Day 549-562:
These days sped by in a blur. I had a lot of practice to do. I had to sharpen my accuracy, increase my speed, promote my zanshin, and focus my center. I must have sweat my body weight over these days and kept going. Sometimes, I had sweat burning in my eyes and my belly muscles cramping all together, needing a short rest.
We went through all of the standard waza and some harder waza. Kiri-kaeshi, kote-kirikaeshi with tsuki, doh-kirikaeshi with tsuki, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, kote-men-ouchi, kakarigeiko, and ji-geiko. We also got to practice kote-suriage-men, men-nuki-men, men-kaeshi-doh, ai-ouchi-men, and doh-uchiotoshi-men.
Several days practice was cancelled due to the weather. This wasn’t good but it can’t be helped. We just had to practice every minute possible.
Both of my shinais cracked in a single week. I had to perform some of the longest bamboo surgery over a weekend to try to save them. After replacing two different staves, one of the shinais became heavier. Slower to use but hits more firmly.
I got to practice my kata over and over again. Sensei stated that I was ready for the test, but the instructor had many little comments to make. I spent my time helping others prepare for their promotion exams.
I actually sprained my left leg two practices before the seminar. I chose to skip the last practice just to be careful. Pushing it would turn it into a major sprain. I already went through a promotional exam injured once. Not doing it again, thank you.
Day 562.5 Seminar/Promotional Exam:
This was a long day. Most of the day reminded me of the Iaido seminar. We stood around on a hard floor doing kata over and over. It was instructional. It was interesting. It was definitely not a waste of time. However, the hard floor and standing all day really took a toll on my back and ankles. I was in serious pain. I had to sit down during breaks or else I’d have to sit out. These are the kata exercises that mudansha will be tested on with their promotional exams. We’ll have to know them to teach them.
After lunch and finishing the kata, we broke into a short session of keiko. I got to keiko with two teachers, one I have fought before and one I have not fought before. The one I have fought before corrected me on my footwork. She said my left foot was passing my right foot. That was lazy of me. The one I have not fought before stopped me multiple times for several errors, such as not holding center and striking accurately.
However, I took in all of the advice and drilled my own mind with the proper way to do kendo. When it came time to do the exam, the waiting was hard. I could not get comfortable on the floor and had to eventually stand up. However, it came time to test. I resolved just to strike men, strike men again, maybe one kote, and then strike men again. I chased my opponents all over the floor, bating and striking. I remembered not to block at all, even once.
When the instructor called out the numbers called to perform kata, I smiled at my number being stated. I took my bokken and resolved to do my best, bringing my seme to the full. The shimpan-cho warned us to pause a lot in kata to avoid rushing. I did my best, showing good form as the shidachi. However, my footwork was awkward in the 7th kata. We were all asked to do the 7th kata again, making me nervous. I did it again, unfortunately rushing the doh cut.
At the end, we all gathered together. The sensei ripped into us for good keiko but not good kata. They said we didn’t seem to know the nuances of kata and they demonstrated a few cuts. It turns out that I was taught wrong about the 7th kata. The shidachi doh cut is not horizontal. It is downward diagonal and the sword is pulled by kneeling down, cutting the opponent in half.
They turned around the board to show the results of the kata. I was already planning to take the kata-only exam at our tournament out of shame. However, my number showed a pass. I quickly turned in my written answer and fee. I have now finished my path towards nidan. I feel very proud and very humble towards all of my teachers and dojo-mates.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Thursday, February 6, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 545-548
Day 545:
In Iaido, I got to finish two times the kata before the practice test. I got a time of 5:43. Booya and I’m ready for the test this weekend.
I skipped Kendo class because I wasn’t feeling well. No sense to push myself too hard and get sick before the test.
Day 546:
In Iaido, we were promised a full class of nothing but practice tests. Instead, the new student was there. We had the whole class of freeform with a single test. I did the kata twice and did the practice test. My time was 5:32, so I figure I should slow down. I got some advice to calm down and remember to use more saya-biki. Also, I had a hang-up during rei-hou with using a tight loop of obi.
We got an explanation of how the seminar goes. Sensei mentioned that it’s common that during the seminar, you’re expected to take notes between practice katas.
