S1. Initially, train movement in a vacuum; “Move like this in order to do this.” S2. Then, add pressure. I.e. The weight and feel of a sharp blade (spear/katana/wakazashi/tanto etc) “This can go wrong for me if done incorrectly. I must pay attention to myself.” S3. Then add context. You must visualize your opponent. “What is the attack and does my movement reflect the katas intention?” “Have I practiced the kata from both sides to know what to expect?” How I like to chunk things down. We often get stuck on Step 1 and seldom spend significant time in Step 2. Then, we typically don’t get to Step 3 (or 2) until we enter the dojo and by then the chain is broken and we’re spending time being coached on best practices for Step 1. I was working on kata the other day and the thought about pressure was in the forefront of my mind. Without increased pressure (not to be confused with speed) the onus to learn is absent and what we end up doing borders on esoteric practice (in any practice). Something to consider. Thoughts and critique are welcome as always!

Recently I’ve been rethinking how I approach weapons training in kenjutsu and Nami Ryu. For a good while, I thought of practice mainly as what happens in the dojo: techniques, kata, corrections, and trying to keep up with class material. I understand not every practitioner has military experience, but bear with me—this analogy comes from my time in the Marines. Strategy is a core tenet of war and, as Williams Sensei teaches, part of the craft of the warrior. It seems natural that the same principles I learned there could apply here in the dojo. Not all of my time with a rifle was spent on the range practicing marksmanship. Virtually all of my familiarity came from everything outside of shooting: carrying rifles and pistols, moving with them, maintaining them, inspecting, disassembly, reassembly and simply handling them constantly. That constant and consistent daily contact removed a lot of the awkwardness that comes from marksmanship. By the time I needed to shoot all that I needed to concern myself with was shooting itself. I realized that weapons training in the dojo can run into the same awkwardness if our only meaningful contact with the sword/spear happens during class. Much the same as if one were to only handle the firearm the day they arrive at the range. Then we’re trying to learn familiarity, handling, awareness, and technique all at once. Williams Sensei has taught that timing, distance, relationship, and energy are crucial to martial application. When I train, I typically ask myself how these principles apply to simple movements: walking with the weapon, transitioning from kamae, bowing in, carrying it, and handling it confidently. Once I’ve developed that baseline, kata and cutting practice feel more natural and easier to correct over time. Before a weapon can be a weapon it must first feel familiar in the hands, at least, that’s been my experience. I’d love to hear everyone else’s thoughts and experiences as well!

Hi Sensei. I noticed with partner drills, particularly when trying to slowly displace someone with a cut they feel me lean. It is subtle and honestly I don't notice it doing solo work. Any suggestions on solo practice that will help me recognize that or is it strictly partner training to resolve. I am happy to hear from anyone who has same issue and found way to resolve it. Thanks.

Hi Sensei, when you get the chance can you do a detailed video on sayabiki? I understand it is important to quickly and efficiently remove the saya from the sword in order to cut. I have seen people in iai kamae with the end of the handle almost touching the wall and they were able to get the saya off the sword. I have tried to do that but have not been able to yet. I still have to reach my right arm. Not as much as i used to but still i really want to improve and reduce extra movement as much as possible. Thank you.

Hello, as a new student and member of this group, I was wondering if you have a video, or could do a video, on how to properly tie and wear the hakam as well as respectfully fold and store it after use? Thank you for your time.