The result of that was a 15-20min post-class informal congregation of a few other newbies, with questions, and a quick no #ukemi demo of forms of #KoteGaeshi that are NOT usually taught, outside of #DaitoRyu and other #Jujutsu forms.

What attracted me to #Aikido was the inclusiveness, the flexibility and optional benevolence of the forms.

Many assume that, because of that optional benevolence, Aikido "doesn't work" because you don't leave a trail of bloody bodies behind you. The Aikido forms are direct from DaitoRyu. We train in a manner to not apply lethality or even likelihood of physical harm (apply #ukemi qualifiers here).

But never make categorical assertions, out of near absolute ignorance, about the effectiveness of a encompassing series of techniques you barely started to discover.Looks foolish.

Namely when someone proceeds to demonstrate a dozen or so forms of that technique you didn't know existed, and which show exactly what you said couldn't happen.

For the record, #ukemi is NOT just "rolling" or "break falls".

Ukemi is the art of self-preservation.

Ukemi encompasses ALL actions meant to shield yourself from physical damage. We roll and break falls to mitigate potential harm to our bodies. But it also entails a hand covering your face, shifting your stance, or dodging an #atemi

#aikido #rantori

Waiting for NSAID to kick in.

Got dropped by a beginner, had to contort midway #ukemi, to avoid hitting someone else.

Landed hit right under shoulder blade.

Ow.

Also, it's interesting to test the new limits of this post-surgery, fairly-out-of-shape, older body.

Been throwing myself, purposefully, at #ukemi, trying to shake things to see how much rust falls off, and read the reports of little-pains/soreness/discomfort the body provides, post-training.

Not bad after over 2-1/2yrs but MEEH.

@shannon_oshea

Welcome to the fediverse, wishing you gentle and enjoyable virtual #ukemi practice