Hammer time

[glenatron]

When I got graded a couple of months back I really felt that I was in over my head, that there was no way my ninjutsu is at the standard it should be this close to shodan. It took me a few weeks to realise that Les and John, my instructors, wouldn't have awarded me the grade if I didn't match up to it and that they are senior Shidoshi and know a lot more about the whole thing than I do. Once that hit home I feel as though I have gained a huge amount of confidence in my abilities. Things that just didn't work are starting to fall into place as I find I can do techniques without having to concentrate or worry about what I need to do next- the things I have been struggling with for years are starting to become parts of a coherent repertoire. I'm also spending more time training with our senior students and learning a huge amount from them as well and while I'm still being constantly amazed at their general awesomeness I at least feel like I am studying the same art now.

In spite of how much I enjoyed yesterday's training, I did spend a lot of it working with our highest-graded student, being demonstrated on by John and generally getting thrown and locked in various dramatic ways and today I feel like someone has taken a hammer to my shoulders and arms, in a healthy what hasn't killed me will make me stronger kind of way.

Comments

[life-of-tom.livejournal.com]

so, when are they going to teach you to flip out?

[glenatron.livejournal.com]

Flipping out is at once the most elementary and the most complex discipline for the ninja to master. Like religion, the true flip out occurs in the space between two instants, allowing more time for wailing and discovering new dimensions of being totally sweet.

[life-of-tom.livejournal.com]

I see I have much to learn...