On Making Weapons
I have been making my own bokuto for training since 2015 and I usually make two each year. The process is similar for the other wooden weapons I have made, whether it is a tanto or naginata. The first one … Continue reading
Category Archives: weapons
Jo Beginners
As a rare treat, I taught a couple of sword taking techniques this week using the jo. I had forgotten how amusing it was to watch students deal with this weapon for the first time. It is just a stick … Continue reading
Back in my day . . . . .
Circumstances had me teach another beginners’ sword class recently, which seems to inspire one towards ranting in disbelief. My impression of relatively new students is that they lose focus very quickly. After as little as five minutes doing one form … Continue reading
Teaching Beginners the Sword
I love battojutsu. It is a simple, elegant art. Aiki battojutsu adds another dimension of the sublime to this. This is why I try to avoid teaching beginners at all cost. Image an exquisite sumi e piece. Just a few … Continue reading