Bokken

Yesterday evening I set off for Aikido, in the knowledge that I may not be able to lift a cup to my mouth today! Obelix, who takes the Monday class has us working hard, usually within the first 10 minutes I have worked up a sweat! (sorry a little graphic) .....Yesterday was no exception, we worked hard, the first half of the two hour session had us learning some throwing and pinning techniques, the second half was so much more fun!! Weapons work, I would like to point out that I am not a violent person whatsoever but I have a thing about the Bokken, a wooden replica sword, I love it. On my second ever session, there was a move I just couldn't get, it was making me frustrated, Caine, who was my partner for this practice went and got his bokken and demonstrated the same move only using "it", not a partner, he got me to do the same then once I had caught on told me to do the same this time to him! It made so much sense (anyone who is familiar with aikido will know why) from then on if I didn't get it, he showed me using the bokken. As an anniversary present my husband bought me my own (it was an early present) when I took it to the club, Caine said he would sand and oil it for me and weave some tape I had chosen around the handle. Yesterday was the first time I have actually used it in a lesson and I love it, even if I can't practice what I learnt at home! ( the ceiling gets in the way!)
Oh and this morning...... I lifted my cup easily, either Obelix was easy on us or I am getting used to the work!
The picture shows my Bokken and Jo.