Cart Wheel

I'm having a real difficulty with this one - who on earth thought this one up? The forward roll yes but the Cart Wheel looks like a scene from a Bruce Lee film (anyone else old enough to remember Bruce Lee? Chuck Norris? Ah well ..

And so, the conversation with my 7 year old daughter went along the lines of "Well Amy ... if you think you can do any better ...." Doh .. back to the drawing board!

Forward Roll - Form 5

Had a spare afternoon in the garden this weekend and, well, one has to try it – so I did and here is the result. Ten attempts produced a ‘sword roll’ of sorts. This was not the best roll – but the best video. Thanks Zoe for taking the videos and for accidentally deleting the best one!

I can see in the video where I go wrong but should be able to correct that – when my bruises fade. I’d forgotten I used Judo mats to practice 'Ukemi' all those years ago. Still, I’m pleased with the results and can/will do better.

My next Grading will be on 3 June 2008 and I need it for then - with the rest of the Form.

Sword Grip Change

Just found a video on YouTube which helps explain the actions necessary for the change a sword grip. The link is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfN499Z2f2s&feature=related have a look. I hope it helps as it is one of the biggest problems I have in handling the sword.
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I'll put a link under the Student Resourses section for more information.

Haedong Kumdo - Finland

Well, I don’t speak any Finnish but I did find this website about Haedong Kumdo from there. If anyone searches YouTube for videos I’m almost certain I recognize these guys (from Bergie’s pony tail) - sorry, but the music is dreadful! Fantastic photos of the Art from dedicated followers though. I hope I’ll meet them one day.

Here is the link http://www.haedong-kumdo.fi/valokuvat/list/all/ it’s well worth a permanent link in the blog. Thanks for the inspiration guys – brilliant cartwheel Jose!

Sword Buyers Guide

This link I found to be of use - information about how to buy a sword - and there are some brilliant videos to watch too (although sadly some links don’t work). I know that most of this information relates to Japanese swords but there is much more information here than a quick glance can reveal.

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http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/authentic-japanese-swords.html
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I’ve put a link in the Student Resources section for anyone to follow.
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Haedong

Sword Draw Three (Front)

This week I was taught Draw Three and with the nice weather thought I would have a go in the garden and video the result. Not much of a result – it doesn’t even look right. Still, I enjoyed learning about video editing.

Would anyone like to comment on the Draw … or the Video. Ouch!