The Gorilla Woman

Our dojo has a new member from Singapore. 

N is a very smart and very petite lady.  At first glance, I thought she was a child.  I was astonished that not only was she an adult, but she was also married.  She came here to accompany her husband for his postgraduate studies.

Since the first time she came to try Aikido, I have never slowed down the class for N.  I may give her some extra attention now and then, but I am convinced that she has the ability to chase and catch up with the rest of the class.  High potential students need challenges.  Her progress confirms that my assessment was correct.

Before long, N was ready to test for gokyu.  I had never seen anybody test for gokyu this soon.

Review sessions for her test were not typical drills.  Instead of doing text book versions of the techniques over and over, I used the test syllabus as the basis to show all sorts of variations for the entire class.  This way, ikkyus preparing for shadan test could benefit from it.  N got to experience everything with her sempais, but she had to sort out what she was to show at her test.

A few days before grading, I suggested to her that she may want to take a video of her test.

N was not keen on the idea, but I convinced her to reconsider.  "Testing is supposed to be an educational experience.  Having a video to review afterwards can really enhance the experience."

As expected, she did a great test.  We set up hurdles, and kept tossing in wrenches.  Still, she plowed through the test in stride.  

After the test, I reminded her to do a mental review of what happened -- take inventory of what went well and what she thought were difficult, awkward moments -- before reveiwing the video. 

N came back to tell me she watched the video, and that it was an eye-opener for her.  

"It revealed to me so many things I was not aware of at the time.  Some things that felt good do not look as good as I thought; whereas some difficult moments that felt like an eternity could not even be found on the recording."

Amongst all, one thing stands out the most to her -- her posture.

"I always know that my posture is not great.  I have been working on it."  N giggled shyly.  ""But I did not know that I stand with my shoulders so curled that my arms are in front of my body.  I look like a gorilla!  I am so embarassed!!!"  She could not help laughing out loud at herself.

The revelation sparks a new New Year resolution for her.  

I commented on N's posture before, but nothing changed.  Now that she finally sees it herself, she does not like the way she looks.  She wants it to be different.  This becomes the strongest motivation possible in the world.  

My teachers always say Aikido grading is supposed to be an educational experience.  I think we accomplished just that.