Day 546.5:
My first Iaido seminar, tournament, and testing. I show up early and get suited up. We go through a long lecture by the Head Sensei who comes from Japan. He speaks through a translator because he does not speak English. That’s okay. As long as I get the instruction somehow, then it’s worthwhile. We get together as a group and do a few practice cuts to warm up. After that, we separate into two groups, high-ranking and low-ranking. The Head Sensei asks his second-in-command to demonstrate the first two kata over and over to show us how they are supposed to be done properly. They are very well executed. We then alternate between groups to practice both katas several times while the others watch. It’s long and frustrating but educational. The second Sensei, despite having no personal translator, found a way to correct me a few times by demonstration. For example, he showed me that he doesn’t want me to reach when cutting. That’s against Kendo but this is Iaido. I should not reach with an Iaito. This lasted all day. The small of my back was aching badly at the end.
The next day was the tournament and the test. However, when I walk in early the situation was reversed! There wasn’t very much time before I was expected to line up for the test. I didn’t get time to practice anything, so I did the test cold. There were two chairs in each line. Each person in line after that must stand up and wait. When it was my turn, I just forgot all my nervousness and just emptied myself of everything except Iaido. I did the test exactly at my pace. The other three candidates in my group all blazed through their kata quickly. I was several seconds slower. Still, I wound up passing the exam and got a rank of sankyu. Good for me.
After the test was over, including one of my dojomates, there was an hour and a half of waiting. The people putting on the seminar ran around and tried to mark off the courts. After all of that time, they called for lunch. I had a big breakfast and I was up first for the tournament. I did not eat. I waited, did a practice set of kata, and waited some more. When we started, I had my turn. I did my part of the tournament just like my test. I was in the red court while my opponent was in the separate white court. After we were finished, the three shinpan voted in a hantei. I lost 3-0. Frustrating, but not unexpected. I never win by hantei. The rest of the several hours was done sitting, waiting, and walking around. The final division of yondan and above was compressed onto one court. We finished an hour and a half later than advertised. After some lecture and awards ceremony we left. It was time to drive back and eat at the same time. Ouch. Still, I accomplished what I set out to do.
Day 547:
I started back at advanced Kendo. The next event is my attempt at nidan. I went to class tired. Last night I had driven back from the Iaido seminar. We had a balanced class of waza. It was the effort and exercise that punished me. I guess I relaxed too much in training for Iaido.
We did kiri-kaeshi, kote-kiri-kaeshi with tsuki, doh-kiri-kaeshi with tsukim men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and then ji-geiko using only men-ouchi. We then started up with kote-men-ouchi, men-debana-kote, and then ji-geiko.
We did hotseat for 20-second ji-geiko. That was fun because it was short, intense, and quick rotations.
We then finished with a huge drill. Kiri-kaeshi-men-kote-doh-men-hiki-men-men-hiki-kote-men-hiki-doh-kiri-kaeshi. Makes me tired just thinking about it.
Day 548:
Today we had visitors from our companion dojo over in the next state. Sensei wanted to work us hard. Kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, kote-men-ouchi, ai-ouchi-men, ai-ouchi-kote-men, men-hiki-men, kote-suriage-men and a couple of variations. Suddenly, we were doing the last seven sets of waza in one, long, continuous waza. My forehead began pouring rivers of sweat into my eyes. My eyes burned and became blurry. I was lucky I finished the waza when it happened.
I had to step out after my partner completed the waza. I had to stay out for a few minutes to drain the sweat from my eyes, including washing my eyeballs with water from the bathroom sink. After several minutes, I stepped in for a few rounds of ji-geiko with our visitors and one round of kiri-kaeshi.
After practice was over, I didn’t stick aroundf to ask the high-ranking visitor for advice in pursuit of my nidan exam. However, I really did not feel well. I think I overdid my effort. I was exhausted, hungry, dehydrated, and my eyes were still blurry and burning. If he comes back then I’ll ask his advice.
In Iaido, I got to finish two times the kata before the practice test. I got a time of 5:43. Booya and I’m ready for the test this weekend.
I skipped Kendo class because I wasn’t feeling well. No sense to push myself too hard and get sick before the test.
Day 546:
In Iaido, we were promised a full class of nothing but practice tests. Instead, the new student was there. We had the whole class of freeform with a single test. I did the kata twice and did the practice test. My time was 5:32, so I figure I should slow down. I got some advice to calm down and remember to use more saya-biki. Also, I had a hang-up during rei-hou with using a tight loop of obi.
We got an explanation of how the seminar goes. Sensei mentioned that it’s common that during the seminar, you’re expected to take notes between practice katas.
