Samurai Solstice

Jun 23, 2006 11:49

Well, it's officially summer as of the 20th. In Japan, the solstice is called 夏至 (keshi).

I have been learning battou (抜刀) from/with my father-in-law. I only practice once a week at the local community center (which luckily is a 30 second walk from our front drive), so it's been "hard" in the sense that I have still do not have the "pulling blade ( Read more... )

samurai, battou, cowboys, japanese culture, japanese history

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Comments 6

t0yb0x June 23 2006, 03:43:54 UTC
I have still do not have the "pulling blade" and "sheathing blade" techniques down perfect yet

i thought most guys had no problem pulling it out and putting it back again. ;P

and off the dirty thoughts; i think it's pretty cool that you are doing this.

i really don't see why people cannot just enjoy themselves instead of being pushed to gain ranks and the likes. at least this gives you time with your father-in-law. :)

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mopedronin June 23 2006, 04:54:06 UTC
HEH!!!!!!!

Thanks. I am really enjoying it. I used to be a little nervous about it when I was the only real beginner, but lately, two new guys joined, and they are starting from zero too. So it helps.

Yeah, our group, for the most part, is doing this just for fun. They are serious about safety, but otherwise we are a pretty relaxed group. The teacher who comes around is a bit more serious about it than we are, understandable considering his rank and background in martial arts. But for the most part, we thank him and go about our merry way practicing at our own pace. And even with him encouraging (and it really is more encouragement than push), he is still more laid back than he could be.

Yeah, the time with my FIL is the best.

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t0yb0x June 23 2006, 18:11:49 UTC
sounds like something i'd love to do as well. too bad i couldn't.

i kinda envy the fact that you get to experience a whole different culture. but at the same time i think i'd only manage a holiday over there. i'm too comfortable where i live.

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mopedronin June 25 2006, 11:23:20 UTC
thanks, but there are times it can be a real pain. ;)

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asaph June 23 2006, 11:17:31 UTC
I had to learn rudimentary sword-wielding skills when I used to study Yoshinkan Aikido; it's surprisingly difficult to maintain clearance for such a large sword.

We used bokken, however, which makes a difference to how easy it is.

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mopedronin June 25 2006, 11:24:27 UTC
Yeah, it's surprising how hard it can be just to do something so basic.

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