sunday were tough classes. I stayed for second class Saturday, and first class Sunday was mostly advanced (eek!) It seems though that suddenly Sensei expects me to stay for

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1119040208267434372005-06-17T15:06:00.000-05:002005-06-17T15:30:08.273-05:00

I missed Tuesday as I wasn't feeling very well, so was having serious ukemi withdrawls.. ^_^Bob Sensei Taught...katatetori ai hanmi//iriminage (backstretch/ukemi)W/David...who seems to be getting more comfortable and confident in his training. We always have fun on the mat. Had some minor Sensei intervention for my partner's ukemi. He demonstrated a few times on me as well-- he told David that as

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1118620229930679702005-06-12T18:37:00.000-05:002005-06-12T18:50:29.936-05:00

UGH. I didn't want to get up this morning (what's new?)Bob Sensei taught//Same attack entire class--shomenuchi, but starting statically from the initial swing up where you are in ai hanmi and your arms are meeting-- uke and nage pressing against each other. iriminage (backstretch/ukemi)W/Scott H. He gave me a lot of helpful pointers, and he also reminded me to give commited attacks. (we

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1118549166952106482005-06-11T22:29:00.000-05:002005-06-11T23:06:06.956-05:00

Class this morning was relatively small for a Saturday morning. Usually most of the women who practice come on the weekends, but today the only girls were myself, Klara and Bindi. Scott B. Sensei taught first class...Attack of the morning? Morotetori. For some reason, I love this attack. :)Scott Sensei spent a little bit of time explaining the proper way to attack morotetori. He said that uke

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1118462822899490642005-06-10T22:47:00.000-05:002005-06-10T23:07:02.906-05:00

disclaimer: Anything you read is just random BS. When I can't sort my thoughts out, I write. You've been warned.***begin random streams of consciousness***It's funny how life can change drastically in a very short period of time. When I met Jason, I was changing jobs, working 80 hours a week. I lived at home. Around that same time, I met my best friend, Shaun. (who had been a friend for a long

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1118388357556795952005-06-10T02:08:00.000-05:002005-06-10T02:25:57.563-05:00

...I cannot be held responsible for any spelling and/or grammatical errors in the following post. I'm completely exhausted, and should probably be asleep. Class tonight..Sensei was noticably absent-- as were all the typical instructors, yudansha...etc..Apparently he met ron (brown belt) at class tonight but said he was sick, so Ron taught class tonight. I would wager he's not taught the adult

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1118324557421565282005-06-09T08:05:00.000-05:002005-06-09T08:42:37.430-05:00

In light of recent events, aikido is probably what's going to help me maintain my sanity. :)Bob Sensei taught. Katatetori//kokyunage backstretch/ukemi (omote)W/Pete. iriminage W/Pete. My partner was an older gentleman, and he's pretty stiff, so this was pretty difficult. We did alright, but he caught his toe on his gi pants, causing him to take a fall mid-technique. Sensei came over and in good

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1118101589234534462005-06-06T18:36:00.000-05:002005-06-06T18:46:29.240-05:00

July 31st will be my 5 year anniversary with Jason. We've been through alot together, and I always knew we'd be okay. We'd watch everyone around us fighting, and we were happy that somehow we'd escaped that. Neither of us had ever been in a serious relationship prior to each other, and we both considered ourselves lucky to have escaped the typical heartaches associated with love.Today, that ended

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1117994164296425722005-06-05T12:41:00.000-05:002005-06-05T12:56:04.300-05:00

But I managed to wake up this morning anyway and stagger to class. Bob Sensei taught this morning. Katatetori// kokyunage (backstretch then ukemi) W/5th kyu. I was so stiff this morning, that it was really hard to fall. I was also tired due to lack of sleep, so I was low energy.Next Sensei demonstrated a technique (he didn't name it..grr) I've done it once before. Swing up and cut down, bringing

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1117776197521990492005-06-02T23:20:00.000-05:002005-06-03T00:23:17.526-05:00

