Linda Eskin - Aikido 6th Kyu Exam - Aikido of San Diego

[@bhgtree]

Just found this now and then checked out the ASD website to find your now a2nd Dan, wow, thanks Linda your an inspiration.

[@acquiesce100]

Linda, you should be very proud of that exam. You were brilliant.

[@stuartsmiths8220]

thank you this is the best for white belt training I've learned more and more every time i watch this video after training

[@paoct]

I can now understand what respect, harmony and love for all other people and creatures really mean. And how important is to learn to conquer ourselves, have inner peace and that all things in the Universe, living and non-living, are connected. I am originally from Quito-Ecuador, but I live in Indonesia. I will have the great honor of meeting the great-grand son of O'Sensei on October 4th. He is coming to celebrate with us the 30th anniversary of the Indonesian Aikido Kenyukai. Thank you again!GL

[@bryanneuber4394]

These techniques look great even at a beginner level. The slower pace really showcases your understanding of mechanics and the importance of proper technique. I'm a black belt in tang SOO do and am about to test for my black belt in kenpo. I've always loved Aikido and think you're doing a fantastic job!

[@paoct]

"We all constantly learn". Exactly the words my Senseis told me from my very first practice... These days they encourage me to observe everybody in our Dojo, because "we can always learn something new from EVERYBODY". Very true, very enriching...

[@UROTSUKIDOYI]

for a 6th kyu thats very good technique, you dont expect someone whos just starting to have moves that are so clear and precise

[@bigsidable]

She did very well. Very knowledgeable of the fine point of Aikido.

[@MrDarkman7]

Brings back memories when I was tested for my 6th kyu many years ago.

[@paoct]

the front rolls costed me at least 4 months... Silly me! I was so scared when I began practicing Aikido, I always had the idea that I was to break my neck or stuff... The good thins is that our Senseis are sooooo patient and always sooo willing to show us and try a technique again and again and again, always encouraging you to try yur best... It is a question of time and overcoming oneself, you will get your rolls! :)

[@paunitarman8645]

What belt are you now?

[@paoct]

Hi Linda! Thanks a lot for sharing this video! It will help me in preparing for my own 6th Kyu, that is coming in a couple of weeks. I started practicing Aikido last February, just 2 weeks after I had a surgery to take my apendix and gallbladder out. I have never studied martial arts before, and I was actually thinking about kung fu, but my husband suggested me Aikido better. It has been, indeed, the best choice ever! Aikido has given me a brand new perspective on everything in life...

[@Aikidood]

Nice test, Linda. Nice posture. I like how you walked to uke instead of waiting for him to come to you. That will come in handy later.

[@ArmEdR0bbErY]

pretty cool . Looking into aikido for me and my wife. This gives me some insight into the actual movements of the art. Most of the videos I've seen are all masters throwing ppl around for demonstrations. Thanks for the video!!

[@LIHyer]

This was very helpful to me as I prepare for the same test. Thx for taping and for posting.

[@kiwidharma]

Got my 6th Kyu coming up in 4 days - so great to see your grading to reassure me that I might sort of know what to expect! You look very precise, and also very relieved it was over!!

[@jment34]

Great video I realy miss practicing aikido.

[@gregsorrell]

oh, seen it. his shoulder rolling movement was very helpful to see. very expressive.

[@ketsan]

Good grading! Keep your heel on the mat when you tenkan though and keep your hands up. Other than that you've got good posture and it all looked smooth and confident. Thanks for your message the other day.

[@LindaEskin]

@Martynas772 Hi. Until a few years ago we only had white and black, too. Sensei added blue (4th and 3rd kyu), and brown (2nd and 1st kyu). It makes it easier for everyone, especially new people, to understand at a glance the level of people they are training with. I know some dojo wear hakama at different ranks, too. At our dojo only yudansha wear hakama.

[@LindaEskin]

Thank you, devx, for your thoughtful comments and constructive feedback. I see from the other videos you watch and comment on that you are a real martial arts expert - you can see exactly what everyone else is doing wrong! Great job! I don't see the link to your videos on your channel. Please share with us the URLs for your exams, so that we can all observe correct technique.

