Sensei Mark Williams made preparations for his green belt sword grading this week. Monday saw him practising hard in Sensei Richard’s sword class, with the assistance of Sensei Nick Baldwin. Nick San; as part of his preparations for his own sword grading (Blackbelt in sword this December!) was tasked with getting Mark San ready – to have just the: ‘right look’ as a swordsman.
And all the hard work paid off because his sword grading performance was the highlight of the wednesday evening session! A sword display that combined kata and waza, Mark’s tip control and re-sheaths were all at a very high standard.
It is a pleasure to see sword work done so well and made to look graceful and yet so powerful. Sensei Mark has been with us now for many years and he gained his 2nd Dan in Bushido Karate last year, so a green belt sword grading might be thought of as; ‘a bit of a non-event’ perhaps?(…..) Well the casual observer would be wrong!
A great deal of lesson tuition and experience had gone into that performance: and not just sword practice! Mark is typical of our Sen’s like; Tor, Nick, Hayley, John and Kevin San to name but a few, who are currently studying and grading in other subjects. For they know there is always some new skill to practice here, some new challenge to meet and set themselves, whether in Karate, Aikido, Sword or Philosophy – they each pose new avenues of growth and understanding for it doesn’t just end at Blackbelt! The journey to personal skill and mastery follows an endless path.
Or as the koan says; “The flight to mount Fuji…..a lifetime on the wing”
See you in the dojo!
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