Thursday, December 20, 2012

A Beginner's Point of View 433-434

Day 433:

No class today as I am not well.

Day 434:

Today I went back and did three sets of Iaido. I was out of breath after class, so I still can’t tell how much better I’m getting. I can’t wait to do the blood tests for the doctor again.

After class, the instructor asked me if I would be an officer of the club. Normally, we elect members of the board (that runs the club). However, he said he wants to try appointing this year. I said I would serve if asked.

This was the last practice of the year. In two weeks is the next practice.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

A Beginner's Point of View 431-432

Day 431:

I arrived at the dojo to find it set for a party. I waited until someone showed up. The instructor said it was ours for the night, so we cleared the floor.

We only had time for two sets, but I was still able to do more. I asked the question about when to spring forward with the tsuka-ate. He said to rise up and bring your toes up first, then spring forward. That makes it easier than springing from tate-heiza like I’ve been trying to master.

The Kendo instructor did not show up, so the Iaido instructor taught the basic Kendo class. He asked me to stay and help teach Kendo kata to the students. We went over the first two kata in detail and showed the third kata.

Day 432:

Today I arrived early. I got three sets in and was very tired. I can’t wait to see the doctor for my checkup.

I’m finding the big chiburi from jodan hard to control. When I asked the instructor, he showed me a simpler chiburi where the tsuba only travels straight down, not left and then right. You use your tenouchi to flick the sword. The sword should not move left and right, only travel in the plane of the blade.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

A Beginner's Point of View 429-430

Day 429:

No class today because I am ill.

Day 430:

Today I was feeling average, so I went to class. We had a lot of people in class today so there was almost no room to maneuver. So I did all of my kata randomly to try to fit into the small space.

After class, I asked the instructor why it was that I keep finding myself back to the starting point when I did noto. He told me that this is an aspect of my long legs. I have to step back in smaller steps.