10 Tips to Become a Better Martial Artist.

Commit yourself. Iaido is a traditional martial art, but more importantly, a way of life. Commit to coming to class and working hard the entire time.
Respect the art.  There is no need to be puffed up with pride, show-off, be aggressive, or abuse. We begin every class with a bow and end with a bow. Bowing is a sign of respect and must be carried beyond the dojo to everyday life.
Be early.  When you arrive early, you allow yourself time to stretch, warm-up, and prepare before class begins. The student that shows up on time, or arrives early shows the teacher and themselves that they are committed to and respect the art.

Physical fitness.  We must respect our bodies. Be responsible for your mental and physical well-being and take care of yourself.
Other students. Respect not only your instructors, but other members of your dojo. Listen to those who have more experience and training than you. Take time to observe new students to see how far you’ve come and watch mistakes you made yourself when you first began learning iaido.
Practice at home. Reinforce your training in the dojo by practicing kata and movements at home by yourself. Set a time each day, or even three times a week, to spend thirty minutes training on your own. If this training is simply to gain another rank, then you must find a different school that can accommodate this sort of mentality. If this training is to better yourself and become a more talented martial artist, then you are training for the right reasons.

Cross-train. Participate in other physical activities. Running, hiking, biking, and swimming are valuable for increasing endurance. Participation in other sports or weight-training will increase overall strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Beginner’s spirit. Forget what you’ve learned each time you enter the dojo. Our expectations and preconceptions of things already learned can become our greatest inhibitor. Approach everything as if you are learning it for the first time.

Extra training. Attend all seminars, demonstrations, training camps, and tameshigiri when the opportunity presents itself. Each experience will enrich your training and help you to continue to master the basics.

History matters. Learn about the history and background of iaido. It never hurts to ask your teacher for some book recommendations. 

Let the Master Appear

"When the student is ready, the Master appears." - Buddhist Proverb

-  方法  -

I've thought about this proverb a lot over the years. Does it mean that if I practice hard a humble Japanese expatriate who practices bonsai and repairs cars will appear to teach me about the martial arts he learned as a boy in Okinawa? I don't think so. Will the student who trains hard become the most fierce and intimidating master to ever exist? Probably not. This proverb rings true to anyone who has let go of pride and accepted that they are not perfect. The humble student who opens their mind to learning everyday, doing everything with a beginner's spirit will begin to understand this saying. The student who has let go of the past, lives in the present, and turns a blind eye to the future will have a good comprehension of this saying.

-  主人  -

Recently, I had a student test for 5th kyu. When he first came to class months ago he was unpolished, nervous, and very reserved. After a few weeks, I watched his straight cuts go from hacking to a two part cut, flicking then relaxing, which is the beginning of a great cut. Weeks later, he changed very sloppy footwork to walking straight while maintaining good posture as he cut in one fluid motion. Now, months have passed since he began iaido and everything has become more fluid as he's beginning to understand using entire body to complete movements ensuring that his hips are engaged and power is where it needs to be. Though he is still in the beginner stage of his martial arts training his dedication has unlocked a true martial artist. I recently invited him to test and was very pleased by his results. Not only did he pass his 5th kyu examination, he did so with flying colors. When he started training he was in a shell inhibited by his own abilities, now, he is on the road to success. This type of student will one day see the master appear and become the iaido practitioner we all strive to become as long as he continues on this path he has created.

To be a successful martial artist

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. -Confucius

When you come to class you see and hear about technique which helps you learn movements. To properly learn these techniques you do not need to just see and hear them, you must master them. To master them you do not need a teacher looking at your form every time you practice, you must make a desperate effort in class to understand the movements, then dedicate yourself to practice! By doing and practicing everyday, you become the master over the movements. You become a true martial artist! Practice! Practice! Practice!

You teach me, I'll teach you!

I open with the words of Nishiyama Hidetaka who said: "In a confrontation or Shiai my opponent becomes my Sensei, and in turn I am his Sensei, so we must respect each other." This sentiment is familiar in many traditional martial arts, especially iaido.
In combat, the samurai would not leave an opponent to suffer a painful death, but quickly end their life as to bring honor to himself and the fallen aggressor. Everything requires respect, this concept must be understood and practiced everday.
My greatest learning has come from teaching. When I partner up with a student to train and they ask questions, or I notice an error in technique, I must first look at my own training and see if I am doing it correctly and teaching it clearly. I correct the technique, but walk away having learned more about my own skills and abilities. This type of learning will only be possible when we respect our opponents. When ego and pride block our path, we can no longer accept this concept because we are learning by ourselves and our learning becomes inhibited.

Negligence is an extreme thing.
-Yamamoto Tsunetomo

Congratulations to Mike Kanzler who passed his 4th kyu test!

Dokkōdō - The Way of Walking Alone

1. Do not stubbornly rebel against the ways of the world.

2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.

3. Do not rely upon any half-hearted feelings.

4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.

5. Remain detached from desire.

6. Do not regret what you have done.

7. Never be jealous.

8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.

9. Abandon resentment and complaint.

10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.

11. Disregard your personal preferences.

12. Accept your dwelling and living conditions.

13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.

14. Do not cling to possessions you no longer need.

15. Do not mindlessly follow the ways of the world.

16. Do not become obsessed with weapons or fighting.

17. Do not fear death.

18. Do not accumulate goods and riches for your old age.

19. Respect Buddha and The Gods, without relying on their help.

20. You can abandon your own body, but you must preserve your honor.

21. Never stray from the way.