[@LindaEskin]

Thank you. I appreciate your thoughtful comments. I'm certainly focusing on ukemi a lot. I've improved a bit since this exam (over 3 years ago), but of course the more I learn, the more I can see I need to learn. :-) I'm really enjoying training, and getting a lot from my practice.

[@lasttransmissions]

You started out nervous, but then you got more and more into the flow of it. I actually have to say that I was able to learn a thing or two by the way you personally executed the techniques. We all constantly learn. Fell comfortable finding your way to move, it will enrich you way of doing Aikido.

[@CraigAMartin]

I'm literally about to take my 6th kyu test in about an hour. I'm very nervous, but watching your videos has giving me some insight as to what I should expect. Thanks :)

[@arturshchukin2341]

hope you enjoyed your test :)

[@LindaEskin]

Thanks for all the good observations and tips Ellis! Keeping my hands in front of me has been an ongoing challenge - especially keeping my hands in front while still keeping my shoulders back and chest open. I got through the rolls OK, but am slightly mortified at the thunking of the first foot coming down on each forward roll. I can do better when I'm calm and unhurried - now I just have to do better all the time. (Ha.)

[@LindaEskin]

Thank you, Bryan, for your kind comments. I hope your test in kenpo went great! My next exam, for shodan, will be in a year or two, and I'm learning more about the mechanics and clarifying my technique every day. It's an endless road, but I'm loving walking it. All the best in your training.

[@zhamza]

The techniques were smooth ! Thanks for sharing the video Linda.

[@LindaEskin]

Thank you, Zakaria. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :-) I'm currently training for shodan (first black belt), and had a particularly awful day today, so I really appreciate the encouraging words.

[@LindaEskin]

Hi @iPirate. I hope your test went well, and that you're still enjoying training!

[@LindaEskin]

Sure - That's a good idea! This (from our membership handbook on the Aikido of San Diego website) is not quite in order, but should help: 6th Kyu (White Belt) -- Minimum -- 20 practice days Ukemi forward & back roll Katate-dori tai no henko Shihonage (omote & ura) Shomen-uchi tenkan/irimi Ikkyo (omote & ura) Jiyuwaza (simple grabs only) Suwariwaza kokyu dosa Thanks for asking!

[@DragonKarateka]

Excellent!!

[@philwoodford]

Nice rolling at the start. Interesting that you're tested on this as part of the grading.

[@LucasNygard]

Aikido has Junior grades with stripes on the belt in 8,7,6, kyu gradings.I some countries and dojos they have also junior grades from 8-3 kyu. The age of Junior variate in some countries but i don't know how it's in Hombu Dojo. The techniques in the gradings variate from country to country.

[@hizammiosman2918]

hi, good video..i just started my aikido training. last week. :)

[@LindaEskin]

That's great, Hizammi! Are you enjoying your training, I hope?

[@LindaEskin]

@UROTSUKIDOYI Thank you. I am very fortunate to have such good instruction and mentoring at my dojo. :-)

[@LindaEskin]

What a great thing for you to do together! We have several families training together, and just recently started a whole-dojo class on Saturday mornings where students from the childrens program and adult classes train together. I have some posts on my blog (grabmywrist) about technique names. I'll see if KZbin will let me send you a link - I can't post one here.

[@jack7691]

Very useful to exam kyu 6th move kyu 5th

[@LindaEskin]

Thank you. :-) Be patient, and practice slowly. You'll be rolling smoothly before you know it. Rushing will only introduce tension and stiffness. I'm only starting to get a little bit happy with my forward rolls now. Lots more work to do!:-)

[@LindaEskin]

The "dude in the corner" is called "sensei." I don't know what tentai is, but I did what we call irimi, a sliding-entering movement. I screwed up standing in hanmi before doing tenkan, though. I have vertigo, and was really dizzy from rolling! Totally spaced right there.

[@LindaEskin]

I hope you can come back to it! :-)

[@lordosaya]

honestly, well done! i can see the determination and seriousness in your movements. i look forward to seeing your future videos and to watch how your aikido develops. congratulations. =)

[@Martynas772]

I had my 6th kyu test today. Us, kids have to go from 10th to 1st, and finally im at 6th! I'm so happy now :D

[@LindaEskin]

Hi Rico! Thanks for the nice comment. I really enjoy training, and we have several couples at our dojo. Most dojos are happy to let people watch classes, so you might like to visit a few near you. Classes can vary a lot, even with the same teacher, depending on who is there that day, and what they feel like teaching, so don't take any one class as representing how they all go. I hope you both give it a try. Enjoy!