Bob Sensei was sick tonight, so Charlie taught first class and Steve taught second. Got there in time to stretch out. Was a large class for a Thursday, but I was the only woman O_o Ron asked me tonight how I liked having the dressing room to myself. hehClass with Charlie...katatetori//kokyunage (omote--backstretch and then ukemi)w/4th kyu. CHarlie Sensei reminded me that as uke, I should turn my

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1117696764696231632005-06-02T02:01:00.000-05:002005-06-02T02:19:24.700-05:00

Yeah, it's been a long day. We had an operations audit this morning, which I was unable to make it to due to vehicle situations. I closed tonight, and we didn't get the hell out of there until 1-ish. Yesterday was pretty much the same. Work 9-6, aikido from 6:45-9:00p then back to work until 12:30a. We did a lot of katatetori attacks last night. iriminage (direct entry) shihonageshihonage

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1117166720832566432005-05-26T22:35:00.000-05:002005-05-26T23:05:20.840-05:00

Okay, so not my best aikido night, admittedly. It was a small class, which inevitably means Liz=Sensei target. Let's see...Katatetori//kokyunage backstretch (omote & ura)Technique I can't really name... nage swings up, bending uke's elbow back like shihonage while stepping through and swinging up with the other hand ala iriminage. Tenchinage (omote & ura)This was fun. I usually struggle with the

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1117004052029119562005-05-25T01:35:00.000-05:002005-05-25T01:54:12.033-05:00

I'm beat.Lots of kokyunage. In fact, class was almost all kokyunage during the first half of class. For some reason I'm drawing a blank tonight. Two techniques starting from katatetori ai hanmi... iriminage (direct entry--no tenkan)kotegaeshiW/MarkUshiro tekubitori kokyunage-- two different ways.W/MikeUshiro tekubitori//Ikkyo (omote & ura)Jujinage-- shiny and new! :) W/KlarakokyudosaW/KlaraAfter

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116919516337090592005-05-24T02:04:00.000-05:002005-05-24T02:25:16.343-05:00

Recently I jumped on the ipod bandwagon. Since I've got yet another case of liz-no-sleepyitis, here's the "favorites" playlist//Play That Funky Music White boy-- Wild CherryLet's Get it On-- Marvin GayeCarwash-- Rolls RoyceDon't Leave Me This Way-- Thelma HoustonGet On Up-- James BrownKung Fu Fighting-- Carl DouglasMeet John Contantine-- Brian Tyler (Contantine soundtrack)Brick House--

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116787982457782162005-05-22T13:19:00.000-05:002005-05-23T10:16:20.483-05:00

I couldn't sleep last night. I hate insomnia. For some strange reason, I felt the urge to paint-- I've been experimenting with sumi ink and rice paper-- traditionally used for shodo or the "art of writing" I believe. I spent about an hour painting cherry blossoms before I was finally able to settle down and go to sleep. (This was around 3:30) My alarm went off at the ungodly hour of 5am. grrrr...

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116698043184831112005-05-21T12:07:00.000-05:002005-05-21T12:54:03.190-05:00

When I'm supreme emperor of the world, I'm going to outlaw Saturday mornings. Saturday will officially begin at noon. Emperors are busy people and need their beauty sleep. ^_^ (especially when they stay up too late the night before)Thanks to my obnoxious dog, Frodo-- she wanted me to take her outside, so I HAD to get up...grrr :) Class this morning was fun. Charlie taught as several of the

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116652541715576852005-05-21T00:15:00.000-05:002005-05-21T00:15:41.720-05:00

One more picture, and then I'm done :)

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116649262373358062005-05-20T23:20:00.000-05:002005-05-20T23:21:02.373-05:00

For some reason, my blog would not come up. I did a test post and it returned. *shrugs*

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116630241295485932005-05-20T17:57:00.000-05:002005-05-20T18:04:01.296-05:00

aren't sushi/hibachi restaurants open after 2pm? Dena and I went out for lunch today, and much to our disappointment and dismay, none of the hibachi places were open. Why? 2-5, no sushi for liz and Dena. :( Luckily, we were saved by our regular haunt-- China Dragon. The women there know us pretty well as the silly girls who drink sake and eat sushi. We were even complimented on our skills with

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116629103369952962005-05-20T17:45:00.000-05:002005-05-20T17:45:03.373-05:00

Dena's tattoo-- Hai which is Hebrew for life.

