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This weekend we worked on sword techniques. Saturday we met at the Northeast Ohio Kempo Dojo where we are holding our Budo Taijutsu class weekly from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM. There were a total of 5 students and our shidoshi, Tom Hilliard.

We practiced basic movement, as well as a little kyojitsu to entice our opponent to attack. We saw the importance of having proper distance and angles.

Sunday we met at Squires Castle where we train outdoors, year round, no matter what kind of weather from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Again we worked on sword technique using the shinai.

Since we are all at the beginning level we are still moving slow. We are learning how to cut properly, and how to move in at the proper angle at the right time and how to take advantage of the ‘gift’ our opponent offers. (an opening or opportunity to take control)

Time flew by so fast. Our two hours seemed like a few minutes. I can hardly wait for next weekend.

I got a little “lucky bamboo” plant for my birthday in June. I water it daily and set it in my bedroom window. It means a lot to me because my son got it for me. I don’t notice the slow steady growth daily, but in three months I suddenly realized that it has really shot up and added many new leaves since I got it!

My taijutsu is much this way. I can’t see the progress from week to week, but my teacher assures me that he does. I grow impatient with myself, desiring to jump ahead, but in growth there are no shortcuts.

Tom Hilliard shidoshi taught us some very cool techniques with ropes and chains. He showed us how to capture the arm of someone holding the end of a rope. I have enjoyed practicing this, even though when I showed it to one of my sons, I took a direct hit in the eye with the rope scratching my cornea. I assured my son that I would be fine and we will try again in a few days when my eye heals. Injuries will happen in learning this art, no doubt!

I found a treasure that I would like to share. The blog of Paul Masse, Shihan There is much wisdom and depth here! He paints beautiful vivid images with his artistically chosen words and pairs them with his magnificent photography. I read someplace that true art invokes strong emotion in the heart of the audience. Paul’s blog brings to me feelings of wonderment and inspiration as I read. He has immersed himself in the culture of Japan, and completely embraced the wonderful art of Soke Masaaki Hatsumi’s Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. Enjoy! I sure do!