Training Journal

A journal of my martial arts training

  • WCOS

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    Class with Rakta Nadi. Stretch and our respective requirements. Worked on updating a couple of his moves, Thorn and Akira, to better incorporate his offhand weapon. Reviewed Kata Ich a bit. Added his full complement of Chop Cuts.

    After a break, we did 100 continuous full circle cuts (myself 2H steel), then we did an additional 50 for both of us wielding offensive-defense 2 sword (bokken). Next was several rounds of Advanced Response Training. We moved to a couple rounds of Refined Strikes against the pells, then a couple rounds of Refined Strikes targeting each other. We wrapped up with a couple rounds of Add-On.

  • WCoS

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    Class with Bryce. Stretch and our respective requirements. Drilled a bit more on Kata Ni. After the break, 50 continuous full circle cuts with steel (myself 2H), several rounds of advanced response training (boffer), some Balance 1 one-attack Parry with six square cabers in an asterisk pattern (and boffers), and several rounds of Add-On starting with Bryce’s sword+shield and my sword+dagger and ending with Bryce 1H vs my 2H.

  • WCoS

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    Class with Bryce. Stretch and our respective requirements. I used my one-hander tonight for nearly everything. We spent a little extra time on reviewing Kata Ni, and I discussed a little about building on the basics of Akira and Defense cut now, changing them from the 1-2 mentality into just a single movement, i.e. “a modified neck cut” (footwork, timing).

    After a break, we started with 50 steel continuous full circle cuts (mine 2H), then several rounds of boffer sword + dagger Active Response Training and Active Response Parry. Moved on to a few rounds of Refined Strikes against the pels to allow a faster pace with light contact, followed by partner Refined Strikes and then the new Refined Strikes with active defensive stance.

  • WCoS

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    Class with Bryce. Stretch and our respective requirements. I was using my true long sword for most of tonight, including requirements. We worked a bit extra on Kata Ni and then took a break.

    After the break, we started with 50 full circle cuts with our steel (myself 2H), then some rounds of Refined Strikes. I tried out a new variant tonight, with uke starting in defensive stance and then the the partner performing the refined strikes may incorporate blade controlling techniques to move it, after which the uke slowly returns to defensive stance. It worked nicely. We then did some multi opponent (target) drills with four of the pels, first in a trapezoid phalanx arrangement, then in an encirclement crescent. We finished with several rounds of Add-On.

  • WCoS

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    Class with Bryce. Stretch and our respective full requirements. Worked a bit more on Kata Ni. We got into gear during the break and had 23 one-on-one matches. I started 2H, but my bokken split after just several matches, so then I went 1H. Later, I had Bryce pick up his punch shield and I went sword and dagger.

  • WCOS

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    Class with Bryce. Stretch and our respective full requirements. I then covered Advanced Neck Block as well as reviewed the Advanced Thrust Block. After the break, I examined Bryce’s steel and offered some observations and tips, then we did 50 continuous full circle cuts with steel (myself 2H), starting Bryce on his initial solo steel work. Next I instructed him on Kata Ni, after which we does several rounds of Silent Bokken and Unarmored Parry. I switched between 1H and 2H to cover both styles.

    I was really tired and feeling unmotivated before class, and I always appreciate how when I’m feeling that way, but I have to hold class regardless, once I get into actually running class, I most often feel a lot better. It is a testament to pushing yourself to do the thing even if you’re not feeling it because often it will help you feel better.

    (The last two weeks class was canceled, no students)

  • WCOS

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    Class with Bryce. We started with a 0.66 mile jog out through the park (only 10’25″/mile pace), then stretch and full requirements for both of us. We took a little more time to further review his Chop Cuts, then took a break. After the break, we started with several rounds of Advanced Response Training, followed by several rounds of Add-On. We wrapped up with a “cage match” pel gambit, 4 arranged around us.

  • WCoS

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    Class with Chris. Stretch and our respective requirements. We did a focus session on the modified Whispering Wind for him. After the break, we got in 21 one-on-one matches. I did 12 2-handed, 6 with my longsword, and the last 3 with 1-hander.

  • WCoS

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    Class with Bryce (late) and Chris. Stretch and requirements. Went over Jodan and Chop Cuts with Bryce for his new requirements. As a class we reviewed Double Chop.

    After the break, we did 100 full circle cuts (myself 2H steel), then did some multi-opponent Refined Strikes and multi-opponent defense. Wrapped up with some move builder.

    (no class last week, no students)

  • WCoS

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    Class with Rakta Nadi. Stretch and our respective requirements, then a study session on The Mantis. After a break, we got 100 continuous full circle cuts (I did 2H bokken this time), several rounds of Silent Bokken, some rounds of Unarmored Parry, some rounds of Add-On, and finished with a couple rounds of Refined Strikes.

  • WCOS

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    Class with Bryce and Chris. I worked with Chris on Cutting Pattern 2 initially, then he and Bryce paired for requirements while I worked solo and observed. We worked on Defense Cut, a new move for Chris. After a break, we did 100 full circle cuts (myself 2H steel), a few rounds of Refined Strikes, and some pel gauntlet. We finished with Balance 1 and 2.

  • WCOS

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    Class with Bryce. Full requirements for both of us, then we got geared up and had 35 one-on-one matches.

  • WCoS

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    Class with Chris and Miriam. Stretch and then I reviewed each of their requirements. I then instructed on Double Thrust, a new move for each of them. After the break, we did 100 continuous full circle cuts (myself 2H Steel), advanced response training, refined strikes, pel gauntlets, and finished with Move Builder.

