Clear Lake Iaido

We left Joe's house at 2 PM and arrived at The Dojo at 7:45 PM. After the Friday Aikido class was over, we changed clothes and practiced the kata we were going to do for tomorrow's dan test (Mae, three more from seiza, and one from batto ho for five total) until it was time to bed down for the night.

The next morning we were rolling up our sleeping bags when John sensei came by and asked if we would like to have breakfast with him and Greg Huff sensei (6dan from Northern Virginia). About half an hour later all four of us were in Ruby's enjoying their breakfast buffet. Afterwards we walked back to the dojo and started getting ready for Greg Huff sensei's morning seminar with the mudansha. I tried to set up the camera to capture the class, but there were too many people on the mat, and it is very hard to film and participate at the same time. He lead us through seiza no bu, and afterwards Ray sensei instructed the class on batto ho while Huff sensei worked with two students at a time on the kata they planed to do for the test by giving them general tips and suggestions. Since the test was that same day, more specific and detailed instruction was not given. After everyone had their turn with Huff sensei, we all went to lunch at Jason's Deli.

Back at The Dojo, Huff sensei had his seminar with the Yudansha while I filmed it on the mat off to the side. It followed much the same format as the morning seminar, with Ray sensei instructing the students in Tatehiza while Huff sensei worked with the students one at a time on their five kata. After all had had their turn we prepared the dojo for the exam. A table was dragged out of the back room and set up at one end for the review panel, Ray and Huff senseis, and a strip of duct tape was placed on the floor to mark the spot where we were to start our kata from. Last minute instructions on reishiki were given, and everyone was given a Japanese number to recite (in a loud and confident manner) when their turn came. Two cameras were set up to record the event. The soke of our system would review the tape and make the final decision on whether to award rank to us. We went in the following order:

Shodan -

Juan, Chris, John, Mahmoud, Will, Joe C., Emily

Nidan -

Gerry, Jean

Sandan -

Jack, Charles, Joe M., Mark

Yondan -

Susan

We performed opening tou ni rei and donned the sword off camera while the person ahead of us stood on the side just off camera to wait for the person ahead of them to finish their kata and step off. After stepping on camera we were supposed to do a standing bow, then loudly recite our number and the name of our ryu (Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu), then after the five kata we were supposed to do another standing bow, step back, and exit. After stepping off each performed closing tou ni rei. Some of us were rather nervous and got the order of the standing bow and the number/name recitation mixed up, but everyone made it through with no major disasters, and all were glad when it was over and we could go out to celebrate over steaks.

I brought my camcorder with me to dinner and passed it around so everyone could watch themselves. After much merriment we retired to the dojo for more conversation before going to bed. The next morning we arose early to pack and practice. Ray and Huff senseis arrived about 8 AM to have a practice together before they had to leave for the airport. Charles showed up shortly after and lead Joe, Ricky, and I through 8-11 of batto ho. Susan showed up later, and after the senseis had left, we changed clothes, loaded the car, and headed to the IHOP for brunch. After much socializing we parted company and headed home.

This was my first Iaido test and I was very nervous the week before. Huff sensei's kind instruction helped to calm me down and restore confidence so I could focus on doing the best iai I could.

Photos

• Photos of the Greg Huff Seminar
• Photos of the Shiken

© 2001       Last Updated: 2001.02.11       Credits