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116628955482894352005-05-20T17:42:00.000-05:002005-05-20T17:42:35.486-05:00

And again :)

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116628591835602702005-05-20T17:36:00.000-05:002005-05-20T17:36:31.840-05:00

Liz and Dena--enjoying a day off

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116610994387287782005-05-20T12:43:00.000-05:002005-05-20T12:43:14.386-05:00

Flying Dragon

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116610706937523822005-05-20T12:38:00.000-05:002005-05-20T12:38:26.936-05:00

My Artwork-- Dena has inspired me :)

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116600357169383652005-05-20T09:40:00.000-05:002005-05-20T09:45:57.170-05:00

So the plan today is:1) Finish cleaning up-- Peter is coming to visit Mom this afternoon2) Sushi & Sake lunch with Dena (huzzah!) 3) Grocery store-- We are cooking dinner tonight.Peter, Mom, Dena, Michael, myself, and anyone else who shows up4) More sakeOh, and a trip to the bank and mailing off a few bills is definitely in order. Liz

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116574816047351252005-05-20T02:40:00.000-05:002005-05-20T02:40:16.056-05:00

Just me

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116564599878695342005-05-19T23:49:00.000-05:002005-05-19T23:49:59.883-05:00

Katatetori //kokyunage (omote & ura) W/Tanyashihonage (omote & ura)W/Raymondiriminage (omote & ura)kotegaeshi (ura)W/Brown beltKokyunage throwsthree variations from katatetori and katatetori ai hanmi. W/Raymond and Munasuwari waza katatetori ai hanmi ikkyo (omote & ura)W/Raymond and David kokyudosa. W/DavidI'm feeling lazy tonight, so no breakdown of the waza-- just a few notes. Raymond really

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116390780535343682005-05-17T22:26:00.000-05:002005-05-17T23:33:00.540-05:00

Aikido is always the highlight of my week. I was tired, but I went to class tonight nonetheless. While lining up and sitting in silent meditation, a late-comer came in and traipsed through, letting the door close rather loudly. After bowing us in, Sensei spoke a little about dojo etiquette. He said that it was appropriate to wait outside until we bow in and begin warmups. He also said that one

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116300275255302212005-05-16T21:58:00.000-05:002005-05-16T22:24:35.260-05:00

...continued (and other random thoughts) I went to work this morning to discover that a certain friend of mine (not naming any names, but she knows who she is) informed a certain manager of my feather duster antics last night. Scott asked me this morning "can you do me a favor? Next time you want to practice aikido forms with a feather duster, can you at least make contact with something dusty so

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116210753728276132005-05-15T21:02:00.000-05:002005-05-15T21:32:33.733-05:00

Thankfully, I was able to sit back and enjoy the class-- no test jitters for me :) Some of my dojomates were a nervous wreck. Bob Sensei taught. Quick warmup-- rowing, tenkan exercises and the like. He pulled techniques from across the board as far as testing criteria goes. Ryotetori tenchinage (omote & ura) Started to bow to a girl prepping for 6th kyu, but two yudansha split us up. Practiced

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116136483602741332005-05-15T00:54:00.000-05:002005-05-15T00:54:43.606-05:00

http://www.budowear.com :)  

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116131993652929962005-05-14T23:36:00.000-05:002005-05-14T23:39:53.653-05:00

My fellow co-worker and friend Dena seems to find my aiki-antics amusing. *humphs* Cardigan DiariesWelcome to blogworld, Dena!Liz

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116131473383262442005-05-14T23:31:00.000-05:002005-05-14T23:31:13.390-05:00

It's always hard for me to wake up and feel motivated enough to go to class on weekends, and I'm afraid today was no exception. I managed to wake up and get something to tide me over until lunch. It was a pretty full class as testing for 5th-3rd kyu ranks is tomorrow. Steve Sensei was supposed to teach, but Bob Sensei showed up to lead class instead. Started out with some quick rowing exercises

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1116039503107442802005-05-13T21:56:00.000-05:002005-05-14T22:52:14.073-05:00

