2x4's and Pregnant Water Buffalo's

So after the first week being back at the dojo I've come to the (sometimes painful) conclusion that I've become about as flexible as a 2x4.  I guess I can blame the past nine years of sitting at a desk or on an airplane as part of the problem.  Thankfully I know that this will improve with time but it will be a long, slow process.

I've also realized that I'm about as graceful as a pregnant water buffalo when on the mat.  My mind knows what it wants to do but my body just can't seem to put the right combination's together.  I guess my muscle memory has grown a bit senile over the years.  I've been told that I will it will come to me more quickly than it did the first time that I tried to learn all of these moves.  Looks like I'll get to learn some lessons in patience during this process as well (never one of my strong points).  I still try to use muscle strength to get through the techniques rather than using my center to unbalance uke.  This is something that I will need to continue to work on and it seems that learning to relax will really help with this.  I know it will certainly help my ukemi which will be a huge benefit in itself.  After getting tired in class my ukemi technique started to get a bit sloppy and I ended class with some sore muscles that lasted for a couple of days.  Ah the joys of getting older.

Arrow Pride Sensei (2nd Dan) taught the first two lessons that I attended and Alex Nakamura Sensei (5th Dan) taught the most recent class.  They are both great guys and I enjoyed each of their classes.  Nakamura Sensei especially gives me hope.  I'm not sure of his exact age but he's certainly older than I am and moves so much better than I do.  I'm looking forward to the point when I can be more relaxed, more flexible, and be a bit more graceful.