Solo training, stretch and my Silver Chain requirements. Focus on my Cutting Pattern 4, evaluating if there are any adjustments I should make to it (ultimately, I determined no changes at this time). Also spent time on Cutting Pattern 3, double checking the footwork. 150 continuous Full Circle Cuts. Also reviewed my other moves: Dragon’s Bite, Kodiak (one-hander), and Hidden Phantom (sword-and-shield, a variation on my move Phantom that I first noted several years ago during Arata’s Farm combat). Everything performed with steel, as usual.
Tag: open dojo
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Solo training (open dojo, technically). I took a little time first to prep the dojo space for my impending start of training contract this coming weekend, then went through my requirements, spent some time on the cutting patterns and katas, did 100 Full Circle Cuts, and finished with 10 passes on a three-dummy gambit (minimum of four strikes). Steel for everything.
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Solo training, warmed up a little with some Shotokan kata review, then stretched and reviewed my Silver Chain requirements. Spent some time doing some focus on The Samurai, both two handed and one handed, looking at footwork, distance, and speed. Also briefly looked at Whispering Wind a little, I’ve been noticing an awkward pull on the second cut and I’m trying to find how to improve so I’m not fighting the sword. Finished with 100 Full Circle Cuts.
My petition for Silver Chain training and testing was accepted a few weeks or so ago and my evaluation period official began March 1st. I had sent a draft training contract proposal and at the end of last week I received it back with my testing council’s changes. I’ve arranged to meet with Kaiden The Severer in a couple weeks for a final discussion before the 4/4 start date for the training contract, which will run to 8/1. I have a lot to accomplish over the next several months.
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Open Dojo by myself. 30 minutes to stretch, review all of my requirements, do a little focus on Whispering Wind and Phantom, do 100 Full Circle Cuts, and set up a couple targets for a multi-opponent gambit/Refined Strikes. I used my new BKS Slayer for everything tonight. The balance point is a couple inches or so from the guard, compared to my old BKS Slayer where the balance point is within a half inch of the guard. I miss the agility and ease of use, but the new sword is straight and has a good clean feel to it, and I’m already starting to get used to the difference.
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In addition to regular weekly formal class, I have begun a weekly “Open Dojo” night, with tonight being the first occurrence (though no one came tonight). This serves two primary purposes. First and foremost, I am embarking on the final steps toward my Silver Chain and need to train more at my level. Likewise, each of the current Portland region students are working toward their White Rope. Open Dojo will provide a training space with the usual resources, and an opportunity to train with anyone else that attends. There will be no formal instruction, though attendees must arrive by the 7pm start time for a semi-formal session opening.
Tonight I stretched, reviewed all of my requirements wielding steel, including some focus on Cutting Pattern 3, Whispering Wind, Musashi, and Kata San. I 100 Full Circle Cuts and a single pass of Refined Strikes against one of the new targets (6′), about 30 minutes or so all told.