This morning I went to the semi-annual Dan (black belt) test at my Aikido school's main dojo. It was a long test, with three people each testing for shodan (1st degree), nidan (2nd degree) and sandan (3rd degree) rank. But it was also an exciting test to watch. At Dan level you see everything from …
Tag: testing
Hey, Wait a Minute – Wasn’t This Supposed to be Fun?
From my first Aikido Yoshokai class in 2005 as a raw beginner, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. Ten years later, I'm still training and grateful for how it's improved my life. Increased fitness, agility and coordination have been physical benefits, but the philosophy appeals to me too. I appreciate the emphasis …
Continue reading Hey, Wait a Minute – Wasn’t This Supposed to be Fun?
A Cruise to the Finish
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL MY READERS. I hope you're enjoying them as much as I am. Just one sad part - I had to say goodbye to my oldest daughter this morning, who headed back to her home in Virginia. But the week she spent with us, and that we spent with our combined families, …
Intentions
I have turned in my "Intent to Test" for 1st Kyu (the final Kyu test). Assuming I pass, my next test will be for pre-Shodan (black belt level). As I passed my pre-1st Kyu test in July, the earliest I could test for 1st Kyu is October. So the choice was whether to push for …