NZKF

[samtsai]

Dear All,

I would like to share my personal experience of Iaido training here. And, THANKS to Brent, Ronald and Ben to make it happen at Waikato!

Waikato Kendo Club starts its first Iaido session on Tuesday 07 March. Although we had two introduction seminar last year, I did not have too much time to try it out last year as I was too busy to take the photos. Some of my jobs last year are here:
http://www.waikatokendo.org.nz/Assets/Iaido_2005/
http://www.waikatokendo.org.nz/Assets/Iai_2005B/
(And my previous trial of Iai was in 1985!)

I really enjoy the focus (both mental and phyiscal) we need to put into the Iai Kata. Although it is Kata, it is different from Kendo kata. Because I have the control of my opponent. I was in Ronald's group. I like his espressions about getting the big picture first and then diving into the small details and the emphasis on improving the fluency. I think this is exactly the same spirit we always emphasize in Kendo. When we can appreciate this attitude, then Kendo is more than a sport-like martial arts and Iaido is more than a dance-like performance. It becomes a way of life, or Budo life in particular, as the focus is ourselves, is inward, and the journey becomes unlimited (not ending at the Gold medal only).

After the 3 hours Iaido training, I arrived home and turn on my computer for my thesis. I found that I can easily write my thoughs more fluently than I did in the morning. I would like to consider it was because my concentration on the Iai training and temporarily forgot the "writing stress" during the training. I feel this is very similar to meditation that awake my "subconscious" to work for my thesis (and save my trouble ). Ha! Ha! I am looking forward to the next Iaido session.

As Brent mentioned that Kendo and Iaido are just like flour and sugar both are necessary to baking a good cake. So, let us back to the noisy "shinai Kendo" and wait for the next Iai training.

Kind regards,
Sam Tsai
Waikato Kendo Club

Forward from our club's forum:
http://www.waikatokendo.org.nz/forum/viewtopic.php?t=166
And more discussion there!

[Alicia]

Hi Sam

Glad to hear that Iaido has started in Waikato! We have just started a club in Christchurch as well, thanks to Eynon moving back here from Japan. I am also really enjoying the Iaido trainings. At first I started it for the benefit it could give to my kendo, but now I am really enjoying it in its own right!

I hope things continue to go well for you!

Alicia Cavan
Canterbury Kendo (and Iaido) Club