Day 546.5:
My first Iaido seminar, tournament, and testing. I show up early and get suited up. We go through a long lecture by the Head Sensei who comes from Japan. He speaks through a translator because he does not speak English. That’s okay. As long as I get the instruction somehow, then it’s worthwhile. We get together as a group and do a few practice cuts to warm up. After that, we separate into two groups, high-ranking and low-ranking. The Head Sensei asks his second-in-command to demonstrate the first two kata over and over to show us how they are supposed to be done properly. They are very well executed. We then alternate between groups to practice both katas several times while the others watch. It’s long and frustrating but educational. The second Sensei, despite having no personal translator, found a way to correct me a few times by demonstration. For example, he showed me that he doesn’t want me to reach when cutting. That’s against Kendo but this is Iaido. I should not reach with an Iaito. This lasted all day. The small of my back was aching badly at the end.
The next day was the tournament and the test. However, when I walk in early the situation was reversed! There wasn’t very much time before I was expected to line up for the test. I didn’t get time to practice anything, so I did the test cold. There were two chairs in each line. Each person in line after that must stand up and wait. When it was my turn, I just forgot all my nervousness and just emptied myself of everything except Iaido. I did the test exactly at my pace. The other three candidates in my group all blazed through their kata quickly. I was several seconds slower. Still, I wound up passing the exam and got a rank of sankyu. Good for me.
After the test was over, including one of my dojomates, there was an hour and a half of waiting. The people putting on the seminar ran around and tried to mark off the courts. After all of that time, they called for lunch. I had a big breakfast and I was up first for the tournament. I did not eat. I waited, did a practice set of kata, and waited some more. When we started, I had my turn. I did my part of the tournament just like my test. I was in the red court while my opponent was in the separate white court. After we were finished, the three shinpan voted in a hantei. I lost 3-0. Frustrating, but not unexpected. I never win by hantei. The rest of the several hours was done sitting, waiting, and walking around. The final division of yondan and above was compressed onto one court. We finished an hour and a half later than advertised. After some lecture and awards ceremony we left. It was time to drive back and eat at the same time. Ouch. Still, I accomplished what I set out to do.
Day 547:
I started back at advanced Kendo. The next event is my attempt at nidan. I went to class tired. Last night I had driven back from the Iaido seminar. We had a balanced class of waza. It was the effort and exercise that punished me. I guess I relaxed too much in training for Iaido.
We did kiri-kaeshi, kote-kiri-kaeshi with tsuki, doh-kiri-kaeshi with tsukim men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and then ji-geiko using only men-ouchi. We then started up with kote-men-ouchi, men-debana-kote, and then ji-geiko.
We did hotseat for 20-second ji-geiko. That was fun because it was short, intense, and quick rotations.
We then finished with a huge drill. Kiri-kaeshi-men-kote-doh-men-hiki-men-men-hiki-kote-men-hiki-doh-kiri-kaeshi. Makes me tired just thinking about it.
Day 548:
Today we had visitors from our companion dojo over in the next state. Sensei wanted to work us hard. Kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, kote-men-ouchi, ai-ouchi-men, ai-ouchi-kote-men, men-hiki-men, kote-suriage-men and a couple of variations. Suddenly, we were doing the last seven sets of waza in one, long, continuous waza. My forehead began pouring rivers of sweat into my eyes. My eyes burned and became blurry. I was lucky I finished the waza when it happened.
I had to step out after my partner completed the waza. I had to stay out for a few minutes to drain the sweat from my eyes, including washing my eyeballs with water from the bathroom sink. After several minutes, I stepped in for a few rounds of ji-geiko with our visitors and one round of kiri-kaeshi.
After practice was over, I didn’t stick aroundf to ask the high-ranking visitor for advice in pursuit of my nidan exam. However, I really did not feel well. I think I overdid my effort. I was exhausted, hungry, dehydrated, and my eyes were still blurry and burning. If he comes back then I’ll ask his advice.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 543-544
Day 543:
In Iaido class, I finished two sets of kata before the practice test. I also found that I’ve lost my ability to do big chiburi, meaning the one from jodan. I asked Sensei who told me to stop trying to rotate the sword and just twist my wrist. Then you just drop your arm in the plane of the sword. That’s so much easier. Also, the shodan gave me the advice of not ‘breaking’ my wrist. It means not allowing the sword to flex my wrist beyond straight arm. I do it on several cuts.
