I totally forgot to post about the Tai Kai. It was awesome. Our Grandmaster, Tanemura Soke, and some of his Shihan had come to Milwaukee for the Tai Kai, as well as a few other dojos and their respective Dojo-Cho. I met some new friends, had fun with my current friends from my dojo, hurt my shoulder (the ONLY downside) doing a Ninpo roll on a hard floor, and watched a couple of people test for Yondan.

I love it when the martial arts seminars come around. A weekend full of martial arts. Nothing to complain about!

Keith and I passed 5th Kyu last night, each of us earning a 97 on our test. W00T!! I write down the score more for my own memory than to brag. Actually, there's no bragging at all in it. It's all because I've already forgotten what my first two belt Kyu test scores were. I think a 97 and a 96, but I'm not positive. I'll have to ask Sensei if he has them.

The test was a huge surprise. My shoulder is "jacked up" as a friend puts it, and the doctor said I strained my *mumblesomethingLatinmumble*, and I told Sensei that last night, but he said we were going to test anyway.

Even though I was surprised, I wasn't terribly nervous. I figured I'm ready for it, and if I'm not, I can test again some other time. It went pretty well! Our traditional technique, Katamuna Dori, was probably the best one I'd ever done. And Sensei was kind to my poor shoulder, and had Keith do Ura Gyaku Henka Dori on someone else. It's a technique that involves several different locks, mostly of the shoulder.

Now Keith and I are on to 4th Kyu! Sweet. :)

John

I just want you to know that I love you.

Real Ninja Training!

Egads. The Tai Kai and documentary viewing are THIS WEEK!! *excited and nervous all at the same time*