After class last night, I really stopped to think about dojo etiquette. We have several new people who have joined recently, and I was reminded of my first few classes at the dojo. For a beginner, the traditional bowing, Japanese sayings and overall etiquette can be a little daunting. When a person begins training, they are given a handbook with etiquette guidelines and then guided by senior

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1115958852854433372005-05-12T23:29:00.000-05:002005-05-12T23:38:51.433-05:00

I found this posted on a website, and I hope there will be no objection by the author for my sharing it here as it was posted to a public list.Why Do We TrainBy Dennis Hooker: Aikido-LI conducted a seminar in Pensacola Florida and was struck by the diversity of the people present. They ranged form flight students and instructors to doctors and housewives. They ranged in experience from rokudan to

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1115957986327533012005-05-12T23:19:00.000-05:002005-05-12T23:19:46.330-05:00

Bob Sensei in our dojo.

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1115955336523307252005-05-12T21:46:00.000-05:002005-05-12T22:35:36.530-05:00

Got to class about 30 minutes early tonight. Bob Sensei was teaching. Class was pretty small tonight-- 13 people including me and Sensei. Same partner all night... Katatetori ai hanmi//Shihonage backstretch then ukemi (omote/ura) Ikkyo (omote/ura) Iriminage (omote/ura) Kotegaeshi (omote/ura) Ushiro tekubitori//Any technique from previous list but had to get uke into ai hanmi first. I was having a

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1115868748960408212005-05-11T22:06:00.000-05:002005-05-11T22:32:29.006-05:00

I was working today, and a vendor happened to be at the service desk talking to one of my associates. He saw the tattoo on my neck (the japanese kanji for "Ki" which loosely means spirit or energy) and asked me what it meant. I told him the meaning, and he asked me in a joking way if I took a martial art like Tae Kwon Do or Aikido. "actually, yes.. aikido" I replied. The standard response I get

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1115781608659752762005-05-10T21:45:00.000-05:002005-05-10T22:25:30.566-05:00

Just when you feel like there's a good, solid pattern to practice, Sensei throws a curveball to mix it all up. ^_^ I'm not complaining by any means-- class was brilliant tonight (though my performance was less than mediocre... but we won't go into that... yet..O_o)I got to class about 10 minutes before-- had a little time to stretch. There were alot of people on the mat, probably due to upcoming

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1115727831662476362005-05-10T07:10:00.000-05:002005-05-10T07:23:51.716-05:00

I haven't felt like this since my trip to Germany in December. I went to sleep around 5pm yesterday, and I just woke up. (it's a little after 7am)Let me explain. O_oSaturday night I slept maybe 1-2 hours-- not consecutive. Sunday night same thing. I've been a walking zombie at work all weekend and monday.All day at work, my co-workers kept saying "you look awful Liz" Gee... thanks guys. You

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1115526088137473582005-05-07T23:15:00.000-05:002005-05-07T23:21:28.143-05:00

Like Shaun said, sake is like a ninja. I set my alarm to get up to go to aikido this morning. I woke up at 6am this morning, tossed and turned for an hour. I thought I was going to just get up around 7, but I made myself go back to sleep. 8am, woke up again and pushed my alarm back 15 minutes. The alarm went off at 8:45. *WHAM!* hit the snooze button. I woke up at 11:30 O_oYes, sake is like a

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1115449825068607582005-05-07T02:01:00.001-05:002005-05-07T02:10:25.073-05:00

I have recently been wondering why people grimace when I mention my love of sake. So many co-workers have warned me that sake is in fact the devil and not the ambrosia that I have come to believe it is. The first time I was introduced to sake, I realized it did not inebriate me... I've drank alot of sake in one sitting, and all I have felt has been relaxation at the most....I've even felt

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1115354030405141232005-05-05T23:31:00.000-05:002005-05-05T23:33:50.413-05:00

No major details tonight. I'm brain dead.... but I'll do my best. Once again, another fun class. While stretching out, my friend Klara walked in. I grinned and waved from the mat. Sensei said "Hey, no being friendly in the dojo...didn't I put that in the handbook?" hehe "What? You want me to be mean?""Well yes"I told him I might as well have gone to work. Charlie kind of laughed at that and said

