Uplifting class
After my disastrous class at Aikido on Sunday, last night’s class was much better. I didn’t have to do a Keiko, but Sensei Brian called me up twice to perform techniques in front of the class. The first time was random techniques called out by Sensei and the other Dan grades. Luckily I remembered all but the last technique; I was already exhausted from the practice, and after about 10 techniques my oxygen starved brain just gave up and refuses to recall even the simplest techniques.
I don’t know why I was so tired last night. Brian’s class is always really physical, but I’ve been training 3 or 4 times a week for months now so I should be getting fitter. Last night though I was panting and sweating after about 20 minutes, and had to take frequent breaks at the side of the mat to get my breathing and heart rate under control.
I had a chat with Sensei Brian about my grading, and feel a little more relaxed about it now. I know it sounds a bit negative, but I am not really expecting to get my 1st kyu this time round; I am still not as fluid with some of the techniques from earlier gradings after my extended absence. What I do need to do though is put myself through the stress of a grading, just to try and shake out some of the nerves. My 2nd kyu grading was in 2000, so I really need to get up and have a go. If I pass, it will be a nice bonus; if not, the experience itself will be worth the (mainly self induced) stress.