[@LindaEskin]

Thank you. :-) I'm really enjoying training, and looking forward to whatever comes next. Congratulations on your 2nd kyu grading! And thank you for sharing your videos.

[@LindaEskin]

Thank you. I was a little over the minimum, but not a lot... I appreciate the kind comment. :-)

[@LindaEskin]

Hi Jules. I just noticed your comment. Congratulations on your 6th kyu! Happy training!

[@LindaEskin]

I appreciate your enthusiasm for discussing Aikido. :-) A few points to clarify: - I do not believe my sensei would tell you he teaches self defense. I've actually never heard those words at the dojo. But I've only been there since May. - I didn't "admit" anything, particularly not that Aikido is "crap" of any sort. To answer your question, my reasons for taking Aikido include learning to relax, breathe, and focus under pressure, to improve my balance and agility,... sorry, out of characters. :)

[@LindaEskin]

@xXxDiukexXx At our dojo we all begin as "unranked." The first exam (after a minimum of 20 training days) is for the rank of 6th kyu - our lowest rank. Some dojos have 7th, and even 8th kyu ranks - mostly for kids' classes, I believe. There's not one definitive standard across all associations. Happy training!

[@victorhugopereirasilva]

Congratulations Mrs. Eskin

[@LindaEskin]

If you miss it, you should come back to the dojo. I can't imagine not training. Start again. At first it will probably be awkward, but you'll be back in the flow shortly. Let me know if you start training again!

[@LindaEskin]

You might not understand that this is the first (lowest level) exam, to demonstrate only the most basic understanding of a few things. It *is* the start. Some people are not fit. Except perhaps at your dojo (which would be sad), everyone can practice Aikido, and everyone can benefit from training. O Sensei was clear about that. Since you seem to be concerned for my fitness, you may be relieved to know that I lost 40 pounds that first year, and now train at least 5 days a week.

[@LindaEskin]

Hi Craig! I'm sorry I didn't notice your post until just now. I hope your test went great. Someone told me 6th kyu is the hardest one. At first I thought they were joking, but now I think they were correct. Congratulations. :-) Happy training.

[@HUDJ0679790]

She hasn,t done Munetsuki Kotegaeshi but anyway, since its a different dojo... but my 6th kyu exam was almost just like this!

[@LindaEskin]

@hochungyan Hi. Thank you for asking. I'm 4th kyu now, and will be testing for 3rd on July 9, 2011.

[@LindaEskin]

Thanks. :-) There's something about committing beforehand to sharing one's exam video that lends a little extra focus to the process of practicing.

[@idvhfd]

Thanks for the quick reply. Unfortunately, no. I'm about to, but I'm still thinking about it and feeling quite anxious. I'm going to participate to a Yoshinkan Aikido training session in my city(just spectating) -- I might join them after. I shoulda registered today, but I'm quite busy so I thought of doing so the next week. Quickly injured self? How could that happen :,(

[@LindaEskin]

@kiwidharma How exciting. :-) I'm sure you'll do great. Keep in mind that different dojos have different things on the test, so be sure you check your dojo handbook and ask your sensei if you have any questions. :-) Knowing the names when you hear them really helps! I realized when I was training for this test that I knew them when I saw them written, but they sounded unfamiliar when I heard them. Thank you for the kind words, and you're right about being relieved! Have fun and breathe!

[@Cheriec11]

Hmmm a better term that I prefer is that Aikido teaches conflict resolution. Sometimes that means applying a joint lock and some pain but hopefully one can resolve the issue before it comes to that. ;) Al I know is that since I started taking aikido classes I am a far nicer person. My managers at work are impressed enough with the results that they make sure I am free from work to attend all of my classes as well as the seminars I request off for.

