Linda Eskin - Aikido 6th Kyu Exam - Aikido of San Diego

[Martynas772]

Do you have any other belts in your dojo? Cause in the one where i train we only have white and black belts

[LindaEskin]

@Martynas772 Hi. Until a few years ago we only had white and black, too. Sensei added blue (4th and 3rd kyu), and brown (2nd and 1st kyu). It makes it easier for everyone, especially new people, to understand at a glance the level of people they are training with. I know some dojo wear hakama at different ranks, too. At our dojo only yudansha wear hakama.

[kiwidharma]

Got my 6th Kyu coming up in 4 days - so great to see your grading to reassure me that I might sort of know what to expect! You look very precise, and also very relieved it was over!!

[LindaEskin]

@kiwidharma How exciting. :-) I'm sure you'll do great. Keep in mind that different dojos have different things on the test, so be sure you check your dojo handbook and ask your sensei if you have any questions. :-) Knowing the names when you hear them really helps! I realized when I was training for this test that I knew them when I saw them written, but they sounded unfamiliar when I heard them.

Thank you for the kind words, and you're right about being relieved! Have fun and breathe!

[Martynas772]

I had my 6th kyu test today. Us, kids have to go from 10th to 1st, and finally im at 6th! I'm so happy now :D

[LindaEskin]

@Martynas772 Congratulations on your test! I'm sure you are a lot better at 6th kyu than I was. :-) We have a few kids at my dojo who are 6th kyu, who have been training longer than I have, and are very impressive. All the best in your training!

[lubos178]

Detail-není to 6 kyu,ale 5 kyu.

[hochungyan]

so what belt are u now LindaEaskin?

[LindaEskin]

@hochungyan Hi. Thank you for asking. I'm 4th kyu now, and will be testing for 3rd on July 9, 2011.

[privateping]

Apparently Aikido has a very difficult learning curve. Might start Aikido after Uni so I have more time.

[LindaEskin]

@privateping A lot of universities have Aikido classes or clubs. You might find it is a good complement to your studies - a chance to let your mind cool down and get yourself re-centered. Whenever you begin, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. :-)

[JulesAssim]

@LindaEskin This is very true! I just got my 6th Kuy while doing an MA and I feel great! Definately something to get your mind off from uni work etc and of course meet interesting people =)

[CheetaReborn]

Well done on your test, it means the world for someone(like me) who has to face this test to be able to watch it from an outside view. Especially being the first test, its hard to know what to know expect without a video like this :)

[LindaEskin]

@CheetaReborn I'm so glad you found it helpful. :-) I did exactly the same thing before my test. Figured the least I could do was pass it on. Where do you train, and when is your test? In any case, all the best - I'm sure you'll do great. I just was promoted to 4th kyu, and am having a blast training 4 nights a weeks.

[CheetaReborn]

@LindaEskin I train in Jacksonville, Florida and I don't know when the actual test will be held, but I will be eligible early-mid January.

[LindaEskin]

@CheetaReborn Sorry for the late reply! I'm sure you've tested by now. How did it go? I hope you are enjoying your training.

[UROTSUKIDOYI]

for a 6th kyu thats very good technique, you dont expect someone whos just starting to have moves that are so clear and precise

[LindaEskin]

@UROTSUKIDOYI Thank you. I am very fortunate to have such good instruction and mentoring at my dojo. :-)

[MrDarkman7]

Brings back memories when I was tested for my 6th kyu many years ago.

[LindaEskin]

@MrDarkman7 I hope they were good memories! :-) Do you still train?

[quixote1975]

Excelent level for 6th Kyu...

Linda you have a good technic, just work your ki...

[LIHyer]

This was very helpful to me as I prepare for the same test. Thx for taping and for posting.

[LindaEskin]

Glad to hear it. :-) Be sure to also look for videos by "lordosaya" on YouTube. His first test (might be 5th kyu) is inspiring. Good luck on your test. Remember to breathe! :-)

[HUDJ0679790]

She hasn,t done Munetsuki Kotegaeshi but anyway, since its a different dojo... but my 6th kyu exam was almost just like this!

