The class of six tonight went well. We covered kneeling iai 1 through 7a, then switched to shanai and worked with partners on One-Steps 1 through 4 (defense and counter for two head cuts and two wrist cuts). I need to do more practice on my own when I miss a class. There weren’t any major revelations tonight and no new material. I’d like to work basic cuts and blocks a bit more, but I should probably be doing that on my own time.
We ended with two at a time going in front of the class to demonstrate requested iai or One-Steps. Sean and I got One-Steps 1 through 4. I did not maintain my focus very well (hence the need for more practice) and presented the wrong target on number 3, plus made a head rather than a wrist attack for number 4 and rushed my own defense and counter for number 4. It needs much work. Before next class, I will review all this and the standing iai which we are sure to cover next Monday.
I brought in my WCoS armor today and showed it to my instructor after formal class. It was apparent he would prefer something he is more familiar with and used to, despite my explaination that I do full contact boken combat in this armor. Incidentally, I’m not opposed to using “certified kendo armor”, but since I already have this, it’s cheaper. At the least, I hope I can use the body armor, only requiring a standard issue Kendo helmet.