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Aikido Iwama Uchideshi

This Blog originally tracked a three month period during which time I undertook training in Iwama under the supervision of Nemoto Sensei. We also trained at the Shibu Dojo, O'Sensei's Dojo in Iwama located in the Ibaraki Prefecture of Japan.
I have returned this time for a shorter three week stint in January 2011.

1st Kyu Grading

Tomorrow I take my 1st kyu grading. Although my techniques are not flawless I think that they are of quite a decent standard most likely worthy of a first kyu status. Hopefully my instructor will agree. As this will be my last grading before shodan, this is likely a transition into some serious training building up over the next 6 - 12 months towards that all elusive shodan.

Every dojo, every instructor is different holding up a different standard at different grading levels. Fortunately the world of Iwama Ryu is consistent in both technique and standards. My understanding is that at Shodan level the test participant should demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques, clearly showing the basics.

Much like passing your driving test you only really learn to drive once you have passed the test having gained a basic ability to control the car in a safe manner and can prove you understand the rules of the road.

I am not going to concern myself too much with thinking about it, as I once heard 'with one eye on the next grading that only leaves one eye for the training'. But it is natural to occasional ponder the futures possibilities.