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1115284990475356942005-05-05T03:22:00.000-05:002005-05-05T04:23:10.576-05:00

I'm glad I get to take a hiatus from work tomorrow, though it was much less stressful today than yesterday. Tried to get some paperwork done, but it seems when I walk through the door, I get 3 pages before I make it to the timeclock. I really think there's a "liz alarm" that goes off when I walk through the doors which alerts all management and specialty associates that I'm there. On the bright

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1115184913587796812005-05-04T00:34:00.000-05:002005-05-04T00:35:13.596-05:00

Why do all the best aikido days for me begin with only 2-3 hours of sleep? Started out with a lousy day at work, followed by an emotional breakdown in the office with my HR and then discussion about a possible promotion ( how that happened, I don't know o_O)I was exhausted after work, and I seriously thought about skipping class tonight, but I really needed the physical exertion to get over the

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1115056825037391422005-05-02T12:46:00.000-05:002005-05-02T13:00:25.036-05:00

Strange to have a day off on Monday. I don't think that's happened in months. Of course, I'm broke. Yay. Maybe I'll go post at the Tomb. It's been a while since I wrote anything. I miss that. No aikido today either. Mom was giving me a strange look earlier because I was practicing tenkan exercises in the living room. lol I'm not home much, so it feels strange to just "hang out" at home. Usually

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1114969171588865942005-05-01T12:39:00.000-05:002005-05-01T12:39:31.590-05:00

I barely made it to class this morning. It took a sheer act of will to pull myself out of bed at 8:45. Had to get gas too. UGH. Was really dragging. I've discovered I have a lot more energy if I grab a slim fast before class though. Bob Sensei taught this morning. Started out with katatetori ai hanmi iriminage w/Kate. Focused on swinging up. (up is up!) Also tried to sink lower in the technique

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1114923968154456152005-05-01T00:05:00.000-05:002005-05-01T00:06:08.156-05:00

:\ Went to AM classes this morning. First class was beginner's class w/Steve Sensei. We practiced our rolling, forward and backward. whee.. he mentioned that you shouldn't try to bring your back leg up in ushiro ukemi... I had to grin at that since I'm the only one who tries to do that. heh It was much easier to kick your leg back. DUH....Had a nice long warmup, and then went into katatetori

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1114842440833121742005-04-30T01:06:00.000-05:002005-04-30T01:27:20.836-05:00

that's really a lesson I need to learn. I have been hoping that aikido would help me a little with the whole raging thing I sometimes do, but yesterday was a clear indicator that I've got a ways to go. Manager calls me around 4:45 telling me that I had made a change to the schedule without informing anyone, so the two people who were supposed to work mid and close both worked a mid. Yeah, they

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1114576696793660822005-04-26T23:37:00.000-05:002005-04-26T23:38:16.796-05:00

Class tonight was HUGE. Probably about 50ish people on the mat. I thought we had a pretty decent sized mat until tonight. HEH. It was really difficult to take ukemi. Before we began, we sat in seiza for 5 minutes and then Sensei had us stand for a moment of silence to remember O'Sensei. Very peaceful.Started out with a backstretch exercise with a new 5th kyu. He seemed a little unfocused, but he

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1114409517165656922005-04-25T01:11:00.000-05:002005-04-25T01:11:57.166-05:00

Practice this morning was fun. I was much more awake than yesterday. Practiced with Paul first thing. (I always seem to get paired with him on the weekend.) I guess he's getting used to me. LOL He asked me my name again. and here I thought people were getting to know me. Don't know what we were doing (what's new?) but it's a katatetori.. nage slides in, pivots, extending uke's hand out in front

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1114278843480595922005-04-23T12:53:00.000-05:002005-04-23T12:54:03.483-05:00

Suwari waza iriminage + Saturday morning= blundering oaf. Bob Sensei wasn't able to teach this morning, so another one of the yudansha taught. (I've never practiced with him or attended his classes, so I don't know his name... I'm really trying hard with the name thing. O_o)He started out practice with a quick warm-up, several rolls across the mat, forward and backward. He told us to focus on

