Random life is random

Feb 24, 2010 16:16

Five things make a post? Really ( Read more... )

life, aikido

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Comments 10

dlevey February 25 2010, 00:27:09 UTC
Do you need an uke at your level? At my dojo the uke is generally of a higher level, to make sure that they do not contribute mistakes to the exhibition.

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greatsword February 25 2010, 00:43:09 UTC
From the same level to up to two level higher. Presumably this changes for the black belt tests.

Last time I saw this happening, the newer people spent a fair amount of time rehearsing, so the ukemi was unlikely to be messed up. I think that's why they are looking for students of similar level.

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dlevey February 25 2010, 02:56:13 UTC
Interesting... For us, there's no rehearsal per se, though people can certainly practice the principles. Sensei/tester chooses things that the candidate should display, at that moment; the uke's role would be to exhibit his part smoothly enough that the nage can demonstrate his mastery of the technique without worrying about the prowess of the partner. If you're out here at some point, I'd love for you to drop by our dojo; I get the feeling that we've got a different approach from yours.

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greatsword February 25 2010, 17:23:28 UTC
It would be fun to visit your dojo, but I suspect I'm significantly behind you in this art. I put it down from about 1992 until 2008, then had an almost year hiatus due to the shoulder surgery.

There is a list of techniques that can appear on the test at any level - you are responsible for those at your level or below, though I'm not sure how or when the student finds out what the techniques will be. The first test - the one I'm taking - is the only one where the entire test is known beforehand.

Uke's role in the test sounds right, but I believe the student is expected to demonstrate some ukemi as part of the test. This is another reason to pair people at more or less the same level, so you are not overwhelmed by the techniques being applied.

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5 comments make a response! learnteach February 25 2010, 01:30:48 UTC
Really. It's my line, and it allows me to assert that 5 little updates are worth something.

In reverse order...foist away! Also am fairly good at basic house stuff now.
Writing? Queing up the projects...
Aikido. Must get health insurance and get back to that.
Work. That I need to get health insurance.
Computer, I'm back on an old one.

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Re: 5 comments make a response! greatsword February 25 2010, 20:34:34 UTC
In terms of foisting... I have to decide if I'm selling my old sewing machine or giving it away. Want a machine that should be able to handle light leather? (I bought it for that, but it's been in storage for some time.)

The house thing that we may need help with is fixing the side fence. it's started to lean, which implies that we may need to repour the concrete footings. I've not done that before, and would hire it done in better financial circumstances. This project will wait for summer, though.

Your computer died? I hope you didn't lose too much data.

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klwilliams February 25 2010, 04:25:43 UTC
Any reason you can't ask one of the brown belts to be your uke? I had a nidan be my uke for my fourth and third kyu tests.

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greatsword February 25 2010, 17:25:41 UTC
I'm told they want you to pair with someone at more or less your own level - in part so you can demonstrate ukemi as well.

I suppose I'll find out if no one else signs up at my level; I'll also keep asking. I worry more about this sort of thing than perhaps I should. I just hate imposing on people, especially people I barely know.

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klwilliams February 25 2010, 17:29:28 UTC
Turn that around for a moment. If someone asks you for help with greatsword, do you feel that they're imposing? Part of a student's obligation is to help the other students. At the black belt tests at my school, the mat is lined with yudansha who are just there to be supportive, and in case sensei needs some spare ukes (for black belt tests, they usually do). Asking someone to be your uke for a test isn't imposing. If they can't do it they'll tell you politely, but if they can they will.

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