[@LindaEskin]

@CheetaReborn I'm so glad you found it helpful. :-) I did exactly the same thing before my test. Figured the least I could do was pass it on. Where do you train, and when is your test? In any case, all the best - I'm sure you'll do great. I just was promoted to 4th kyu, and am having a blast training 4 nights a weeks.

[@wishkah256]

Well done, I still can't get my rolls straight :-)

[@LindaEskin]

The minimum time allowed for our association (California Aikido Association, under Aikikai) is 20 training days. I think I was somewhere around 30 or 40, if I remember correctly, when I tested. As far as calendar time I started training in May 2009, and pretty quickly injured myself and had to sit out for 6 weeks, before starting back (very carefully). My exam was in September... So about 4 months. How about you? Did you just start training? In Aikido?

[@Ligerzeronz]

This vid makes me want to get back into it. im only 8th kyu, and i stopped 3 years ago :(

[@LindaEskin]

Ah... I see you are correct that it is discussed. But notice the page begins with: "The Japanese word Aikido means The way of harmony with the natural forces of the universe. It has evolved in the tradition of the Japanese warrior arts, and is much more than self-defense. Aikido is also a path of mastery, a creative art form, and a powerful model for navigating life. It is the practice of peace through the eyes of a warrior." Thank goodness we are each free to practice the art that suits us.

[@LindaEskin]

Hi - I don't see where I replied to this... In any case, yes, at 4th and 3rd kyu in our dojo we wear blue belts. (And brown for 2nd and 1st.) :-)

[@LindaEskin]

@privateping A lot of universities have Aikido classes or clubs. You might find it is a good complement to your studies - a chance to let your mind cool down and get yourself re-centered. Whenever you begin, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. :-)

[@zenshinaiki4999]

very nice job. congrats

[@LindaEskin]

Thank you to everyone who drops by to watch. I share my exams in hopes of showing future test candidates what an exam might look like. So many people have left kind and/or constructive comments, and I truly appreciate both. I'm happy to answer questions. A few people have been just plain mean-spirited, and their comments were removed, and they have been banned. O Sensei's art is about living harmoniously, not about "my style is better than yours." We practice that on and off the mat. Cheers. :-)

[@LindaEskin]

No worries. I don't think there's really a "right" way to spell it, just a "common" way. And you were correct - my rolls need work. Looking forward to seeing your exam! December is not all that far off. Patience. :-)

[@JunebugPresents]

Wow. I never saw a 6th kyu test before. Thanks for this. I do believe at most dojos, at least dojos affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), dokas start off with no rank. I know I did, and eventually tested 5th. They didn't have 6th when I started but they do now. What rank are you now?

[@lasttransmissions]

Wanting to learn is never cheating in Aikido, since it is all about learning from others to attain mastery yourself. ;-)

[@widadaghnia6639]

Hi Linda!Thank you for sharing you exam experience, I was really curious to know how it looks like and you're great!I just start practice aikido, literally just recently, and I find it fun!wish me luck on my practice so I can progress well like you :)by the way, just curious, will you tell me how long did you take to learn those techniques before you take the exam? Thank you.

[@BurakAydemir1]

great job congrats :) :)

[@LindaEskin]

@Martynas772 Congratulations on your test! I'm sure you are a lot better at 6th kyu than I was. :-) We have a few kids at my dojo who are 6th kyu, who have been training longer than I have, and are very impressive. All the best in your training!

[@LucasNygard]

The difference is in witch school(style) you are in ex, Aikikai, Ki-Aikido, Yoshnkan, Iwama Ryu and shodokan m.m

[@LindaEskin]

Hi Phil - Yes, at 6th kyu we are demonstrating really basic skills, including being able to take ukemi safely (if not beautifully), good etiquette, and a few simple techniques. I've told friends it's like kindergarten graduation - we've shown that we can say our name, count to 10, sit still, and use the bathroom by ourselves. LOL

[@lasttransmissions]

O'sensei was still practicing ukemi the days before he died. ;-)

[@lasttransmissions]

Practice of Ukemi will take care of that. Out bodies are incredible ad adapting to new things after all. ;-)

[@JulesAssim]

@LindaEskin This is very true! I just got my 6th Kuy while doing an MA and I feel great! Definately something to get your mind off from uni work etc and of course meet interesting people =)

[@LindaEskin]

Well said. Thank you. Well said. I know I've been more focused, more open, more relaxed, happier... :-) To be clear, about the discussion below, Aikido can be very effective "in the street," but that isn't why I practice it. There are quicker, and certainly easier, ways to acquire some basic, practical self-defense skills, if one is worried about being attacked. As you (Cheriec11) said, resolving conflict before it comes to that is the bigger point..

