I had a small setback this week, as I had a stomach virus that left me homebound. However, today I will take a step forward. Shortly, I will be heading to the Anderson Area YMCA to take part in my first sword lesson. I will give an update later in the day, and also discuss the documentary Reclaiming the Blade which I watched via Netflix. The sword instructor, Thomas Urso, that I will be learning from is featured in this documentary.
More later today.
6:20 PM:
Before I begin, I would like to recommend that you watch the documentary Reclaiming the Blade. It discusses the art of the sword and how through the hundreds of years of history, of which the sword played a huge part, the actual martial arts of swordplay were widely overlooked. It delves into the recent resurgence to learn the sword so that this form of martial arts can continue.
Harmony. Becoming one. "The Void" or "The Oneness," as Robert Jordan has called it. The connection between the person and the sword. The link between the instructor and the student. The junction of two opponents battling. The blank slate of your mind, and openness of the soul. Foremost, the respect of the blade as a weapon, and the gaining of knowledge to use it properly and only when needed. This is what learning the blade imparts. This was the most important thing I learned today.
Sure, I learned some sword forms, footwork, and new Japanese and Korean vocabulary. Of course, I have sore muscles. There is no doubt I will rest well tonight, but all of these things are secondary to the sense of fulfillment and wholeness that I experienced for two hours today.
Everyone in life (whether they realize it or not) has something that makes them feel complete. There is something that you do that you enjoy and are good at that makes you feel good. For me, I have a few of these things. I've always been a jack of all trades, but a master of none. But through repurposing myself and narrowing those things down in scope, I hope to become a jack of most trades, and master of a few. Learning the sword will be one of the latter. Writing will be another. After that, we'll see where my quests take me.
However, those things will be for another time; for now is the time for reclaiming the blade.
While this is technically the second sword lesson I have attended, (the first was at JordanCon last April 2009 and was significant for many reasons, one of which is my love of Robert Jordan's sword forms. Jimmy you did a great job!) this was my first real martial arts based class.
My first lesson of Kum Do/Goshindo went very well. The class was small, consisting of myself, Jeff Fauble, and Matt Bachstein, and our instructor, Thomas Urso. I was glad that the class was small, as it gave more opportunity for individual evaluation and instruction.
I did not have to buy or bring any equipment with me, as Sensei Urso had practice blades and equipment for me to use, though if I continue (and I will), I can purchase my own equipment.
After a brief introduction and education of the the differences between Korean and Japanese cultures and styles of swordsmanship (which are apparently the same except in name), we started with warm up and meditation, to wipe the slate clean. Sensei Urso instructed me on proper footwork, and the importance of balance.
After that we started with different sword strikes. As with all learning, repetition was the key. And repeat we did, at first with no targets, just the the importance of the form, and then later against targets to better hone our skills.
Later we would put our skills to the test and strike in quick succession (though never faster enough for Sensei Urso, as he called us all Grannies in Korean). It was during these exercises that I realized that while new to me, the forms and techniques came quite easily. My weekly work outs had prepared me at least for the physical exertion needed. I was later complimented by my fellow student Jeff Fauble, on my ability to keep up during a rigorous first lesson.
After that it was time to put what we learned to the test. After donning protective gear, helmets and gloves, we sparred against one another with foam covered practice swords and staves.
We finished the day with cool down stretches and meditation, with respects paid to those who came before us, our instructor, and our senior students.
The last was a few parting words from Sensei Urso on harmony and respect that we come with learning the art of the sword. For it is only with respect for the sword and ourselves and the combined ability to do damage, that we separate ourselves from the ignorant who would seek (willingly or unknowingly) to do harm to themselves or others.
It is a great irony that I find peace in learning the use of a weapon , but for those two hours, I was at peace with myself. Nothing else touched my mind or spirit, or diverted my attention. How much would you pay for that kind of harmony (even if for just two hours a week) in your life?
For me, it is not about the amount of money that I would have to spend to get such an experience, but for $45 a month, learning the sword is certainly a bargain.It is just one step on my quest, but it was a rewarding first step to take on the path.
If you would like to learn more about the class that I am taking, below is the course description as listed on the website of the Anderson Area YMCA's webpage.
Tae Kwon Do/Asian Sword Arts of SC | Tae Kwon Do (Korean Karate) is a self defense system which involves finely honed kicking and punching skills. Monday and Wednesday from 7:40-8:40pm. Asian Sword Arts curriculum includes Korean Kum Do (Asian fencing) and Japanese Goshindo (combatives and Batto Do/Iaido). Saturday from 11:15am-1:15pm. Both courses are suitable for children and adults and will help in the development of both mental and physical fitness. For more information contact instuctor Thomas Urso at 864-653-4647 or email thomasurso@gmail.com | |
