Day 399:
No class today as I am not feeling well. I will rest and go to class tomorrow.
Day 400:
Today someone else showed up earlier than me. He wound up cleaning the floor before I was done changing into my uniform.
Since I did not move the furniture, I had lots of energy. I was able to do three full sets of kata before I was tired. My iaito was scraping out of the saya as I drew. I need to pull it back more fully.
I asked the instructor about the difference in the eleventh and twelfth katas. For each of their chiburi, they do something different with their right foot. In the eleventh kata, you stay firm. In the twelfth kata, you slide your right foot backwards. The instructor seemed amused at this question as he did not have an answer.
I practiced a few more kata at random until I decided to ask Sensei. I waited until he finished a kata. Then I asked him the question. He replied that Seitei Gata was a result of a mixing of the three main schools of Iaido. The difference in chiburi steps was a result of the mixing of styles and techniques. That’s very interesting. It’s no wonder that seeing a demonstration of Muso-Shinden Ryu shows similarities to Seitei Gata.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
A Beginner's Point of View 397-398
Day 397:
In Iaido, Sensei showed up to help clear the floor with me. He must have gotten out of work early. There were extra things on the tables, so moving the furniture and sweeping the floor made me more tired. I still had enough energy to do two sets of kata.
I noticed the instructor when he does chiburi, he lets the ki-saki dip a couple of inches down, making the sword look like it’s dropping. When I asked him about it, he said that he really didn’t notice, so it must mean that’s how he does it. When I asked about my chiburi, he said I should be more horizontal because my sword is heavier.
Day 398:
Today I tried to push myself. I completed two sets and looked at the clock. There wasn’t enough time to do a third set, so I just practiced the fourth and fifth kata. My upswing doesn’t look too fluid into the downswing because my sword is so heavy. I guess I should just make it smoother instead of faster.
In Iaido, Sensei showed up to help clear the floor with me. He must have gotten out of work early. There were extra things on the tables, so moving the furniture and sweeping the floor made me more tired. I still had enough energy to do two sets of kata.
I noticed the instructor when he does chiburi, he lets the ki-saki dip a couple of inches down, making the sword look like it’s dropping. When I asked him about it, he said that he really didn’t notice, so it must mean that’s how he does it. When I asked about my chiburi, he said I should be more horizontal because my sword is heavier.
Day 398:
Today I tried to push myself. I completed two sets and looked at the clock. There wasn’t enough time to do a third set, so I just practiced the fourth and fifth kata. My upswing doesn’t look too fluid into the downswing because my sword is so heavy. I guess I should just make it smoother instead of faster.
Friday, August 10, 2012
A Beginner's Point of View 395-396
Day 395:
I was the first to arrive at Iaido class, so I set to work clearing and sweeping the floor. Those tables and sofas seem heavier than before. I was winded and half exhausted after finishing. I set to work on my kata and could only perform two sets before I had to stop.
I think I’ve found an error I’ve been doing in the tenth kata. For the first overhead cut, I’ve been stepping with the right foot, followed up by the left foot. Then repeat for the next cut. I should be stepping with the left and then with the right for the second cut.
The doctor says my liver is slowly getting better but my immune system is hindering my progress. I’ll be at least six more months out of Kendo. I really hate losing all of my progress towards nidan.
Day 396:
I was first to arrive again, so I cleared and swept the floor. It’s still tiring but I have the time to pace myself. I had the energy to complete two sets of kata and then start a third set before I had to quit.
I asked the instructor about a finer point of the seventh kata. After the second cut, does one raise the sword in jodan or more horizontal like an anticipated parry? The instructor said that it was both. So, treat it like the start of a parry but then push the upper part of the sword up into jodan. Sounds like it’s something easier to do than explain, but it makes sense. Also, the pommel of the sword seemed loose. The instructor said that it may be loose on purpose and that it was only affixed to the sword by the wrapped cord. As long as it doesn’t come off, then it’s fine.
I was the first to arrive at Iaido class, so I set to work clearing and sweeping the floor. Those tables and sofas seem heavier than before. I was winded and half exhausted after finishing. I set to work on my kata and could only perform two sets before I had to stop.
I think I’ve found an error I’ve been doing in the tenth kata. For the first overhead cut, I’ve been stepping with the right foot, followed up by the left foot. Then repeat for the next cut. I should be stepping with the left and then with the right for the second cut.
The doctor says my liver is slowly getting better but my immune system is hindering my progress. I’ll be at least six more months out of Kendo. I really hate losing all of my progress towards nidan.
Day 396:
I was first to arrive again, so I cleared and swept the floor. It’s still tiring but I have the time to pace myself. I had the energy to complete two sets of kata and then start a third set before I had to quit.
I asked the instructor about a finer point of the seventh kata. After the second cut, does one raise the sword in jodan or more horizontal like an anticipated parry? The instructor said that it was both. So, treat it like the start of a parry but then push the upper part of the sword up into jodan. Sounds like it’s something easier to do than explain, but it makes sense. Also, the pommel of the sword seemed loose. The instructor said that it may be loose on purpose and that it was only affixed to the sword by the wrapped cord. As long as it doesn’t come off, then it’s fine.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
A Beginner's Point of View 391-394
Day 391:
No class today because my sprained toes still hurt. I’ll let them heal.
