For the last several weeks Jack has been honing in on our ability to feel and guide the balance and energy of the opponent, exposing our desire to apply a specific technique using inefficient movement.
Performing different drills we have had to work very closely in the Uke/Tori relationship. The feedback of the Uke is critical to understand the next movement in terms of leading the Uke to a bad space rather than forcing them. Even students of many years are reduced to slow movement and constant feedback. Jack had been joking often "Sorry! This isn't a beginners class anymore."
During a recent class, perhaps Jack sensed the frustrations, as we students seemed completely unable to do, just once, what he repeatedly did to all of us. Eventually my partner and I managed to do some very rough imitations. With a lot of stopping and guiding by Uke we established a zigzagging trajectory which looked like 4 distinct movements rather than 1 smooth one. We knew we were still a long way off and didn't yet feel encouraged.
Jack told us not to worry, we aren't yet used to this way of doing Taijutsu. We were just beginning to learn and it's hard. I observed and quipped "So this IS a beginners class!".
Jack smiled and immediately said "Maybe it is a beginner class for 15th Dans."
We didn't feel quite so bad now. We all have a long road ahead of us. It won't be the first time I had to give my perspective on Taijutsu an overhaul on this journey.
