Iaido practice and drills. June 08

Just some more iaido practice and drills 3 months into my training. I see improvement but still pretty sloppy.
I do the drills to strengthen my wrists and grip, as 18 years of arthritis has left me with very little grip strength, particularly in my right hand.
Some katas ( ushiro for example) are done tachi waza as taught by my inspiration and mentor, Alex DaCosta Sensei due to arthritic damage in my knees, hips and feet. Seiza is a bit uncomfortable and tatehiza is painful and awkward for me. Rising up in uke nagashi is almost impossible for me, so that too is done tachi as taught by DaCosta Sensei.
One tamiya kata is included because I love the chinugui and the stance of the noto.

Although I will at some time try to seek out an accomplished iaidoka for help with my technique, I doubt that I will ever try testing or even have the opportunity for regular formal training. For now I am happy to have this wonderful art which has lifted my ailing spirit and given me a sense of well-being. I love iaido, and will continue to study and practice as I can, when I can, and continue to 'seek the perfection that can never be attained'.
Thanks for your comments and tips.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• iaido
• jeeperrandy
• iai
• katana

[MrMykl71]

where did you get the brown/tan hakama & top ?? ... looking for other colors in the clothing.

[Jeeperrandy]

@MrMykl71 The clothing in TLS depicts traditional silk hakama and kimono. You can find real silk Japanese clothing on eBay and it is quite inexpensive. Search 'men's kimono' and 'men's hakama' you will find lots. Be sure to read descriptions as many have wear, light stains and/or small tears , etc.

[Delmo67]

I agree with Landren111, i myself hold an advanced rank in Sei Too Ryu Kenjutsu as well as Eishin Ryu Iaido, and i can tell you that you are better then most at this stage in development. It seems you have a natural ability, and while i will agree your techniqus are a little sloppy, you are heads above any competition. Keep practicing, and always maintain that begginner's mind!

[Jeeperrandy]

Thank you. Your comments are generous and re-assuring. I have been working hard on refining my technique over the past year since making this video but I know there is so much more for me to learn. I will continue to practice , practice, practice. Thanks again.

[Landren111]

i wouldnt be so hard on urself,i have been doing aikido for 6 years and the basics r similar,u say ur form is a bit sloppy but for only 3 months in ur doing damn good, and to come out and say u r doing sloppy insted of just shoing off shows u r on the right path of learning....and i would have never guessed u had arthritis,u control ur sword well and u have a good solid stance when standing.....no one can be a master of everything, but what u can manage, u r managing well,keep up the training :)

[Jeeperrandy]

Thank you so much for those very kind and encouraging words.

[ninjastorm]

Best of luck in your training! We are all brothers learning the arts!

[Saavykaas]

I have practiced Iaido (MJER) for over a year now, and I admit to not being nearly as good even at my peak of training (which was still quite lax and infrequent) are you were in this video. I honestly believed you were much further along in your training; you don't make many of the mistakes I have seen in beginners (and more than a few regulars) at my dojo. You either have a very good memory, a very good teacher, or a very keen eye. Possibly all of them. Keep it up.

[Jeeperrandy]

The purpose of Iaido is to develop awareness, "centeredness", sincerity, a calm mind, and mental and physical harmony through the practice of traditional sword techniques.

[Jeeperrandy]

Hahah, oh well, Not much I can do about that.

Kind a like an Asian portraying a cowboy huh?.