Hmm, less than a week to grading now. Part of me thinks I should be worrying about technique, grading etiquette and so on. Yet another part of me reckons I should be taking this opportunity to enjoy my last few days of training without a hakama*, but mostly I'm just looking forward to it. Yeah, I'm nervous and I'd like some of my techniques to be a little better, but overall I'm pretty happy and eager to smash, er, "co-operate with" my ukes on the day.

Other than that, I'm trying to apply what Andrew said in the Sunday class and visualise my techniques and the kind of Aikido I want to do. (Right now, I'm visualising Shane flying gracefully through the air and James introducing himself to the mat... hey, this does feel good :-) )

More random thoughts throughout the week.

* Wearing a hakama normally presents 2 problems for a new Shodan.

1. Having to turn up half an hour early to class until you figure out how to tie the damn thing (and staying late trying to fold it properly).
2. It's been noted that your first few weeks as a shodan tend to mark you as something of a target for Senseis, visiting Shihans and pretty much anyone who feels like smashing someone.

On top of this, I have a 3rd issue. My hakama has escaped and even has it's own facebook page. So I'll have to track it down, not to mention those responsible...