> Challenging does not describe the Water element for
> me.  It took me two months to comprehend the "stepping
> 45 degrees" never mind doing it.

> At that point in time I was training in mixed classes
> and in mixed elements and the result was a lot of
> mixed feelings and the urge to quit and walk away.  I
> doubted my ability to learn this magnificent art.

> My break trough in Water came when my Teacher now -
> Denis Dorward blindfolded me.  He instructed me to
> move in "45 degrees" while he punched and kicked me.
> I did perfect Ichi Monchi"s every time, from one side
> of the Dojo to the other.

> When I graded for from Red/White to Red, I was told
> that I am doing the basics right, but the Emotional
> Fire was absent.

> That was a huge eye opener, because it was also the
> emotion in water, that was absent.  Only when I was
> blindfolded and had to rely on ALL my senses could I
> get it right.

> Fire needs expression, water needs space.

> I prefer to work in each separate Element until it
> becomes a reflex.  To be saturated with this element,
> feel it, live it, breath it, be it, become it.

> Prosperous New Year to all my fellow travellers on
> this Journey.

> Laurentia Knoetze
> aka KATALINA
> Grootfontein Dojo
> Budo Quest
> South Africa

>       ___________________________________________________________
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