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1114228349213256402005-04-22T22:52:00.000-05:002005-04-22T22:52:29.213-05:00

okay, I know this isn't my pinko-commie blog, but this is just too damn funny

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1114222472018741302005-04-22T21:14:00.000-05:002005-04-22T21:14:32.016-05:00

Me and my invalid cat, Secret :)

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1114222399062017072005-04-22T21:13:00.000-05:002005-04-22T21:13:19.063-05:00

me and abbie

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1114222094719038242005-04-22T21:08:00.000-05:002005-04-22T21:08:14.720-05:00

my brother Michael.. well, sort of

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1114221920056933572005-04-22T21:02:00.000-05:002005-04-22T21:05:20.056-05:00

I'm in my happy place. Sitting outside with my brother Mike and friend Dena. We've got sake, the moon is out, and all is good. Ahhhhhhh

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1114145328838361812005-04-21T23:48:00.000-05:002005-04-21T23:48:48.843-05:00

Getting to play with the big kids! Huzzah! Two new guys started tonight. I wasn't able to practice with them, but both of them seemed to enjoy themselves. Scott Sensei led us through a nice warmup, followed by rolling practice, a few undo exercises and then a katatetori shihonage backstretch. I was really limber tonight. My head nearly touched the mat a few times. O_o Before I go into detail,

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1114115522655555662005-04-21T15:14:00.000-05:002005-04-21T15:32:02.656-05:00

A friend recently pointed out that most of my entries have been aikido-related. Okay, so my attention has really been focused on aikido-- but I'm having too much fun! Scott (manager at work) saw me limp into work on Saturday after our mini-seminar and asked me what was the matter. I grinned and said "I've been playing with the big guys in skirts again" Now imagine him quirking his brow, a

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1113972189715510142005-04-19T23:42:00.000-05:002005-04-19T23:43:09.716-05:00

10 days and counting. HUZZAH! :) Liz

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1113971702095610422005-04-19T23:34:00.000-05:002005-04-19T23:35:02.096-05:00

I always have a hard time remembering class the next day, so I'm going to TRY to get more of the details down tonight. (good thing I work late tomorrow, eh?) Bob Sensei taught tonight. Tuesdays always make me nervous (And here I thought I could never get the hang of Thursdays.) It seems like Tuesday is always a bad aikido day, especially right after work. Tonight was great though. Katatetori ai

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1113890140739627832005-04-19T00:55:00.000-05:002005-04-19T00:55:40.740-05:00

Okay, sorry for the lame hitchhiker's reference. It's rather appropriate though after Saturday's mini-seminar. We had teachers from the Dallas area dojos teaching classes Saturday and Sunday. First class we did a quick warmup, and then spent most of the class in groups practicing throwing exercises. I gravitated towards Scott Sensei's group as it was small and mostly people who attend our

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1113766196257081682005-04-17T14:28:00.000-05:002005-04-17T14:29:56.256-05:00

The top 10 reasons Aikido training is like S&MTaken from http://www.aikidofaq.com/humor10. You go to a special place, get dressed in special clothes and tell someone how to hurt you9. You pay to have it done to you8. The more you do it. The harder and faster you want it.7. Practitioners of both arts stay up all night looking for their stuff on the internet.6. It can take your relationship to a

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1113764539928101302005-04-17T14:01:00.000-05:002005-04-17T14:02:19.930-05:00

I neglected to post after Tuesday and Thursday classes. I've been working alot with my operations manager out for a week and RVP walks...etc... so I've been pretty exhausted. I can't really recall the classes, but both classes I was actually allowed to practice with the brand-newbies. I paired up with a young guy on Tuesday (rather reluctantly, and it was nikkyo to boot) I hesitated, but Charlie

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1113466634808408262005-04-14T02:51:00.000-05:002005-04-14T03:19:47.136-05:00

I'm sitting here at 2:50 in the am listening to music (god, I love limewire) and pondering all the music that has some sort personal sentiment attached. For lack of anything better to do, here's just a short list (in no particular order) Sting:The Soul Cages I remember right after moving into our first apartment (after my parents split up)it was Christmas, and I was very sick. I was sleeping on

