Amdur interview

Ok, it’s been a while since I have posted something on anything, iaido, piano, or Colemak keyboard layout.
I listened to this nice recorded interview of Ellis Amdur about Aikido on http://usaikido.com/ . I recommend it strongly to any aikido student and to any practitioner of martial arts in general, it’s an interesting [...]

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Taking your mat with you… the ultimate kneepads

Traditional Iaido practice is done on a hardwood floor. Many new students in Iaido find performing seiza waza quite uncomfortable on a wood floor. Even experienced students will probably find kata starting in tate hiza unpleasant for the left leg. Some groups regular practicing on firm tatami or canvas mats in Aikido or other [...]

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My favorite Keiko Gi

I am not a fan of the synthetic material tetron though many who practice Iaido in Japan wear it.   I prefer cotton.  In that respect, not all cotton keiko gi are the same. Some are quite rough and stiff, while others that are quite expensive drape on you in a very clingy way make [...]

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How to Put On the Hakama

I originally did some searching to help new students or to respond to questions or because of sites newer students sent me with questions.  Wearing the traditional Japanese pants is part of Iaido from the beginning so it a challenge every new Iaido student faces. I tie my hakama in the manner Mitsuzuka Sensei taught [...]

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