Back to training

Last night was my first day back training under Naito-sensei at the Gensei-ryu Butokukai Hiroshima Honbu.

Honestly I thought I would struggle a little more than I did at training.
I warmed my knee up completely before doing anything, then continued to stretch it during the entire training session at regular intervals just to be safe.

I had to hold myself back alot, I think I can do more at training but to be safe I take a step back from what I think I can do and take it easy (which is difficult for me as I have always gone 110% when training).

The training session started with some kihon and body adjustments, shoulders, arms etc. Using the Kihongyougi Shihotsuki kata pattern to reinforce and check the adjustments.

Next came kata. Kata is generally ok for me to train in, as long as I remove the kicks, jumps and take care not to go fast. The up-side to training like this is I can focus on the small adjustments and differences between Shotokan and Genseiryu kata.

Then came kumite. This was a little difficult. Rhythm is important in kumite not oly the sport aspect but the self defence aspect as well. I slippped up a few times and without thinking my body automatically threw a kick (luckily with my good leg). So I now know that I have to concentrate completely when training in kumite.
As for the rhythm....Naito-sensei taught me a good training method due to me not being able to perform the rhythm (bounce) with my body. I am to keep my feet light but planted, relax and "hear" the rhythm in my head without letting my body move to it....difficult....but a challenge is what I like!

This morning I thought my knee would have swelled a little from the workout, but to my surprise it hasn't swelled, nor is there any pain! But my leg muscles got a good workout which is what I need!

All in all....progress.