Day 392:
I finally got an appointment to have blood work done at the clinic, so I’ll skip today. I learned my lesson about pushing myself after I give blood.
Day 393:
I went to Iaido today, trying my foot in the heat. As I went through the motions of the first three kata, my foot felt fine. Not perfect, but easily not hurting. It’s time to work it back into shape.
I noticed that my noto is not very good. It’s not crisp like usual, just sloppy. At the end of the three sets I’m exhausted but not sweating. That must be my liver acting up. I think I’ll go another month.
Day 394:
I did a good three sets of kata today faster than usual. I wasn’t sweating and I was only a little down on energy. I concentrated on better noto today and improved it. Sensei was there and with two-thirds of the class gone I traded spots with him to let him practice the standing kata. I worked on the first, second, and fourth while in the short space.
I noticed that my iai-heza was too centered between both legs so I was wobbly getting up. If I keep most of my weight shifted onto my left foot, then I can get up faster and smoother.
At the end of class, Sensei told me that I had a ‘death grip’ on my iaito. I needed to relax. His adice was to drive home using only my thumbs, ring fingers, and pinkie fingers to relax the hands. Maybe tha’s why I got my three sets of kata done so soon.
No class today because my sprained toes still hurt. I’ll let them heal.
Day 392:
I finally got an appointment to have blood work done at the clinic, so I’ll skip today. I learned my lesson about pushing myself after I give blood.
Day 393:
I went to Iaido today, trying my foot in the heat. As I went through the motions of the first three kata, my foot felt fine. Not perfect, but easily not hurting. It’s time to work it back into shape.
I noticed that my noto is not very good. It’s not crisp like usual, just sloppy. At the end of the three sets I’m exhausted but not sweating. That must be my liver acting up. I think I’ll go another month.
Day 394:
I did a good three sets of kata today faster than usual. I wasn’t sweating and I was only a little down on energy. I concentrated on better noto today and improved it. Sensei was there and with two-thirds of the class gone I traded spots with him to let him practice the standing kata. I worked on the first, second, and fourth while in the short space.
I noticed that my iai-heza was too centered between both legs so I was wobbly getting up. If I keep most of my weight shifted onto my left foot, then I can get up faster and smoother.
At the end of class, Sensei told me that I had a ‘death grip’ on my iaito. I needed to relax. His adice was to drive home using only my thumbs, ring fingers, and pinkie fingers to relax the hands. Maybe tha’s why I got my three sets of kata done so soon.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
A Beginner's Point of View 389-390
Day 389:
I went to Iaido again today. My toes still hurt but only slightly so. I’ll just be careful. I was able to complete all 12 kata three times. Sensei showed up late. He wedged himself in a tiny space just to be polite and let us lower-ranking people practice. At the end of class, I traded spaces with him so he could practice his standing kata. I just practiced the first, second, and fourth kata until class was over.
For myself, the instructor said that I was cutting too low. The ki-saki was actually pointing too much downward towards the floor. It’s hard to stop that heavy steel blade, so I guess I should start squeezing in tenouchi earlier. He also told me to use only my left arm for cutting in all cases except for when I draw with the right. Then I have to cut with the right. Doing that will correct any downward wobble.
Day 390:
Today I started by doing my 12 kata like normal. It was a nice day for Iaido. I completed a full set and felt good about it. I completed a second set and felt wobbly on my feet. My sword was pulling me again.
When I completed the third kata in the third set, I caught my toes on my left foot as I slid to the right. Pain shot up my foot and leg, making me gasp. However, I was able to complete the kata uninterrupted. However, after the kata my foot began to throb and cause me hardship. I decided to be smart and quit there before I really hurt myself. I bowed out using the quick method.
I talked to Sensei after class and asked him about how he was doing the third kata. He was actually using a kind of pivot/jump step and stepping back in to cut diagonally down and left. It looked powerful. He explained that he was also studying Muso Shinden-Ryu. He showed me the basics of the kata in question and the idea that you are not just parrying but stepping completely out of the way and then back in as your opponent passes you by. It was very interesting. Maybe someday I would like to study it as well.
I went to Iaido again today. My toes still hurt but only slightly so. I’ll just be careful. I was able to complete all 12 kata three times. Sensei showed up late. He wedged himself in a tiny space just to be polite and let us lower-ranking people practice. At the end of class, I traded spaces with him so he could practice his standing kata. I just practiced the first, second, and fourth kata until class was over.
For myself, the instructor said that I was cutting too low. The ki-saki was actually pointing too much downward towards the floor. It’s hard to stop that heavy steel blade, so I guess I should start squeezing in tenouchi earlier. He also told me to use only my left arm for cutting in all cases except for when I draw with the right. Then I have to cut with the right. Doing that will correct any downward wobble.
Day 390:
Today I started by doing my 12 kata like normal. It was a nice day for Iaido. I completed a full set and felt good about it. I completed a second set and felt wobbly on my feet. My sword was pulling me again.
