By Simon Aaen Vaala, Member until 2016

On Friday 6/6 Shindenkan held Ju-jutsu course 1, which was a really good experience for me.

I have been going to karate at Jokokan Frederiksberg since August 2013, and for me the course was therefore at a very good time, when I could advantageously consider the technique in the right context. Because even though the course is just Course 1 out of 3 Ju-jutsu courses, there is plenty to learn.

For the ordinary training, before the course we had become familiar with some of the fall techniques, but of course not with as intensive a focus as here on the course. I actually had a feeling that I had a good handle on at least forward and backward roll drops. But since in Course 1 you have to do all fall techniques at tai-chi pace, you really find out how important the technique is and not just how fast you can roll. Plenty of time was given to each individual exercise, while there were 3 instructors who were very active, which is why my experience of the course was that everyone was fine-tuned even very small details that made the technique even better.

Kjeld Renshi-dai started by explaining what the course would contain, and then we got both a little theoretical and practical introduction to the purpose, technique and content of the training in the various degrees, with effective demonstrations. This meant that everyone just got a taste of what exciting things we are going to learn more about further along in our journey.

Throughout the course, I felt that Kjeld Renshi-dai & Co. approached the task with seriousness and with an eye for each individual student, and with room for both children, adults, white belts and people of color. Seasoned with a good dose of humor, the course was also a pleasant experience, which I am happy to have included in my own journey.