Back to Basics

I'll return to training today.

I've been doing some work in the backyard but I forget stuff so quickly. I need to keep focusing on the kihon. I need to make that my foundation and the rest should naturally build on top.

Looking forward to this afternoon.

Holidays

We have a break from training this week.

Sensei is away at a seminar or something, so we are left to our own devices. I did some work in the backyard. Just the warmups and the kihon, although I think I left something out and invented something new. This can happen when you learn a new style.

Not to worry. As long as I do something I will stay in touch with the training.

Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu

There is a seperate syllabus for the sword in Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo.

It is called Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu. This is the original style that the jo came from. We practice this on a separate night so that we can have a total focus on the sword work. There are 12 kata to learn as well as some other kihon exercises.

I like spending a whole night on this, I find it really helps when we go back to the jo kata. I've been shown all 12 kata now, so it's now up to me to keep working on the movements and eventually, raise the intensity and make it more real. Once we get better at the kata we will probably move onto real battle applications.

Lately on the kenjutsu night, towards the end of class, Sensei has started showing us some tanjo techniques. The tanjo is about the size of a walking stick and has its own kata set to learn. At the moment it's the seniors that are using the tanjo and I take the bokken.

There's so much to this system. I'm anxious to learn.

Shadows in the Park

I've been training in Jodo for approximately 6 months now. I love it.

This is koryu training, so there's no belts, no dans, no gradings.
Just kata training.

I think this is just the best way to train. You keep your focus on what you are currently doing, not what you need to learn next. Progression is natural, when you are ready the Sensei will show you the next kata.

At the moment we have been training outdoors in the afternoon. It's good having the grass under your feet, the sun in the corner of your eye, the wind. Everything is natural and I think about training in the old days. The dojo was where ever you were. No ornate shrines or buildings, just training.

It's a hard school, I'm impressed with their attitude.
I look forward to learning more.

Sensei Nishioka

Sensei Nishioka, Hanshi, Sei Ryu Kai Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo.
Background is Arai san, Senior Teaching Assistant.