A tale of two arts ...

We worked hard at rapier last night.

We combined the eight point parry sequence with the edge eight sequence, then transitioning into the four square dagger sequence and back again. We worked on making the transitions smooth and fluid, and after a while the muscle maps took over and I was able to start thinking about the finer details of the techniques, particularly the footwork on the e8pps. The natural progression at the end of the session was into some controlled freeplay, breaking out of the sequence and trying to keep the fluidity going. Very satisfying, and probably the best session in a while.

Kobudo tonight was similarly good.

We've covered the whole level one syllabus, so now it is a case of practicing and refining the moves until the first grading session in three weeks' time. We ran through a practice grading with the Sensei which was a little nerve wracking, but useful though, if only to confirm that we do know what to do and can be self critical of any mistakes that we make. We ran through it a few more times until fatigue and brain overload started to set in - I clonked Rachel on the side of the face and she caught me a good one on the wrist in return - so we settled down for a bit of cord practice. This is the art of looping decorative knots along your sword scabbard and it is surprisingly therapeutic after a physical workout to sit down and concentrate on something delicate.

I am really enjoying both of these martial arts, and I am starting to appreciate both the differences and the similarities between them.