So here I sit at the airport waiting to head home from annual training, way early "just in case". Bummer no early flights home so what to do. Ah. How about an update on the Shinkendo?
My training has continued twice a week with more precision and forms being added, but it is amazing how easy it is to learn the more advanced forms once the core forms and techniques are known. The workouts are still intense with my pores getting quite a workout in sweating. November held several public demonstrations and I was very happy to be able to participate. Pictures from them are over in the gallery (nods thanks to his sweetie for getting the links module working). Getting a chance to review photos and video, there is nothing like embarrassing yourself when you zig while others zag to motivate you to learn a form better. (Don't worry James, you still don't need to yell at me :P )
Finally testing came around and our first formal evaluation of our progress came. The goal of the exam - survive it. I know I blew a couple things but for the most part did well. A bow and handshake later and we had all passed the Ichimonji exam and attained first rank in Shinkendo. W00t! Bring on the "poofy pants"! While I could have had a Hakama (aka poofy pants, formally the "chaps" like portion of the swordsman uniform) from day one, I chose to require passing my exam as the time to get them.
To celebrate making this first milestone, and with the advice of Sensei Lynch, Century Martial Arts became my supplier for my Hakama and I also bought one as a gift for Anne since she is the one responsible for getting me into Shinkendo. (Yes Matthew, its all her fault :P )
One of the other students in class who passed his exam to become an instructor (Malcom) gifted a box of cutting targets to the dojo and last Monday everyone, including Anne and myself, got to do practice cutting.
It was our first time doing a formal cutting and it really underscored how easy it really is to do a proper cut. I really had my eyes opened as I made multiple cuts on a full roll under Sensei Lynch's watchful eye and his gentle guidance. I really look forward to the next time we can do cutting so I can evaluate how well I'm learning the techniques.
I have much to learn still and improve on, but the workouts continue to be a benifit, especially with the stress level and the waistline.
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