Swordfest 2009 Gekken/Sparring Embu: Part 2

[jung567]

I have a question about the footwork. It seems that you guys just walk normally. But... Is that in the old style? Because, I've always wondered what footwork the old styles used...

[IshiYamaRyuSeattle]

@jung567 There is a lot of variation in footwork. Some styles like suriashi, others keep their toes up and walk more naturally, some drive off the their heels others off the ball of the foot. Ultimately, it depends on the underlying theory that encompasses the style, so I can't/won't say definitively that it is one way or another.

[jung567]

@IshiYamaRyuSeattle I see... thank you! :D

[MeleeCommando]

This has got to be the best sword sparring video i have seen.quite realistic!!

[tomurso]

Another great sparring clip!

[magneticskull]

What happened to the RSW blade at 0:21? A bend or a set? Do they recover ok from that?

[IshiYamaRyuSeattle]

It ended up bending a bit, but I was able to fix it after the embu. That particular sword is one of the older models which I've had for a while, so it has taken quite a bit of abuse. That model used a couple different pieces of metal within the core, so it probably bent at a juncture. The new models have a curved single-piece metal core, which is stronger and less prone to breaking/bending.

[magneticskull]

Thanks.

[genei09]

Your exchanges with Alberto were very nice, showing good technique and self control.

Jason seems particularly aggressive and doesn't seem to stop an exchange. Chris is particularly non-aggressive.

[IshiYamaRyuSeattle]

Thanks Aaron. It was an interesting mix of styles and backgrounds; I found it interesting to see what "bubbled to the surface". I'm looking forward to doing it again sometime; maybe we can get some MJER representation for the next one (*hint*, lol).

[genei09]

I would have loved to come up for it. Timing was terrible this time around. I'm not too far away either was the most painful part. So close...and yet...so far.

[wizzbangtg]

That was very enjoyable to watch. Thanks for the upload. Steve, you where very impressive.

[Samuraihitachi]

Cool, thanks for the upload, Steve. Nice to be able to show my wife all the wonderfulness she missed out on. Thanks for bringing in all the supplies that make this possible.