Doing the practice test, I got a 5:45, which is perfect in my opinion. However, when putting my saya into my obi at the beginning of the rei-hou, it felt really restricted. I think I messed that up. It prevented me from doing saya-biki. Sensei also mentioned that I need to show more saya-biki.
In Kendo, we had a small class. Just myself, the instructor, and two students. While putting on my tare and doh, the instructor had to correct the youngest student for not shouting responses during suburi. After jumping in, we immediately put on men and lined up. We practiced kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, and kote-men-ouchi.
For the final kote-men I did, I tried harder to raise my arms and finished with a loud POP. That was so satisfying. The instructor reminded me about not pushing with my arms after trying to crash into my opponent after a strike. Letting my arms go limp and crashing with my abdomen.
Then we had ji-geiko, but with the new student it was kakari-geiko. I’m liking my smoothness and speed with ji-geiko.
Day 544:
No class today because of the weather.
In Iaido class, I finished two sets of kata before the practice test. I also found that I’ve lost my ability to do big chiburi, meaning the one from jodan. I asked Sensei who told me to stop trying to rotate the sword and just twist my wrist. Then you just drop your arm in the plane of the sword. That’s so much easier. Also, the shodan gave me the advice of not ‘breaking’ my wrist. It means not allowing the sword to flex my wrist beyond straight arm. I do it on several cuts.
Doing the practice test, I got a 5:45, which is perfect in my opinion. However, when putting my saya into my obi at the beginning of the rei-hou, it felt really restricted. I think I messed that up. It prevented me from doing saya-biki. Sensei also mentioned that I need to show more saya-biki.
In Kendo, we had a small class. Just myself, the instructor, and two students. While putting on my tare and doh, the instructor had to correct the youngest student for not shouting responses during suburi. After jumping in, we immediately put on men and lined up. We practiced kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, and kote-men-ouchi.
For the final kote-men I did, I tried harder to raise my arms and finished with a loud POP. That was so satisfying. The instructor reminded me about not pushing with my arms after trying to crash into my opponent after a strike. Letting my arms go limp and crashing with my abdomen.
Then we had ji-geiko, but with the new student it was kakari-geiko. I’m liking my smoothness and speed with ji-geiko.
Day 544:
No class today because of the weather.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 541-542
Day 541:
In Iaido class, I got to practice one and a half full sets of kata. After that, we got a lecture of proper techniques and then got to perform two practice tests. My first time was 5:30 and my second time was 5:38. Both are acceptable, but I should be aiming for 5:45. Slowing down and taking two breaths between kata helps your time. After class, I made sure to remind our treasurer about my need for my Iaido zekken. Just to be sure it will get done.
In Kendo, we had a new student join us. After suburi, we worked a lot on okuri-ashi. I made sure to stay on my back foot and step forward smoother. I made sure to fumi-komi a little shorter and gentler rather than harder. Then we broke and put on men. We practiced kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, kakari-geiko, and ji-geiko.
Day 542:
In Iaido class I got through two sets of kata before we got to do another practice test. I forgot about the mii-jo command. I got caught in mid rei-hou and had to start again. I gotta remember that one. I got a time of 5:53. Pretty good but I should probably be a smidge faster.
In Kendo, I was asked by Sensei to teach the new student about footwork and basic strikes. Suri-ashi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, and a familiarization with the suburi.
Head Sensei showed up and taught the advanced class. I do not have time to stay for advanced class if I practice Iaido. Too bad.
In Iaido class, I got to practice one and a half full sets of kata. After that, we got a lecture of proper techniques and then got to perform two practice tests. My first time was 5:30 and my second time was 5:38. Both are acceptable, but I should be aiming for 5:45. Slowing down and taking two breaths between kata helps your time. After class, I made sure to remind our treasurer about my need for my Iaido zekken. Just to be sure it will get done.
In Kendo, we had a new student join us. After suburi, we worked a lot on okuri-ashi. I made sure to stay on my back foot and step forward smoother. I made sure to fumi-komi a little shorter and gentler rather than harder. Then we broke and put on men. We practiced kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, kakari-geiko, and ji-geiko.
Day 542:
In Iaido class I got through two sets of kata before we got to do another practice test. I forgot about the mii-jo command. I got caught in mid rei-hou and had to start again. I gotta remember that one. I got a time of 5:53. Pretty good but I should probably be a smidge faster.
In Kendo, I was asked by Sensei to teach the new student about footwork and basic strikes. Suri-ashi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, and a familiarization with the suburi.
