Asa Ren 朝練 Sunday morning pratice (^^)

Aloha and Good Morning All! Y(^^)Y
When I was in Yokohama we used to have Sunday morning practices at the Negishi Shinrin Park.
It was a good way to refresh the mind and body as well as review our Kihon, Kata and Goshinjutu.
I have revived it in Hawaii as well at the Makiki District Park. No Cherry Blossoms like in Yokohama but the park has a nice open space to work out in. The morning sun feels just as good as it felt in  Yokohama. (^^) Of course there is only one sun. Gahahahaha
Asa Ren is done as I feel like it. No set menu. Just a time for refreshing my mind and body.
Some shots from this morning's session. The good thing about kata is that you can do it in anyway which suits you at that time. There are days when I do it hard and other days soft. The breathing (Kokyu) can be adjusted as well. The important thing is it makes you feel good.

Have a good week y'all!
Osu from Hawaii.

2012 Evaluation at Makiki Dojo, Honolulu

This past Saturday and today, Monday, Makiki Dojo had its annual evaluation. The evaluation format is not the typical format in which students wait for their turns and perform in front of the instructors. The evaluation is conducted in the usual practice format. I have my reasons for this and will everything there are pros and cons. Junin Toiro, Ten people. ten colors.
I felt that using a standard evaluation format does not necessarily reflect the "true" student. I observe them throughout the year and so I have a definite and clear idea what they need to work on. Some are capable of miraculously "shape up" on the day of the evaluation, but returns to the true self afterwards. (^^) So to me, the eval becomes just a "show" with no substance.
Sure enough. students will exhibit the same behaviors when placed in the usual practice format, despite knowing it is an evaluation. Old habits don't die???
One of the many parts of the eval is leadership. Senpais are assigned Kouhais and instructed to help them with some kihon waza. It is a good way to observe the quality of their wazas, but more important whether they exhibit the proper attitude and willingness to help their kouhais. In addition they also experience the challenges of having to "teach". Gahahahaha It is always easier to follow than lead.