October 11, 2007

Merry Christmas to me (early)

Class tonight was very cool.  We worked on bo basics for a while.  It’s always good to revisit basics every once in a while. I seem to always learn something new and am able to take something away to add to my kata.  After going over basics, I spent part of the first class working with a green belt on Shihonuke.  I noticed a couple little things he could do to improve his kata (like trying to keep his bo more level), told him, and he immediately put them in there.  It’s amazing how kids just get it.  It’s so much easier to learn when you’re younger.  Yet another reason I wish I would have started this karate business a long time ago.

During the advanced class, we worked on three bo kata’s: Shihonuke, Chounokun and Suiyoshi Nokun Ichi.  I already have welts on the forearms and will definitely have more bruising tomorrow.  The bo for me is like a makiwara.  Skinny arms are just not cool when it comes to weapons.

After bo, we worked on Odo No Tunfa Ichi.  I was called up to lead the kata and "count it out."  When you go to test for Shodan, the panel of Renshi kai sits in front of you.  They take turns either counting in English, Japanese, or just doing a short kiai so that everyone stays together.  I was ALWAYS worried about this since everyone counts a little bit differently.  I found out tonight that it is not easy to count (kiai) and do the kata at the same time.  Although I made it through the whole thing with only a small mistake at the end, I found I had to use a lot of brain power to make it happen.  Yet another thing I need to practice-the list, it continues to grow. 

With tunfa, I have always felt that I was at a bit of a disadvantage because when flipping the tunfa back, I could never make them stop right beside my forearms.  Guys seem to have some extra meat there and the tunfa always rests so nicely.  Since I don’t have that, I have to compensate by using major control to stop that weapon from continuing its arc.  It can get very annoying and difficult to do. 

At the end of class, Hanshi was discussing how important it is to have the proper fit when it comes to weapons.  He showed how his custom made tunfa just fit his grip and his forearms perfectly.  I took one look at my tunfa and knew they were all wrong.  After class, he confirmed this for me.  So, we went into his office and he got out this contraption that actually measures your grip and arm length exactly.  The next time I’m in, he’s going to help me pick a type of wood to order and then I’m placing my order for custom made Shureido tunfa.  I CAN NOT WAIT to get them. 

Hanshi showed me his collection of tunfa, the different types of wood and finishes and I’m going to have some major decisions to make.  I was telling Mr. BBM that I wanted to get new weapons, so I figured I’ll start with these and replace them as I go.  When I got home tonight, I informed Mr. BBM that he bought me a Christmas present tonight.  It will probably take them that long to arrive, so no time like the present to place the order.   

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Posted by on October 11, 2007 in Tales from the dojo | 7 Comments

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