Head Sensei showed up and taught the advanced class. I do not have time to stay for advanced class if I practice Iaido. Too bad.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 539-540
Day 539:
Today was the first Iaido practice in months and the first practice of the year. I remember the kata, but my ankles do not. My right bicep and the tops of my ankles feel sprained. Also my sword cuts are wobbly. I need to relax my arms as I draw.
In basic Kendo class, I stepped into suburi and kept up with the class. I guess all those advanced classes have helped my health. After putting on men and kote, we did kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and a few rounds of ji-geiko. Standing more on my back foot seems to really help.
Day 540:
In Iaido, I did three sets of kata quickly, trying too hard to get back into shape. My ankles are really sore, especially after sitting in tate-heiza. I did a few spare kata of 1, 6, 7, and 9 to practice.
In basic Kendo, I stepped in for okuri-ashi. After some footwork, we did some basic fumi-komi drills, which hurt my left ankle. Darned tate-heiza. Still, taking it easy and shortening my stride saved my ankle. We did some renzuko-men and put on men.
We practiced some hard repetitions of kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, kakari-geiko, and a round of ji-geiko. I faced off against Sensei and scored some points. I think I’m getting better.
Today was the first Iaido practice in months and the first practice of the year. I remember the kata, but my ankles do not. My right bicep and the tops of my ankles feel sprained. Also my sword cuts are wobbly. I need to relax my arms as I draw.
In basic Kendo class, I stepped into suburi and kept up with the class. I guess all those advanced classes have helped my health. After putting on men and kote, we did kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and a few rounds of ji-geiko. Standing more on my back foot seems to really help.
Day 540:
In Iaido, I did three sets of kata quickly, trying too hard to get back into shape. My ankles are really sore, especially after sitting in tate-heiza. I did a few spare kata of 1, 6, 7, and 9 to practice.
In basic Kendo, I stepped in for okuri-ashi. After some footwork, we did some basic fumi-komi drills, which hurt my left ankle. Darned tate-heiza. Still, taking it easy and shortening my stride saved my ankle. We did some renzuko-men and put on men.
We practiced some hard repetitions of kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, kakari-geiko, and a round of ji-geiko. I faced off against Sensei and scored some points. I think I’m getting better.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
A Beginner's Point of View 537-538
Day 537:
Tonight was only myself and the instructor. We had a short, but intense practice. We started a hard practice of kiri-kaeshi and men-ouchi. Suddenly, the instructor stopped us and commented how I’m leaning on my forward foot.
We had a nice, long discussion on the body and how shifting your center of gravity makes a difference. We then adjusted our footwork and practiced with the new footwork. It made me slower but my attacks were smoother. My fumi-komi also seemed to improve. I didn’t have to raise my front foot up high anymore. After some men-ouchi, kote-suriage-men, and ji-geiko. The instructor commented about how I no longer telegraph my moves.
Day 538:
I showed up to Iaido practice. From now on, I need to go back to Iaido practice and get back into shape for the upcoming seminar in the spring. I did all of the kata three times. My muscle memory kicked in and reminded me of each move. I may have remembered the moves, but I was really wobbly no my feet. Gotta get back into shape, I guess.
In basic Kendo practice, we did suburi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and doh-ouchi. Then we lined up for hotseat. I started in the hotseat and fought everyone using the new footwork. I was doing very well. After rotating through the entire line, we had a final 3-minute ji-geiko. I fought against my fellow shodan. With the new footwork, I dominated him. By the end of the ji-geiko we were evenly matched. I should really remember to stay on my back foot.
Next two weeks practice is cancelled because of the holiday. The week afterwards we will be back to normal.
Tonight was only myself and the instructor. We had a short, but intense practice. We started a hard practice of kiri-kaeshi and men-ouchi. Suddenly, the instructor stopped us and commented how I’m leaning on my forward foot.
We had a nice, long discussion on the body and how shifting your center of gravity makes a difference. We then adjusted our footwork and practiced with the new footwork. It made me slower but my attacks were smoother. My fumi-komi also seemed to improve. I didn’t have to raise my front foot up high anymore. After some men-ouchi, kote-suriage-men, and ji-geiko. The instructor commented about how I no longer telegraph my moves.
Day 538:
I showed up to Iaido practice. From now on, I need to go back to Iaido practice and get back into shape for the upcoming seminar in the spring. I did all of the kata three times. My muscle memory kicked in and reminded me of each move. I may have remembered the moves, but I was really wobbly no my feet. Gotta get back into shape, I guess.