  • WCOS

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    Class with Bryce. Stretch and our respective requirements. Discussed what we could in preparation for the White Rope test next month. Got into armor and had 16 matches.

    I did a mix of 2-Handed and 1-Handed, and the last match I did 2 Sword.

  • WCOS

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    Class with Chris. Stretch and then we went through our respective full requirements. I then instructed him on Warriors Stance and Whispering Wind (Green Braid version, essentially reverse JT2).

    After a break, we did 100 continuous full circle cuts (myself 2H steel), Refined Strikes, unarmored parry, and finished with Silent Bokken.

  • WCoS Event – Snow Combat

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    I hosted a Day of Combat at the Mt Hood White River East SnoPark at 4200ft elevation. It was a just about as perfect as it gets, with mostly overcast and a fresh couple inches of snow from the night before on top of a deep base. The around 20F degree temp meant no rain, just some occasional light snow flurries.

    Sparring participants were myself, Honorary Kaiden Dalton, Jesse B, Ferocitas, Bryce, Rakta Nadi, Chris, Miriam, and Aaliyah. Anne was an immense help in support capacity, logging matches and helping with gear.

    All sparring was bokken.

    We logged 9 last-standing melees, a couple 3v3v3 team melees, a 3v5 upper vs lower melee, a 4v5 with trainees as captains, and a 4v5 VIP protection melee (myself and dalton as non-combat VIPs).

    We wrapped up with 45 1-on-1 matches (best-of-3 format).

  • WCoS

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    Opening class of 2025 with Jesse, Bryce, Rakta Nadi, Chris, Aaliyah, and Miriam. Stretch and requirements followed by a focus study on The Mantis. During the break we reviewed protective gear and armor, making sure everyone would be ready for this weekend’s event, and discussed carpooling. After we bowed in for the second half, we started with 100 continuous full circle cuts (Jesse and I with 2H steel), then I discussed melees and the upcoming event in general since this will be a new thing for Chris, Miriam, and Aaliyah. We wrapped up formal class with several rounds of Refined Strikes. Afterward I helped Aaliyah with prep work for her new helmet’s grill and Miriam with rounding and padding the corners on her cuirass.

  • Pacific Martial Arts Conference, 2025 Winter

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    I donned my white gi today for the first time in several years and travelled to Eugene for the 2025 Winter edition of the Pacific Martial Arts Conference. The 5 hours of instruction were split into 10 segments led by sensei and masters in multiple karate styles, eskrima, judo, aikido, capoeira, katana (unsure which style), and hand to hand defense against western european dagger. It was an excellent day of training.

  • WCoS

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    Final class of 2024, with Jesse, Bryce, Rakta Nadi, Aaliyah, Miriam, and Ben. Stretch and requirements, than we worked on The Tradition (a new move for Aaliyah). After the break, we did 100 continuous full circle cuts (jesse and I with 2H steel), a few rounds of Refined Strikes, and then a round of Blind Man’s Boffer. We finished out with and extended Balance 1 & 2 course.

    After class I turned out the lights and Ben, Miriam, and I did a bit more of the Balance course in the near dark.

    Conditions: intermittent rain, pretty muddy and mucky

    2024 Class Photo of Aaliyah, Jesse, Umbra, Bryce, Rakta Nadi, Miriam, and Ben (not pictured, Chris and Shamay)

  • WCoS

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    Class with Aaliyah. Stretch and full requirements for each of us. We then took a break and got geared up and in the second half got in 27 1-on-1 matches.

  • WCoS

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    Class with Miriam. Stretch and full requirements for both of us. Took a little more time on reviewing The Mantis. We got into protective gear and then got in 21 one-on-one matches. (I did 9 2H and 12 1H)

    Conditions: Cold, near freezing, but dry

  • WCoS

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    Class with Aaliyah, Miriam, and Ben. Stretch and requirements. I reviewed each of them individually, meaning they each went through their requirements 3 times total. We then reviewed Sword Salute, followed by the original Dragon’s Tail, focusing on using the opening movement to rapidly and unexpectedly close with the opponent.

    After the break, we did 100 full circle cuts (myself 2H steel), a few rounds of Refined Strikes, and finished with Balance 1 and 2.

  • WCoS

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    Class with Jesse, Bryce, Miriam, and Ben. Stretch and requirements. As a class we reviewed The Mantis. After the break, we had a number of 1-on-1 matches, focusing on trying to get Miriam and Ben more sparring matches, though Jesse and I did a few steel matches as well.

    Conditions were intermittent rain, around 40 degrees.

  • WCOS

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    Class with Miriam and Shamay. Stretch and then we all three did requirements together, round robin, which allowed me to demonstrate all my requirements for both of them. After a break, we did armored parry for the rest of the class.

    Mid-40s, intermittent rain, semi-slick conditions.

  • WCoS

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    Class with Jesse, Bryce, Miriam, Ben, Aaliyah, and Shamay. Stretch and requirements. I worked with Shamay, adding Cutting Pattern 1, and reviewed some of Ben’s techniques. As a class we did a study session on The I Move, a new move for both Aaliyah and Shamay. After the break, we started with 100 continuous full circle cuts (Jesse and I with 2h steel). We then moved pumpkin cutting, first doing several rounds of stationary cutting, and then a couple rounds of tossed targets.