It’s finally getting warmer where I live, so of course the dojo was just a bit warm this week.  We did some basic ukemi and stretching for warm up, and then testing.  I got to participate in rondori, which was awesome as it is in my top five favorite Aikido things.  We also did a bit of jo dori.  Not too much, but it felt good.

I’ve been reading more about the way Aikido is divided up into associations and schools, and it is even more confusing than I thought.  It doesn’t help that the same words will have different meanings at a school.

For instance, I’ve always trained Iwama style.  As part of the Takemusu Association, we are part of the larger Aikikai foundation.  I had always been informed that Aikikai and Iwama were different styles, but that has more to do with the interpretation of my schools and the lineage of the teachers.

Confusing.

But we’re all still one big happy family.  We just have different names.

I’ve realized that the worst thing that’s happened to me since I’ve had to slow down my training is my lack of aggression outlet and the calming effect that training can have on your mind.  I don’t feel as balanced anymore, or as calm.  I miss the mental training more than the physical training.  I’ve had a pretty bad week this week, and I just really miss my outlet.