Back in black (pants)

Returned to the mat for the first time in weeks (going to be a theme this week) for some Aikido training. I'm working on getting my head back for my ni-kyu shinsa which I would like to take in the next week or two. I probably need to spend about a week just to get my mind back and a few days of heavy review--but I'm feeling reasonably good. I practiced the Jo and Bokken forms after class and they felt good, if not polished. Also, a good friend and great aikidoka, Naoto, was back visiting from Japan where his company relocated him after 10 years in NYC. It was really good to work with him and hopefully I'll get the chance a few more times this week. He has an amazing 'soft-power' style that doesn't feel like he ever needs any effort yet is extremely effective.

katate-kosa-tori
shih-nage irmi
kokyo-nage tubikitori irmi
kokyo-nage hantai tenkan
kokyo-nage irmi (quick style)
yoko-menuchi
kote-kaishi

ryote-dori
nikyo
shiho-nage
kote-kaishi
sankyo sudori irimi
kokyo-nage