2018 February Keiko Photos

2018 January Aikido Keiko

2018 January Aikido Keiko Reflections

Friday Night Keiko | Jan 26, 2018Cris Buenaseda Sensei, 6th dan (Aikikai)
Aikido Philippines | Philippine Heart Center Dojo

Aikido is Fun

Thank Sensei Cris for all your reminders. Indeed, a person who practices one technique a thousand times is more fearsome than a person who knows a thousand techniques but practices each just once.

Thanks Senpai Torch and Senpai Semper  for the additional pointers on the Yonkyo, Kaiten nage, and Ukemi (esp high fall). Breaking the entire attack-defense process into tiny chewable components are always very helpful (this is among the very first reminders I learned from Royce Sensei at the Makati Aikido Club). I may have learned the complete choreography before but the tiny details and continually practicing them make us better. I note your reminder too that you don't earn your belt on promotion day... you do earn them when you step on the mat and learn. Distance and timing, matter.
We had the following techniques and attacks last night (* had the most notes to remember):Munedori, Morotedori, Shomenuchi, Jodan Tsuki, Chodan Tsuki, Kokyunage, Sumi Otoshi*, Yonkyo*, Kaiten nage* (uchi), Iriminage.

I had fun at the randori too. Still slow... but techniques seem to come from muscle memory. Braved the high fall from some of the throws... this might become a common practice. 

My Aikido Keiko last night
Right after the keiko, I sent my wife and kids the ff text:

"Just finished Aikido. It is like yoga for 30 minutes... and cardio for 1 hour... all joy and without fear of injury. In between, both spiritual and intellectual exercise reflecting on the dynamics of circular and straight movements and force."

Quite an unfair comparison but it captures the usual experience whenever I join the mat practice.
It is a constant struggle to decide between family time and other activities. Many of my friends esp the kumpares are usually out on Friday nights enjoying the company of barkadas. But with my desire to stay fit and live longer to enjoy the company of kids and wife... going to Aikido became an easy decision. And sharing to them what I feel and learn... helps... it feels I was with them and indeed it is for them.

So thank you guys and gals... for sharing your time and talent. And the senseis and senpais for your guidance. You are all an inspiration... even by merely seeing you on the mats. Ang chika at alaskahan ad chismis (about cuties) ay minor details na lang. Nakakamangha rin na mas pinipili ninyong ibalibag kaysa sa napakasarap na sisig at beer. Ibang addiction itesh mga bes!

2017 October to December Keiko Photos

2017 January-August PHC Dojo Post-Keiko Photo-documentation