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1113279617312767592005-04-11T23:19:00.000-05:002005-04-11T23:20:17.313-05:00

(a little late) Bob Sensei taught class tonight. (Switched with Scott Sensei apparently)I was in a lot of pain due to a large knot on my lower back (probably from a bad fall from Sunday) making ukemi on that side pretty painful. Ron seemed to notice I was falling strange. He was pointing out that I needed to take a step back in shihonage when he did omote. lol I told him about the knot on my

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1112554188188770882005-04-03T13:48:00.000-05:002005-04-03T13:49:48.190-05:00

ugh... I have been more sore and stiff the last week and a half than when I go to class 2-3 times a week. I was so tired this morning (I hate time changes), but I made myself wake up for class today. Bob Sensei was teaching (the first Sunday each month we have a 2nd kyu and up class after beginner's which Bob Sensei teaches). We went immediately into techniques this morning, so not alot of

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1112420950539448332005-04-01T23:49:00.000-06:002005-04-01T23:49:10.540-06:00

I hate audits

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1112420603652554192005-04-01T23:27:00.000-06:002005-04-01T23:43:23.656-06:00

I went an entire week aikido-free because of work. *sulks* Tuesday was Dena's birthday, and I also had to go in to get prepared for an audit. no aikido.Got a 91 on my audit though. huzzah.Dena and I had fun though. We did some shopping, had lunch and pretty much lounged about at her house. Everyone at work thought we went out "carousing"...lol Apparently we've developed a reputation for being a

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1111724730697093982005-03-24T22:24:00.000-06:002005-03-24T22:25:30.700-06:00

I went to class Saturday (after serious debate) and I am so glad I did. Class had a real different flavor. Paul Sensei taught (this is the first class he's taught that I've attended), and the class had a really interesting feel--though I can't put my finger on it. It was really refreshing. I'm kicking myself for not writing about it over the weekend, because I honestly can't remember much of

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1111701136144728262005-03-24T15:52:00.000-06:002005-03-24T15:54:42.316-06:00

my new tattoo! Thanks to my friend Dena. It means Ki-- spirit or energy

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1111219111995060082005-03-19T01:49:00.000-06:002005-03-19T01:58:31.996-06:00

I'm really tired, and I should be asleep. I need to get up early to go to my aikido class, but I am not inclined to sleep. go figure. Last night's class was fun. Scott Sensei was unable to lead class, so he called one of the yudansha and asked him to lead. (Roberto) Class had a really different feel, and his main goal was for everyone to just have fun. He demonstrated alot of different techniques

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1111081686464935592005-03-17T11:47:00.000-06:002005-03-17T11:48:06.466-06:00

Got to class early tues night. I went to change and took my usual position next to my fellow newbie that befriended me from the beginning. Sensei followed shortly after, bowed in and proceeded to warm up-- angry. His face was bright red. CrikeyI heard him call one of the yudansha over (shodan who's prepping for his nidan if I remember correctly--also an asst. instructor on occasions)I wasn't *

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1110518653278104522005-03-10T22:38:00.000-06:002005-03-10T23:25:42.666-06:00

While it's fresh in my mind. Small class tonight (the smallest I've been to so far-- only nine people including me-- all senior students) I liked it because, I got more one on one with some great senior students and Sensei. I was a bit of a sensei target tonight since I was the junior of juniors tonight.. LOL We did a *lot* in class tonight. I felt like I was in some kind of time vaccuum. The

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1110515744446540072005-03-10T22:34:00.000-06:002005-03-10T22:35:44.450-06:00

Tuesday's class: (late post :))Bob Sensei spent a lot of time on ukemi as we had two new people and one guy who started before I did, but has only been to a few classes. We spent a large portion of class practicing sitting rolls...forward and backward. I really enjoyed it, because I can't keep from hitting my head on the mat when rolling backwards (unless I'm thrown, of course) My brain gets in

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1110047396847987872005-03-05T12:24:00.000-06:002005-03-05T12:29:56.846-06:00

