Ro-kyu Experience
(Extracted from Aikido-L)

Date:    Sun, 31 Mar 2002 03:00:34 +0200
From:    "G.A.Miliaresis"
Subject: 6th kyu

Well, after three months with lots of practice and truckloads of work yesterday I took my 6th kyu exams (as some might remember they start us from 7th kyu). This time things were different. Having more than 200% practice time than required, the weather being better and with fewer testees on the mat, the thing went like a breeze. Like the 7th kyu test last December it didn't last long (ki tests + techniques in 10-12 mins) but now there was no feeling of emptiness next morning so I spent my morning asleep -the rum-u waza that followed lasted 'til 4.30 AM and there was a medium size hangover attached to it but nothing a lukewarm shower and a couple of oranges couldn't fix. Got a couple of good comments from sensei, one of the sandans who examined us and most 1stkyus/yudansha who were there for my tai-sabaki, helped a couple of mukyus for their first test and that was all. I guess things are beginning to flow -at least until the next plateau.

Just wanted you ppl to know -I owe much to all of you. Not only for tons of knowledge (masterfully concealed between dreadful puns and OT threads <g>) but mostly for the constant source of motivation. Collective ki being extended through the wires -a picture O-sensei (or at least Tohei Sr) would love <g>.

I wonder who'll be the first to offer the inevitable comment...

Gri (bowing gratefully to the O-List)

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Last updated on 13 Sep 2002