Aug 30 Wed ~ Tachi Dori

1^st Suburi
1^st Awase
Tachi Dori
Shomenuchi Tenkan Kokyu-ho
Shomenuchi Iriminage
Yokomenuchi Shihonage

Emphasis placed on the need to enter narrowly to the correct position, toward uke and behind the live and active part of the blade, with precise timing. It is important to enter and not commit too early, not to ‘grab for’ or try to ‘catch’ the sword hilt but rather harmonize with uke’s movements and grasp at the end of the strike when the momentum is spent.

Proper execution of the attack was drilled by extended repetitions of the 1^st Suburi.

Timing for the entry was drilled by extended repetitions of the 1^st Awase.

Aug 28 Mon ~ Tai Waza

Ushiro Techniques
Ushiro Tekubitori Kokyunage / Ushiro Iriminage
Ushiro Tekubitori Kotegaeshi
Ushiro Tekubitori Ikkyo → Ushiro Tekubitori Kaitenage
Suwari Waza Kokyuho

O Sensei said that through the practice of rear techniques one learns how to train one's mind and body against attacks from all directions. Rear techniques open the window of one's mind and develop one's sixth sense. (I know I have read this and I will track and cite the source.)

Emphasis was placed on the appropriate method of attacking. A reference was made to a conversation with Kanai Sensei where he stated that practice would improve if ukes were better at more sincere attacks. He felt that we have a problem with nage and uke in that nage somehow...'compromises' with uke, (uke will not hurt nage) and nage 'compromises' with uke, (nage will not hurt uke). Although this situation is a very important part of Aikido, it can also result in students becoming lazy. They take advantage of each other. What really should be done is that uke has to be able to take any kind of ukemi from whatever nage does. In that way, and only that way, will they be able to have a productive practice and can grow together. Otherwise they are going down together.

Kanai Sensei Interview I ~ August 17, 1991 http://www.neaikikai.org/kanai-inter-1.html