Ok so many of you that follow my occasional rants and postings know that I'm actively training in Shinkendo (Japanese Swordsmanship for those new to this site). Since I last updated, we have moved to a new location that I feel will be of great benefit to everyone, especially Sensei Lynch.
The new dojo is much bigger and has that nice warm feeling that makes you feel welcome and want to spend time there. It also has the benefit of large floor to ceiling windows so that people walking down the sidewalk can watch us do our thing and hopefully sign up to join us. (Shameless dojo plug: Come see our website).
As we settled in, training resumed and just last Wednesday I tested for Shiho, which is the 4th in a series of ranks in Shinkendo. The test went well, but I need to remember that I don't have to emulate the energy/force of the Sun when doing my routines or forms. Although there is something said for intensity in performance value. I made a few minor mistakes but overall Sensei said I tested where he wanted me to. Now I focus on correcting myself and learning the new things (and better remembering the old... *sigh*).
So to celebrate my newly earned rank, not to mention provide some "fun" er... practice... yeah that's it... practice... *ahem* I consulted with Sensei about purchasing some cutting targets. In Shinkendo, we test our technique and skills by performing actual target cutting on Tatami Mats (another shameless plug for a great supplier: Mugen Dachi). It allows us to ensure we are maintaining proper blade angles, distance, and a myriad of things you too can learn if you join us...(see earlier shameless plug for dojo website).
After a few phone calls, it just so happened that my company was sending me very near to where Mugen Dachi is located. What a coinkydink... A few more phone calls and my plane's callsign would secretly be Tatame One on the return trip *evil laugh*.
Ever resourceful and energetic, I completed my transaction with Sensei Jim Alverez who was kind enough to meet me at his dojo (shameless plug for his dojo as well). After a prolonged trip back to the airport due to a major injury accident where I got to spend nearly 2 hours playing medic like I used to "back in the day", I finally got the bails of tatame loaded in the baggage compartment.
Conveniently, my passengers wanted to get home a little early so everything worked out great. The flight home was smooth and after all was said and done, I loaded the 2 bails of mats in my car and headed home.
Now, little thing on tatame mats. For those of you who haven't played with them yet, they are made from rice straw that is finely woven. They have a unique smell when soaked in water and later cut. This smell is akin to ... sweaty feet. And these were the new mats.
Remember the part about putting them in my car? Well, take it from me, you DON'T want to leave them in your car overnight...especially when the next morning is pretty warm. Oy... I think I had a Han Solo moment... ('...and I thought they smelled bad on the outside').
Anyway, a few chuckles and some fabreeze later, the world is good.
As we settled in, training resumed and just last Wednesday I tested for Shiho, which is the 4th in a series of ranks in Shinkendo. The test went well, but I need to remember that I don't have to emulate the energy/force of the Sun when doing my routines or forms. Although there is something said for intensity in performance value. I made a few minor mistakes but overall Sensei said I tested where he wanted me to. Now I focus on correcting myself and learning the new things (and better remembering the old... *sigh*).
So to celebrate my newly earned rank, not to mention provide some "fun" er... practice... yeah that's it... practice... *ahem* I consulted with Sensei about purchasing some cutting targets. In Shinkendo, we test our technique and skills by performing actual target cutting on Tatami Mats (another shameless plug for a great supplier: Mugen Dachi). It allows us to ensure we are maintaining proper blade angles, distance, and a myriad of things you too can learn if you join us...(see earlier shameless plug for dojo website).
After a few phone calls, it just so happened that my company was sending me very near to where Mugen Dachi is located. What a coinkydink... A few more phone calls and my plane's callsign would secretly be Tatame One on the return trip *evil laugh*.
Ever resourceful and energetic, I completed my transaction with Sensei Jim Alverez who was kind enough to meet me at his dojo (shameless plug for his dojo as well). After a prolonged trip back to the airport due to a major injury accident where I got to spend nearly 2 hours playing medic like I used to "back in the day", I finally got the bails of tatame loaded in the baggage compartment.
Conveniently, my passengers wanted to get home a little early so everything worked out great. The flight home was smooth and after all was said and done, I loaded the 2 bails of mats in my car and headed home.
Now, little thing on tatame mats. For those of you who haven't played with them yet, they are made from rice straw that is finely woven. They have a unique smell when soaked in water and later cut. This smell is akin to ... sweaty feet. And these were the new mats.
Remember the part about putting them in my car? Well, take it from me, you DON'T want to leave them in your car overnight...especially when the next morning is pretty warm. Oy... I think I had a Han Solo moment... ('...and I thought they smelled bad on the outside').
Anyway, a few chuckles and some fabreeze later, the world is good.
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