[LindaEskin]

Congrats on your 6th kyu exam! Munetsuki kotegaeshi will be on my 5th kyu exam.

If you want to, you can read the requirements for each exam at our dojo at the Aikido of San Diego web site, under "Path to Black Belt". Sorry, YouTube doesn't let me post a link here.

[Lovelyallison]

Wow U go girl!! I studied only couple of those techniques! You are doing pretty well! Im still a bit struglling with doing forward rolls! I keep hurting my back =( Oh well I just had 3 lessons lol Maybe ill be better lol =) Good luck with ur next exams! :)

[LindaEskin]

Thank you. :-) Be patient, and practice slowly. You'll be rolling smoothly before you know it. Rushing will only introduce tension and stiffness. I'm only starting to get a little bit happy with my forward rolls now. Lots more work to do!:-)

[unknowcreature]

Great test, you have a natural talent...you have fight spirit...:-p

[LindaEskin]

Thank you, you are very kind.

[macvaxx]

She is bad at Mayakaiten.

[LindaEskin]

"She" is me. Thank you for your astute observation. Are you a teacher? Yes, as the lowest level of beginner I have a lot of room for improvement on all of my techniques.

(Mae kaiten, for anyone who may not know, are forward rolls. And no, they should not make that thunking noise.)

[macvaxx]

Lol, sorry. =)

No I am not a teacher.

I still haven't passed my 6th kyu exam, but, I know everything that needs to be known about it. Meaning that I have mastered all my techniques and are waiting for my exam which will be sadly, only at December. =(

And sorry I don't know exact ways to spell it seeing that I am not from America nor did I tried to find it. :P

[LindaEskin]

No worries. I don't think there's really a "right" way to spell it, just a "common" way.

And you were correct - my rolls need work.

Looking forward to seeing your exam! December is not all that far off. Patience. :-)

[macvaxx]

Sadly enough, recording our exams is strictly prohibited at our "dojo".

[AIKILV]

Good Test!!!!!

[Aikidood]

Nice test, Linda. Nice posture. I like how you walked to uke instead of waiting for him to come to you. That will come in handy later.

[lordosaya]

honestly, well done! i can see the determination and seriousness in your movements. i look forward to seeing your future videos and to watch how your aikido develops. congratulations. =)

[LindaEskin]

Thank you. :-) I'm really enjoying training, and looking forward to whatever comes next.

Congratulations on your 2nd kyu grading! And thank you for sharing your videos.

[Cheriec11]

What better means of self defense can there be than to be able to diffuse a situation before it ever comes to blows? Seriously... think about it. ;) The day to day conflicts we all tend to be involved in rarely if ever include street fights and bar room brawls.

[dAlen7]

couple of thoughts:

- watch the "dont taze me bro" video on youtube. All those security officers there and all they felt they could do was taze the college protester? One of them could have easily used Sankyo and walked him out without resorting to tazing.

- many people confuse sport fighting and their expectations about things. Point being, even Tyson couldnt beat of Tyson if he didnt train 24.7 for the fight.

Everything has a time and place...

[Cheriec11]

Hmmm a better term that I prefer is that Aikido teaches conflict resolution. Sometimes that means applying a joint lock and some pain but hopefully one can resolve the issue before it comes to that. ;)

Al I know is that since I started taking aikido classes I am a far nicer person. My managers at work are impressed enough with the results that they make sure I am free from work to attend all of my classes as well as the seminars I request off for.

[LindaEskin]

Well said.

Thank you. Well said. I know I've been more focused, more open, more relaxed, happier... :-)

To be clear, about the discussion below, Aikido can be very effective "in the street," but that isn't why I practice it. There are quicker, and certainly easier, ways to acquire some basic, practical self-defense skills, if one is worried about being attacked.

As you (Cheriec11) said, resolving conflict before it comes to that is the bigger point..

[solpapisolmook]

Nice, Linda! God help you if you try this fucking nonsense in the street!!!

[LindaEskin]

Thank you, and no worries, I have no intention of getting involved in street fights. :-)

[solpapisolmook]

Kind of defeats the purpose of "self defense," but hey, if you like to waste your time, God bless!

