Tuesday, July 28, 2015

A Beginner's Point of View 700-701

Day 700:

I decided not to go to class today because of back pain from my job.

Day 701:

I decided not to go to class today because of back pain from my job.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

A Beginner's Point of View 698-699

Day 698:

In Iaido class, I completed three sets of kata. Sensei corrected me on the third kata. I was pushing my left foot too far out and then sliding my right foot to match my left foot. This makes me slide too far to the side and going out of my way.

In Kendo class, Sensei taught our beginner. Our other nidan ran the regular class. We had a day of learning to take center and using seme. Kihon drills taught the receiver to resist at first and then give an opening. In was very hot and very humid. The heat index for the day was over 100 degrees. We built in a couple of breaks so people could cool off and get water. We finished with ji-geiko and kiri-kaeshi.

Day 699:

I decided not to go to class today because of back pain from my job.

Friday, July 17, 2015

A Beginner's Point of View 696-697

Day 696:

The doctor gave me some medicine and I feel better. Good enough for Iaido class.

In Iaido, my reflexes are dull and my limbs are unsteady. I just barely completed three sets of kata plus a few spare kata.

I did not plan to practice Kendo so I planned to just go home. However, our other nidan did not show up. Sensei needed me to teach our new beginner. Good thing I brought my shinai to class. I took him through lessons of footwork, kihon waza, and answered questions about shinais.

Day 697:

I feel even better. Still, I’ll wait until next week for Kendo.

In Iaido class, I completed three sets of kata. Sensei gave a short lesson about drawing the sword in the third kata. You must put tension in the wrist so the blade springs up to catch the opponent’s attack.

I was told by Sensei that I wouldn’t need to teach. Our other nidan showed up. However, Sensei went to class and asked me to tech again. I repeated the last lesson, except made 2-step men into 1-step men. I also merged footwork and striking. This makes him closer to joining the class. About 2 weeks in and he’s almost ready for kiri-kaeshi.

Next week and I plan to join Kendo. I just hope I don’t overdo it.

Monday, July 6, 2015

A Beginner's Point of View 694-695

Day 694:

No class today as I am ill.

Day 695:

No class today as I am ill.

Being sick is terrible. Maybe the doctor can help me.