[@LindaEskin]

@CheetaReborn Sorry for the late reply! I'm sure you've tested by now. How did it go? I hope you are enjoying your training.

[@LindaEskin]

"She" is me. Thank you for your astute observation. Are you a teacher? Yes, as the lowest level of beginner I have a lot of room for improvement on all of my techniques. (Mae kaiten, for anyone who may not know, are forward rolls. And no, they should not make that thunking noise.)

[@LindaEskin]

Hi again Ellis. Darnit, I keep trying to reply, and it keeps failing. I think it's because I was including a URL. Anyway, you can find more thoughts about my exam on AikiWeb, in my blog (under my real name). The deeper stance is probably more "just me" than any style. Uke is an awesome teacher. Not compliant when teaching. :-) If I did anything wrong, nothing happened. Yay for ukes who make you get it right!

[@LindaEskin]

Thank you, you are very kind.

[@LindaEskin]

Congrats on your 6th kyu exam! Munetsuki kotegaeshi will be on my 5th kyu exam. If you want to, you can read the requirements for each exam at our dojo at the Aikido of San Diego web site, under "Path to Black Belt". Sorry, KZbin doesn't let me post a link here.

[@kjsantana]

So well done to you, very nice first grading. As for your Uke. Well he needs to pick his game up with the rank he holds. when rolling you should never have the front of your foot on the mat, should be the ball of your foot. Its sad to see the the decline of such an amazing art.

[@LindaEskin]

@MrDarkman7 I hope they were good memories! :-) Do you still train?

[@franciscouzcategui]

hola sempai, no pierda su tiempo con ese ignorante. Buen examen de 6to kyu la felicito! yo estoy proximo a presentar soy del CNEA de venezuela saludos.

[@LindaEskin]

Thank you for your comments. I have seen rolling taught, and done, both ways. I understand the rationale for being on the ball of the foot, but there are other ways of doing ukemi. It's immature, narrow-minded, arrogant, and mean-spirited to declare the art to be in decline because anothers' technique differs from what you have been taught.

[@lenners314]

Nice demo!

[@gregsorrell]

you guys clearly practice differently from us, (AWA, Kiku Matsu Dojo in Chicago) but the requirements are the same. thanks for posting. I watched this to get ready for my test. Is that cheating?

[@LindaEskin]

Gratefully accepted. Happy training. :-)

[@LindaEskin]

D'oh. I need heel glue. I've been known to be up on my toes a time or two before. ;-) (OK, a lot...) Must remember that the ground is the source of power, and stay will attached to it. Thanks for the nice comments and feedback!

[@LindaEskin]

Thanks for the round of applause. ;-) Of course I see all the mistakes (acck!). But hey, that gives me some more things to work on, so I do better next time. :-) It was fun, in a very high-pressure kind of way.

[@Martynas772]

Do you have any other belts in your dojo? Cause in the one where i train we only have white and black belts

[@josefjardim4917]

Amazing!😅👍🏼

[@dnl991]

Gracias! Aprobé mi examen (:

[@dnl991]

Buen video, gracias por compartir, sirve para preparar mi 6 kyu (:

[@LindaEskin]

Buen suerte en su examen!

[@adamroberto1733]

muy bien para mi estoy practicando aïkido

[@silafuyang8675]

Technique and rolls are not bad for 6th kyu.

[@idvhfd]

How long did it take for you before you were able to perform the 6th Kyu Exam? (No, I'm in no way a martial arts specialist, heck, I'm more like a newbie)

[@LindaEskin]

Incidentally, my uke was not a black belt - that's just the poor lighting/video. He was, I think, a 4th kyu or 3rd kyu at this time. He just earned the rank of shodan a few weeks ago (Sept. 2012).

[@LindaEskin]

Muchos gracias para sus palabras amables. :-)