In basic Kendo practice, we did suburi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and doh-ouchi. Then we lined up for hotseat. I started in the hotseat and fought everyone using the new footwork. I was doing very well. After rotating through the entire line, we had a final 3-minute ji-geiko. I fought against my fellow shodan. With the new footwork, I dominated him. By the end of the ji-geiko we were evenly matched. I should really remember to stay on my back foot.
Next two weeks practice is cancelled because of the holiday. The week afterwards we will be back to normal.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
A Beginner's Point of View 535-536
Day 535:
Today we had only three people: myself, the instructor, and sensei. We did practice three-man style. This means you rotate in three positions of attack, receive, and rest. In the end, it seemed easier to catch your breath but your heart rate stayed up with no rest for it.
We went through drills of kiri-kaeshi, kote-kiri-kaeshi with tsuki, doh-kiri-kaeshi with tsuki, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, kote-men-ouchi, kote-suriage-men-ouchi, kote-debana-men-ouchi, kakari-geiko, and ji-geiko. By the time we were doing kakari-geiko, my men started to feel loose. I didn’t understand why, so I kept going. When we finished, I discovered that my men-himo had started to come undone. So that’s what that feels like.
We ended practice with performing all ten kata. I was really awkward and stiff with my movement because I couldn’t remember half of them. I had to fulfill the role of both shidachi and uchidachi. Several times I had to repeat performances as uchidachi because I was just learning the shidachi’s role. However, the instructor also had to repeat performances because he was still trying to master the kata. Sensei did well, though. He’s had more practice.
Day 536:
Today was a special day. It was our annual holiday party. I showed up early to try some Iaido to see how much I’ve backslid. However, the traffic was dense and cleaning up the dojo took longer than expected. By the time I was finished, there was only 15 minutes until Kendo time and Sensei did not show up until afterwards.
However, Head Sensei showed up. It’s been two years since I’ve fought with him. He decided that we would have half an hour of rotating keiko while we are split into two lines. Every person rotates through Head Sensei to fight him. I was lucky enough to be last in line, again. I was able to fight Head Sensei and be more or less even with him. It’s probably because he was tired from fighting everyone who showed up. We finished with an ippon with the entire dojo watching. It was energetic from all of the cheering. Still, after several exchanges Head sensei snuck in a kote and men. He was kind enough not to claim them and let me fight some more. I did not let up until he called an end to the match.
Afterwards, we had our potluck dinner. I was the only one to sign up to being a dessert so I made some chocolate chip cookies.
Today we had only three people: myself, the instructor, and sensei. We did practice three-man style. This means you rotate in three positions of attack, receive, and rest. In the end, it seemed easier to catch your breath but your heart rate stayed up with no rest for it.
We went through drills of kiri-kaeshi, kote-kiri-kaeshi with tsuki, doh-kiri-kaeshi with tsuki, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, kote-men-ouchi, kote-suriage-men-ouchi, kote-debana-men-ouchi, kakari-geiko, and ji-geiko. By the time we were doing kakari-geiko, my men started to feel loose. I didn’t understand why, so I kept going. When we finished, I discovered that my men-himo had started to come undone. So that’s what that feels like.
We ended practice with performing all ten kata. I was really awkward and stiff with my movement because I couldn’t remember half of them. I had to fulfill the role of both shidachi and uchidachi. Several times I had to repeat performances as uchidachi because I was just learning the shidachi’s role. However, the instructor also had to repeat performances because he was still trying to master the kata. Sensei did well, though. He’s had more practice.
Day 536:
Today was a special day. It was our annual holiday party. I showed up early to try some Iaido to see how much I’ve backslid. However, the traffic was dense and cleaning up the dojo took longer than expected. By the time I was finished, there was only 15 minutes until Kendo time and Sensei did not show up until afterwards.
However, Head Sensei showed up. It’s been two years since I’ve fought with him. He decided that we would have half an hour of rotating keiko while we are split into two lines. Every person rotates through Head Sensei to fight him. I was lucky enough to be last in line, again. I was able to fight Head Sensei and be more or less even with him. It’s probably because he was tired from fighting everyone who showed up. We finished with an ippon with the entire dojo watching. It was energetic from all of the cheering. Still, after several exchanges Head sensei snuck in a kote and men. He was kind enough not to claim them and let me fight some more. I did not let up until he called an end to the match.
Afterwards, we had our potluck dinner. I was the only one to sign up to being a dessert so I made some chocolate chip cookies.
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