Developing form and refining movement…

I stated in a previous post that my purpose in coming to Japan was to study Kendo while applying many of the tools presented throughout my graduate studies. The Dojo offered Iaido at no additional cost other than time and having your own equipment. I felt studying Iaido would enhance my experience and compliment my studies. I am glad I did.

Iaido has provided me insight into another domain that I may find myself serving within the performance realm. Performance and sport psychology are often viewed as something found in the sports and military realm. Through my studies, I have learned and come to appreciate the benefits of performance enhancement tools in the performing arts realm, as well. I view Iaido as an experience where I can possibly connect with practitioners in that domain.

My Iaido training consists of twice a week for two and a half, sometimes three hours per session. It is not physically exhausting as Kendo training. However, mental focus is much the same. Much like Kendo, there is a strict protocol, and I am constantly reminded that every move has a meaning. Needless to say, I have found myself mentally and physically spent after training for 12 hours over the weekend. My fitness tracker registered nine hours of sleep Saturday and Sunday night.

On one of my train rides back to my apartment, I recalled an article given to me by my Karate sensei when I was a teen. The article was titled, Hito Kata San-nen, translated to say, One Kata, Three Years. The essence of the article was the discipline and commitment to study a form for three years before learning a new form. That may have been philosophical or factual, I am not sure.

I certainly appreciate the point behind the saying. Personally, I think it mirrors the approach Cal Ripken had when discussing baseball practice. Many of us grew up with the saying, “practice makes perfect.” Ripken stated in several of his books and videos, “perfect practice makes perfect.” I appreciate the talks I have with Tajima Sensei and Kato Sensei (two gentlemen in the video) discussing their lifetime of study. Their dedication to perfect skills has been a lifelong endeavor.

My experience has been that practicing kata has not been a favorable discipline with martial artists I have engaged. I can appreciate the draw of putting into practice the techniques one has been taught. I certainly can’t see a batter only practicing the mechanics of a swing and not facing live pitching. One would need to consider the purpose of the technique they are practicing.

With Iaido, a lot of my approach has been similar to handling a pistol or a long gun. Dry firing a weapon is similar to working a katana. That truth came to light this past weekend. Tajima Sensei observed my drawing of the katana and explained I was moving to fast. He further explained the mindset one needs to have. I was quick to draw the katana out and execute the attacks.

I didn’t quite grasp the ‘why’ one would pause before drawing the katana. The sensei explained that the goal is not to present the katana except as a last resort. And when you uncase the katana, you have to be precise in its use and handle it with confidence. I remember smiling after sensei’s explanation as I drew upon my experiences with a long-gun or pistol. The mindset and decision-making process required to place the weapon into an aggressive posture and being aware of my surroundings, intent, along with bodily mechanics such as the trigger finger is something I understood.

There were times I moved to draw the katana earlier than I intended because quite simply, I could feel the ache in my knees and ankles begging to be moved. Once I gained a further understanding, I was able to place the pain aside (temporarily) and visualize the purpose to put the katana into operation. There are many aspects of drawing the katana that is similar to other motor control required to execute a task. Such as, minimizing movement from one chord to another while playing the guitar or the movement path going from your primary weapon to secondary.

I enjoy the development and practice of fine-tuning the movements. I see a similarity with many aspects of our lives in mastering a task. Synchronizing the mental and physical posture, breath control, and dynamic movements are natural elements of placing the katana into action. The katana is a magnificent work of art. Effectively utilizing it and making it an extension of one’s persona is merely beautiful.

I thought of the picture of a batter. Many players swing a bat. However, we often think of Brett, Griffey, W. Clark, and other ballplayers of having a beautiful swing. I believe it is the same with Iaido. Six weeks of training is simply a drop in the bucket when it comes to being able to perform the task halfway decently. However, it is a positive step in the journey towards mastery. Much of the performance aspect is understanding the ‘why’ behind each move and being in the correct frame of mind.

Pat