Sensei’s Blog

At our last class we were practicing the kodachi seiho of Niten Ichiru, the short sword. At one point I told my student to separate at the end of the kata without becoming overly focused on my long sword. In other words, don't leave her short sword in contact with my long sword down by … Continue reading Seitei vs Koryu – Or perhaps, rules vs reason or form vs function. – Feb 8, 2015, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

The spirit of the small comb dispels confusion. If your opponent confuses the situation in any way, you should hold a small comb in your spirit and untangle the confused parts one after the other and rearrange them. Viewed from outside removing the bowstring and confusing are similar, but the former stems from a strong … Continue reading Sanjugokajo-21 The small comb – Feb 8, 2015, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

上段         Jōdan             Upper Level 中段         Chūdan          Middle Level 下段         Gedan            Lower Level 左            Hidari                Left 右            Migi                  Right 練習        Renshū             Drilling 早い        Hayai                 Quick, fast or swift 息           Iki                       Breath 気合        Kiai                    Scream, yell, fighting spirit

That something can be, or is, of use in some certain field, is not an indication that it was intended for that purpose. I can learn how to shoot a bow and arrow at the local archery range, but that doesn't mean that the club has the current or even the past purpose of training … Continue reading Musashi then and now – Feb 7, 2015, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

Removing the bowstring is a method of releasing yourself from a deadlocked situation. During combat a situation sometimes develops whereby you and your opponent pull at each other simultaneously between both tensioned spirit strings, so that the fight becomes deadlocked. In such a case you should remove the string with your body, with the sword, … Continue reading Sanjugokajo-20 Removing the Bowstring – Feb 7, 2015, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

Holding down the invisible, negative shadow (“Yin”) is a method that, by means of observing the posture of the opponent, you can strike him at his anticipated weak points. If you observe the opponent closely, you can see the points to which he pays attention and also to which he does not. If you beware … Continue reading Sanjugokajo-18 Holding down the invisible shadow – Feb 5, 2015, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

I don't know why I'm the king of klubs, but I regularly get asked for my opinion on whether I think it's a good idea to open a club, or whether someone is ready. First, if you're asking you're thinking about it and thus you're likely ready. If you're thinking about it you have reasons, … Continue reading Should I start a club? – Feb 5, 2015, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

ere the actual visible, positive shadow (“Yang”) is meant. If your opponent holds his sword behind himself, so that you can only see his body, you should hold the hidden sword down with your spirit and at the same time empty your body, that is to say free it of all interference and strike with … Continue reading Sanjugokajo-19 Mobilizing the visible shadow – Feb 6, 2015, Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

This is the strategic intention of treading on the point of your opponent’s sword with your foot. More precisely it is the intention of treading on the sword of your opponent with your left foot immediately before it stops when he swings it. If you take the initiative here with your sword, with your body … Continue reading Sanjugokajo-17 Treading down the sword – Feb 4, 2015 , Kim Taylor, Renshi, CI Sei Do Kai Guelph ON, Nanadan

Adult Classes Monday and Friday 630-800pm I will be teaching