I got a real treat in Iaido classes this week. I was the only student both nights. Which meant total one-on-one time with Sensei Dave. The 1st night was pretty awesome. We didn't start with jumping jacks... surprisingly. We did a lot of basics, like fixing up my position and such. My problems are that my front foot is not pointed straight, it keeps going to a slight slant. The other is my balance. I keep doing dancer (ballet) positions. Like putting my feet in line, instead of stepping out to have a better stance. Both things I have to work on. Then we did the first 4 katas. All need a lot more work.
On the second night of class, again no jumping jacks. We sat in seiza facing each other with our bokutos between us. Then he went over the parts of the katana. All Japanese words that I must learn and repeat when tested. I can get most of them, but I need like flash cards or something. I'm working on my own training manual. Basically pointing in the things that I have a tough time with. If I got it and can memorize it, then I don't need to write it down. I figure eventually my manual should be empty cause it's all moved into my head. Optimistic I know. Then we moved into the kamaes that I must also memorize. The 7th always stalls my thinking. Going to start saying them out loud as I ride the train. Let people look at me strange. :)
By the end of that class, well it ended short. My right foot had a blister and it ripped open. Believe me it didn't hurt a bit. Actually kind of awesome. But trying to shuffle on the floor is uncomfortable with a big piece of skin flapping about. So, I said "Excuse me Sensei Dave, my blister opened up". He asked if I wanted to fix or end the class. Since we went for like 2 1/2 hours on Tuesday, I requested we end the class. I think he was disappointed. He enjoys teaching very much. And I can't express the appreciation I feel for that real time and patience he spent on me. Now my duty is to gain much from it and do better next class.
