Day 6 – Stepping Outside of Time

Today we got up very early, determinded to make up for some self induced bad experience. Early breakfast with some leftover bread, cheese,…then straight on to noda.

Relaxed by a good night’s sleep we entered the dojo. The first training was given by Shiraishi sensei. He is really stressing basics and the way in which he teaches is that he lets you show the technique again and again, each time taking another uke from the crowd. He explains a lot of the underlining principles and actually makes you feel like there really is nothing special to it. That it is really possible for anyone to learn good taijutsu which is just the ability to move naturally. I made a lot of notes.

After this training we went to eat in the little restaurant and although we tried to ask for a rice dish we ended up with exactly the same food we had had the first time: ramen (noodle soup). Still no scrolls though (kakejiku).

Back to Honbu for another training. Nagato Sensei this time. He picked a few people to show a technique and then let us perform it. Then he added some improvements and variations. After training we met up with my friend from Germany; Cavin. He invited us for dinner at Coco’s: this is a nice place where you can get european food, like pizza, french fries, spagetti and risotto. For a unit price you can drink as much as you like from the drink bar, where you can order soda, coke, fruitjuices, coffee or thee.

Then back for the third training with Noguchi Sensei. We really enjoyed this training. It was a sweaty one and went by very fast because we were not concious of time anymore and I really also have to thank Cavin for that. Training with another uke is really important for your devellopment. And quite frankly; you don’t come all the way to Japan just to train with your regular companion, do you? Although it can be safer sometimes, (because you won’t kill eachother), to have a soft training when your muscles are sore.

This day really was a fruitfull one. We forgot about time and yesterday’s experiences were forgotten in the midst of so many good tidings. Tired but satisfied we came home and fell into a deeeeeep and looooong sleeeeeeeeep!