We took Secret to a vet in Bridgeport yesterday. The estimate from the Dallas Surgical Center was around $2000. When we took him there, they said it would be around $550. They were really nice, and they have done surgery on Abbie and Nakita. (when we had them fixed) We never had any problems with Abbie and Nakita, so we left Secret with them, and they are doing the surgery this morning. They are

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1110009206455781422005-03-05T01:45:00.000-06:002005-03-05T01:53:26.456-06:00

Amazing movie. Yup. Shaun and I went to see it tonight, and I must say I was very much impressed. (I had no idea it was based on a DC comic) The concept of heaven, hell, demons and angels..etc.. has been visited over and over again by movie makers. Sometimes they manage to make a really deep, thought-provoking film (like Constantine, What Dreams May Come) and sometimes they make utter shit *

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1109982702522348892005-03-04T18:25:00.000-06:002005-03-04T18:31:42.523-06:00

:::the tally:::1) a major knot in the side of my neck, making it difficult for me to turn my head to the right. 2) a horrible cramp that keeps popping up on my back right thigh--similar to a charlie horse. 3) two identical bruises on my wrists from death-grip brown belt guy. 4) sore ankles from seiza5) sore knees from seiza6) mat burn on the top of my feet.... from seiza and ikkyo and

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1109926505807459802005-03-04T02:53:00.000-06:002005-03-04T02:55:05.810-06:00

I got to the dojo about 45 minutes before class. Usually, whoever is teaching arrives about 15-20 til, but one of the other asst. instructors was already there-- Scott Sensei was running a little late. Got changed, and had a lot of time to stretch out. We had yet another new student tonight and another potential student who watched the class. We practiced alot of rolling, forward and backward. (

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1109770965690438832005-03-02T07:38:00.000-06:002005-03-02T07:42:45.690-06:00

Couldn't take Secret to the vet this morning. I've got the money for the deposit, but that's going to leave us strapped for money all week, and I wouldn't be able to pay the balance of the surgery after it's complete. I feel awful. Hopefully after Friday it won't be an issue. I've just already go bills piling up.. (I've put off paying some bills due to his current vet bills) I find myself

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1109740418161547172005-03-01T22:39:00.000-06:002005-03-04T18:38:12.036-06:00

Practice was fun as always tonight. Lots of soreness, but my knee didn't give me any trouble. Started out with a katatetori aihanmi iriminage. For some reason I just couldn't get my body to work like it was supposed to. My partner was patient as always, but I had a really hard time keeping him close through the tenkan. Sensei had to come over several times during that technique to correct my arm

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1109654444727343692005-02-28T23:20:00.000-06:002005-02-28T23:20:44.726-06:00

O Sensei

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1109548401984531442005-02-27T17:51:00.000-06:002005-02-27T17:53:21.986-06:00

Elgin Arachel: I never said it was LizardCrossing: indeedElgin Arachel: there is no indeed. you were wrong. Elgin Arachel: you can't agreeLizardCrossing: yes I canElgin Arachel: you loseLizardCrossing: one can only find victory through lossElgin Arachel: that's rhetorical nonsense. LizardCrossing: nonsense breeds clarityElgin Arachel: no it fucking doesn'tLizardCrossing: denial is a step

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1109545780052417672005-02-27T17:02:00.000-06:002005-02-27T17:09:40.056-06:00

Disclaimer: Not mine and not original. Mostly tidbits borrowed from various aikido websites. Please don't sue, just kindly request I remove. Aikido termsDan: A term used in the Japanese martial arts for anyone who has achieved the rank of at least first-degree black belt. Darn: The sound uttered when the wearer of a Dan realizes that they will now get hit harder and more frequently during

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3601801.post-1109523831907681482005-02-27T11:02:00.000-06:002005-02-27T11:04:13.946-06:00

On about 3 hours of sleep, I got up early for the AM beginner's class before work. This is only my second weekend class, but I already prefer the weeknight classes.The AM classes are about an hour, and I usually feel rushed through the techniques. It can be fun though, and it really keeps me on my toes (so to speak)On the weekends there are always alot of blackbelts there for the beginner's class

Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05669123750519054600noreply@blogger.com0