Way of a Swede (from 8 kyu to...)

[Wayofaswede]

One more session with kumite the other day and I am starting to enjoy it!

Now that I am used to being attacked and am aware of the fact that I am supposed to actually hit my sparring partner I find myself more and more focusing on finding "weak spots" in their defense and quickly countering their attacks, rather than worrying about feeling pain if they hit me.

Sensei once again reminded me that the grading session is in a couple of weeks, so I guess there's no way around testing for 7th kyu (yellow+1 stripe)

Nugget of wisdom:

- The Pinan Sandan kata "double block" in the beginning starts on the same side as the first single block

- Stay in shikko dachi while doing the punch in Pinan Sandan

- Sensei wishes us to do two kiais in Pinan shodan, one when striking and one after the last high block

Osu!

[Wayofaswede]

Had a great training session the other day, you can really tell that it's time for grading in two weeks. Higher tempo, more focus on the techniques/katas we're supposed to know.

Unfortunately I injured my little finger during the final kumite. Blocked without clenching my fist enough.

Luckily I can keep training even though there may be a minor fracture, as long as I avoid direct contact with that finger. Will be taping the little finger together with the adjacent one for a week or two.

May have to pass tomorrow's session since it still hurts rather much just to bend it, but the grading opportunity will still be there and compared to a broken toe, this is at least much more convenient and less painful.

Note to self: Clench fist tightly when blocking

Osu!

[Wayofaswede]

Skipped yesterday's training session due to the finger injury and instead did an easier/shorter solo session, after warm-up focusing on the katas I'm supposed to know for 7th kyu:

- Go uke

- Emppi roppo

- Ji no kata 1-2

- Pinan nidan-shodan

Planning to go through all of these at least footwork/mentally every day the week before grading.

Osu!

[Wayofaswede]

What a nice surprise! Today it was time for gradation, and as a very proud father I watched my two sons performing and succeeding with their 8th kyu gradation, before doing my own for 7th kyu.

I did found it rather strange that I was asked to perform the katas all by myself in the middle of the hall though (so nervous!)...

It turned out, as we were all finished, that the diploma said "6th kyu" instead of the expected 7th 😊

Osu!

[sensei8]

Congrats to you and your two sons; feels great, doesn't it!! Cherish the skipped rank, they're rare, as they should be!!

Onward forward to 7th Kyu for your sons and 5th Kyu for you!!

Train hard, and train well!!

[Wayofaswede]

Thank you very much, sensei8.

I feel very happy, surprised - and terrified . Haven't quite realized it yet I think.

[Wayofaswede]

The final dojo session for the semester took place this Sunday. Really gonna miss karate lessons during summer.

Will try to do solo training going through all katas regularly to keep them fresh. Looking forward to practicing the new katas for next grade:

- Shuto roppo

- Ji no kata 3 and 4

- Pinan sandan

- Gekisaidai ichi (hardly ever tried it before)

Very happy I have had the opportunity to return to Karate this semester and looking forward to continuing the amazing journey of Budo. Osu!

[Wayofaswede]

Apart from doing the "daily kata" routine, there's not that much training right now. A couple of strength + 6th kyu kata sessions is all so far. Hope you all have a great summer!

[Wayofaswede]

Back in the dojo again which feels great!

First session I became painfully aware of how little I have trained strength/stamina during summer, but the second one everything felt more natural and the sense of flow, timing and breathing while performing a technique began reappearing again.

My sons enjoyed their first training session in the dojo as well the other day - sometimes all they seem to wish for in life is to spend 24/7 in front of a screen playing games or watching YouTube. Felt great that they had a very positive first training experience after the summer break.

[Wayofaswede]

Insight after todays training:

- The long turn in Pinan Sandan is both low block and punch

Osu!