My shinai, the extension of my arm.

The shinai is the bamboo sword used during Japanese swordplay so that combatants can attack using force and actually hit their opponents without fear of serious injury. Before this mock sword was invented it was all about the bokken, or solid wooden sword. In Kendo Kata the bokken never touched the opponent, or rather the partner. But today in Kendo the standard length shinai is the weapon of choice.



I've never seen a shinai bend before. But today I did. I wasn't there to take the photo, mind you.

To keep this bamboo extension from splintering it is not uncommon to soak or polish the shinai with oil. I personally use vegetable oil. Other areas of upkeep may involve washing the uniform (keikogi + hakama). Traditionally it is soaked in cold water with a mixture of rice vinegar. I use apple cider vinegar. This soaking in vinegar is a one-time thing to set the dye. But these modern days it is not necessary depending on the make.

the different splendid people

I think I partially understand why I am so drawn in to this world of kendo, the samuari, and nearly all things East Asian. It is because of its exotic and vast differences when compared side by side with the west. So this whole experiment with cutting out organized church attendance is another realm of that freedom of expression.

This world, especially the western part of it, says that by a certain age you should live, be, and work a certain way. That certain way is general and broad and encapsulating of many things of subjects, interpretations, cultures and so much more. But if one deviates from this mindlessly accepted normality, then the one is shunned, shamed, but not quite ostracised. Being casted out would be too easy, it would be a blessing. Instead the one is still included so that the one may be a scapegoat, an object of ridicule, and a lower rank for the quasi-mindless masses to have something to focus on when they so desperately and helplessly look down and away from the reachless higher ranking few.

But I doubt I can last too much longer being away from that ever so familiar spiritual territory. I grow hollower each week, each month. The distance between God and I are farthest it has ever been. Doubt is endless, hope is few, love distant, and faith dwindling. Until next time my fellow kendokas....until next time.

Owned.

Today I learned my true state of Kendo physical and mental affair. A beginner more beginning than I performed decisively better at an alarming geometric rate. His rookie technique looked more like an experienced seasoned rookie. His form was impeccably perfect. His kiai and right foot deadlocked at the highly sought-after sweetspot of rythm and timing. Man he put us to shame no doubt. I taught him well what little I know. And so I learned, my true state of kendo skills.....I still suck at it.

Aikido smakido

They say it takes years and years and years to learn Aikido.
Judging by what I've seen and learned, their teaching methods are completely flawed. If it were any more flawed the whole thing would border on being criminal. It's way too flawed to be frustrated about it. It's beyond that. It's so flawed that the only thing you can do is shake your head and laugh about it. And that's what I'm doing while getting by butt kicked. Aikido smakido es muy muy stupido. No wonder it takes a lifetime to learn it.

Two fellow kendokas practicing basic fundamentals. I don;t know what this is called, but I'm guessing it's to practice timing, rhythm, technique, amongst all the fundamentals, like ayumiashi, aka footwork.

My Kendo on the other-hand is being honed by excellent methods by 1st class instructors. I'm far from where I need to be, but like all things good, this will take time. I got a new hakama that fits me slightly better and is nearly wrinkle free and much easier to fold and care for. It's the latest craze in Japan this fabric. Before I know it I'll be in the stressful position of shopping for the armor, aka bogu. Stressful because it's $500 for a set (average). Stressful because it needs to fit the body very well. And all that's going to be tough and painful since everything will need to be ordered online.

I'm a fighter, not a lover.

Three hundred, but better known as 300. It's what in my opinion is the big movie of the year.
And it's movies like these that inspire and stir our imagination, makes us think and rethink, about bloodshed, war, politics, religion, humanity. Tomorrow, bright and early in the morning, I report to my first day as a student of Aikido - the secret of self-defense and inner power. How appropriate that 300 came out this year of 2007, the same year I got acquainted with the warrior within me. I've got so much to catch up to. Because life, in the end, is our own, and it is what we make of it. Oh wonderful life, you are short and precious, sweet and harsh. It is time I start to walk again upon the earth with bare feet.