New outfit. New membership. Well.. the beach has closed.... And I need to learn to appreciate the Round because my body seems to believe that it is the ideal shape.... I have 20 years of experience of trying to tell it otherwise... To no effect so far. So I'm finding a lot of comfort finding a hobby in which I don't need to look at myself, worry about weight and can get away wearing comfy clothing. And I'm only one exam away from the black pants! For gals it is the first degree. For guys it is master's degree. I'm so happy to be a gal. Amazing that Japanese tradition would allow such a reversed attitutide. Supposedly, gals in white pants look like they are wearing pajamas and that is considered unsightlty - that's why they are allowed black master's pants. Cool. Now I have a reason to stick to aikido for a while. At least, until the beach reopens. On a totally serious note: the space is at the dojo is amazing: vast and EMPTY. Now, I can answer confirmative if asked whether I go to church. People are very nice. I was trying not to get on their nerves too much. Well... I'm afraid that I ruined the class for two of them who were very kind to show me the basics. Rolling is my favorite part. Interestingly, there are Polish people in class. I was surprised with promptness with which everyone grabbed a broom, duster and a mop the minute the class was over. Everything was cleaned in a matter of minutes.

Alexei Moltov is a Russian born member of the AT. He originally was a member of the Russian Marines, but left the country and joined with the European branch of the AT, codenamed "Action Man"/"Action Team". He eventually decided to move to America and joined the Adventure Team. He is a multi-degree black belt in several forms of martial arts and a master of hand to hand combat. He teaches self-defense to the team and is also a weapons specialist.