When I completed the third kata in the third set, I caught my toes on my left foot as I slid to the right. Pain shot up my foot and leg, making me gasp. However, I was able to complete the kata uninterrupted. However, after the kata my foot began to throb and cause me hardship. I decided to be smart and quit there before I really hurt myself. I bowed out using the quick method.
I talked to Sensei after class and asked him about how he was doing the third kata. He was actually using a kind of pivot/jump step and stepping back in to cut diagonally down and left. It looked powerful. He explained that he was also studying Muso Shinden-Ryu. He showed me the basics of the kata in question and the idea that you are not just parrying but stepping completely out of the way and then back in as your opponent passes you by. It was very interesting. Maybe someday I would like to study it as well.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
A Beginner's Point of View 387-388
Day 387:
I smashed my left toes over the weekend and they’re still hurting. I hope I’m good enough for next class.
Day 388:
Today my toes felt better, almost healed. They’re still purple, but flexible. I went to class and there was a function in the area. The community center had a large event, so the area was crowded. I almost didn’t find a parking space.
We got in late because the building was locked. An employee opened the doors and let us all inside. I changed into my uniform and went out right away. Sensei was there, and he looked better than he’s been in a while. No grimace of pain when he cuts. I spent the practice time pushing myself slowly to last through the class.
My sword felt heavy, my toes stung if I turned on them, and I messed up the eighth kata by taking an extra turning step. However, it felt really good to be back to class.
I asked the instructor to watch me and tell me what he thgouth after I had been out for months.
When class was over, I noticed that Head Sensei was present! What a time not to be good enough to be at Kendo! I talked to him briefly and he was shocked to hear about my liver injury. He seemed to think the doh strikes shouldn’t contribute too much to my health but when I told him about the aggravated growth in my liver, he seemed satisfied. He encouraged me to work with the doctor and not to rush coming back. I’m glad he has my well-being at heart.
I smashed my left toes over the weekend and they’re still hurting. I hope I’m good enough for next class.
Day 388:
Today my toes felt better, almost healed. They’re still purple, but flexible. I went to class and there was a function in the area. The community center had a large event, so the area was crowded. I almost didn’t find a parking space.
We got in late because the building was locked. An employee opened the doors and let us all inside. I changed into my uniform and went out right away. Sensei was there, and he looked better than he’s been in a while. No grimace of pain when he cuts. I spent the practice time pushing myself slowly to last through the class.
My sword felt heavy, my toes stung if I turned on them, and I messed up the eighth kata by taking an extra turning step. However, it felt really good to be back to class.
I asked the instructor to watch me and tell me what he thgouth after I had been out for months.
When class was over, I noticed that Head Sensei was present! What a time not to be good enough to be at Kendo! I talked to him briefly and he was shocked to hear about my liver injury. He seemed to think the doh strikes shouldn’t contribute too much to my health but when I told him about the aggravated growth in my liver, he seemed satisfied. He encouraged me to work with the doctor and not to rush coming back. I’m glad he has my well-being at heart.
Monday, July 2, 2012
A Beginner's Point of View 379-386
Day 379-384:
More progress on my attempt to heal my liver. I can’t wait to get the blood tests back later in the year.
Day 385:
Today is my first day back at Iaido. It felt really good to be back in the dojo. The place looked exactly the same. I missed even the squeaky floorboards.
I went through a full set of kata and was embarrassed at the fact that I had forgotten the tenth kata! I had to stand there and search my memory to find it. Eventually I remembered and finished. I was breathing strongly and needed a drink of water.
I went to complete a second set and felt very drained. I had forgotten to keep the ki-saki down when finishing the fourth kata, like I was on autopilot. I got some more water and knelt in seiza for a few minutes.
Then I powered my way through the third set of kata. I tried not to push hard, but to just do them. I was slow, with many pauses, but I finished. Even through there was about seven minutes left in class, I was drained. I bowed out and paid for the month. It turns out that if I only go to Iaido then I get a discount. Nice, but it just reminded me of not being able to do Kendo.
Day 386:
No class today as it is a holiday.
More progress on my attempt to heal my liver. I can’t wait to get the blood tests back later in the year.
Day 385:
Today is my first day back at Iaido. It felt really good to be back in the dojo. The place looked exactly the same. I missed even the squeaky floorboards.
I went through a full set of kata and was embarrassed at the fact that I had forgotten the tenth kata! I had to stand there and search my memory to find it. Eventually I remembered and finished. I was breathing strongly and needed a drink of water.
I went to complete a second set and felt very drained. I had forgotten to keep the ki-saki down when finishing the fourth kata, like I was on autopilot. I got some more water and knelt in seiza for a few minutes.
Then I powered my way through the third set of kata. I tried not to push hard, but to just do them. I was slow, with many pauses, but I finished. Even through there was about seven minutes left in class, I was drained. I bowed out and paid for the month. It turns out that if I only go to Iaido then I get a discount. Nice, but it just reminded me of not being able to do Kendo.
Day 386:
No class today as it is a holiday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)