[LindaEskin]

Who mentioned "self-defense" training? That's not what I'm up to. :-) If you want to learn quickly how to protect yourself in the street, take a self-defense class.

[solpapisolmook]

Fantastic! An aikidoka who finally admits this crap isn't for self defense! I totally agree with you, Linda, and I commend you for not falling into the nonsense that they spew! Sadly, I do believe your sensei, even though I've never met him, would tell me he teaches self-defense, if I were to walk into your dojo and ask him what Aikido is for.

Just out of curiosity; what do you take Aikido for?

[LindaEskin]

I appreciate your enthusiasm for discussing Aikido. :-) A few points to clarify:

- I do not believe my sensei would tell you he teaches self defense. I've actually never heard those words at the dojo. But I've only been there since May.

- I didn't "admit" anything, particularly not that Aikido is "crap" of any sort.

To answer your question, my reasons for taking Aikido include learning to relax, breathe, and focus under pressure, to improve my balance and agility,... sorry, out of characters. :)

[solpapisolmook]

I think he would.

Go to the website of your dojo, click on "About Aikido," and read all about the self defense it boasts of teaching.

Whatever, I'm not attacking you. Congratulations on realizing this shit isn't self defense. If only all aikidokas would understand this...

[LindaEskin]

Ah... I see you are correct that it is discussed. But notice the page begins with: "The Japanese word Aikido means The way of harmony with the natural forces of the universe. It has evolved in the tradition of the Japanese warrior arts, and is much more than self-defense. Aikido is also a path of mastery, a creative art form, and a powerful model for navigating life. It is the practice of peace through the eyes of a warrior."

Thank goodness we are each free to practice the art that suits us.

[Iriminerd]

Nice Exam, Linda. Thanks for sharing!

[LindaEskin]

Thanks. :-) There's something about committing beforehand to sharing one's exam video that lends a little extra focus to the process of practicing.

[ketsan]

Good grading! Keep your heel on the mat when you tenkan though and keep your hands up. Other than that you've got good posture and it all looked smooth and confident.

Thanks for your message the other day.

[LindaEskin]

D'oh. I need heel glue. I've been known to be up on my toes a time or two before. ;-) (OK, a lot...) Must remember that the ground is the source of power, and stay will attached to it.

Thanks for the nice comments and feedback!

[madman1960]

Hi Linda....good test!

Congratulations on how well you moved through it, with smooth, controlled motions.

My wife watching over my shoulder, said it deserved a big applause.

I keep up with the blogs on aikiweb, and was pleased to watch....Congrats from West Texas!!!

[LindaEskin]

Thanks for the round of applause. ;-)

Of course I see all the mistakes (acck!). But hey, that gives me some more things to work on, so I do better next time. :-)

It was fun, in a very high-pressure kind of way.

[LindaEskin]

Thanks for all the good observations and tips Ellis! Keeping my hands in front of me has been an ongoing challenge - especially keeping my hands in front while still keeping my shoulders back and chest open. I got through the rolls OK, but am slightly mortified at the thunking of the first foot coming down on each forward roll. I can do better when I'm calm and unhurried - now I just have to do better all the time. (Ha.)

[ellispratt]

Linda, You've got the building blocks for good technique there. Good rolls. Your fingers should make a triangle when you bow in. Good posture. The hands just need to go up and down, so keep them in your centre. More confidence in the hips- that will stop the hopping & lead to better taking of balance . Your style takes much deeper steps than mine,. Good suwari waza - do you know the "open the book, show them the book" mantra for that? Nice compliant uki. Tai sabaki - don't scoop. Well done!

[LindaEskin]

Hi again Ellis. Darnit, I keep trying to reply, and it keeps failing. I think it's because I was including a URL. Anyway, you can find more thoughts about my exam on AikiWeb, in my blog (under my real name). The deeper stance is probably more "just me" than any style. Uke is an awesome teacher. Not compliant when teaching. :-) If I did anything wrong, nothing happened. Yay for ukes who make you get it right!