Sunday class

Today was mainly focused on preparation for grading.  Essentially uke walks either forward or backward the length of the mat as tori attempts different throws.  My footwork is awkward as all get out.  Kuzushi needs a lot of work, as well.

Points to remember:

• Bend at the knees and keep the back straight.
• Use kuzushi to pull uke up and load him into proper throwing position
• Some throws require body contact before initiating (Osoto Gari, Ouchi Gari, Kouchi Gari)
• Some throws require distance to be maintained so that I can complete my rotations and load uke into position (Seio Nage, Uchi Mata, O Goshi)

Sunday class

Today was the first Sunday class I've made in a few weeks.  As per usual, the warm-ups were a bit on the unusual side, including some leap frogging activities for explosiveness (at least I think that's why we did it).  From there, the pure beginners were split off while those of us with more experience paired off to drill some throwing combinations.

I think it's pretty obvious that I need a lot more work on my kuzushi and foot work.  The first combo we worked on was a transition from a failed Ippon Seionage to a variation of O-soto gari (I think).  It requires a change in direction, rotating back into the opponent's body, hooking the outside leg and driving at a 45 degree angle away from where the support leg should be.  The second one we worked was like a foot sweep/knee push to set up for uchimata. 

Rather than working the combo, I chose to go more into the entry.  I have to remember not to step in too far.  I need to be able to rotate and pull my opponent on to my hip before finishing the throw.  It's a work in progress, but I'll keep at it.