There will be no class on December 3rd.
Our last class for this year will be December 17th.
We will return to class on January 7th, 2012.
Thanks everyone.
Chris
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Training in Iaido
Hello All!
Well, its been a long time in coming, but I think thats its time that I post on this site and discuss this wonderful art that I have recently discovered.
I am writing this mostly for those that wish to begin in Iaido. Because although there is a lot of information out there, I am going to use this time to write about my experiences with Iaido and what it has done for me.
A little bit about me. I love martial arts. I have my whole life. I have taken so many different arts that its ridiculous. However, the ones that I've stuck with mostly are of chinese origin. I have taken Gung-fu in a couple of different styles for several years now. In my attempts to discover the 'one' martial art for me, I have concluded what many have said all along...they are all excellent and I wish I would have just stuck with one or two different styles from the beginning.
What led me to Iaido was a need to learn more about the sword arts. I have always loved the Katana and the mystery surrounding this sword. It is absolutely beautiful and at first, I just wanted to maybe begin collecting them. However, I decided that if I was going to collect them I wanted to also know how to use one.
I found the club here in Calgary and went to my first class to just watch after contacting Sensei Gilham. Well...this was just it. I didnt expect much upon going to the class? I was excited to go of course, but for whatever reason I went with a lot of trepidation? But for me, I have to tell you...I loved that first class! And I have since totally enjoyed continuing down this journey of Iaido. Because in the short 4 months that I have been there, my own interpretation of the art has changed a ton!
Today, I'm just going to write to you about my first class, the one that I initially just watched. I did this for several reasons. I first wanted to see how the class was instructed by Sensei Gilham but I also wanted to see exactly what I might be getting myself into! How glad I am that I went to that first class.
Sensei Gilham and the rest of the members of the club were more than welcoming. I remember just sitting and watching the class. It was amazing to me. The precise movements of everyone in the class. The 'swoosh' of the sword through the air. The silence in the dojo. It was peaceful to me. I was entranced. And I know it sounds crazy, but I wanted so much to join.
So I was hooked the moment I heard the noise that the Katana made while it sliced through the air. Thats the simple truth. I had a rush of adrenaline pour through me. I do not know why? I have felt it before...I used to be an EMT. So I was well aware of the sensation. I just knew that I needed to explore it more.
Sounds cheesy I know but its what it was for me. As I found out later, making that sound with the sword is oh so much harder than it looks. But that was my hook in the beginning. And I guess thats whats important. What made me want to get up and go to class? It was the sound of the Katana, but it was also the fact that I was holding and learning how to use this insturment of war. The almost 'coolness' of it all. And yet heres the thing. It is something that I didnt pick up on until a few weeks into my training. It wasnt all about the visceral sensations. There was something so much more that I was slowly beginning to see. It is something that became more important than swinging the sword around and learning the amazing Kata that I am a part of now. It was that I was getting more in touch with me, my center, my soul in a way. It is hard to explain...but everytime I leave class I feel rejuvinated and a sense of peace.
Its crazy! Because here I am learning about how to defend myself with an antiquated weapon in this day and age? Yet, I was walking away with a huge sense of well being, peace, calm, and overall happiness. And my journey has only yet begun. I am so grateful for finding this club to be a part of. It has become a major part in my life. I try to practice 2-3 times per week. Believe me, that is difficult enough when raising a family. But the truth is that I wish I could train more. If I miss it, I feel that loss during the week.
If anyone is reading this and thinking of training...I urge you to give it a try. But give it a real go. Really 'see' what it offers. I know that if you take a good hard look, you won't be dissapointed. For my Sensei and club mates I only want to say thank you so much. All of you have made this a wonderful journey for me so far and I am deeply honoured to be training with all of you.
Ill write some more in the future as things come to me.
Anyways, for all of those looking to take this martial art. I wanted to write about my first experience. Thats just it! I keep coming to an amazing club where I am taught about the art of drawing the sword. Its fantastic!
Well, its been a long time in coming, but I think thats its time that I post on this site and discuss this wonderful art that I have recently discovered.
I am writing this mostly for those that wish to begin in Iaido. Because although there is a lot of information out there, I am going to use this time to write about my experiences with Iaido and what it has done for me.
A little bit about me. I love martial arts. I have my whole life. I have taken so many different arts that its ridiculous. However, the ones that I've stuck with mostly are of chinese origin. I have taken Gung-fu in a couple of different styles for several years now. In my attempts to discover the 'one' martial art for me, I have concluded what many have said all along...they are all excellent and I wish I would have just stuck with one or two different styles from the beginning.
What led me to Iaido was a need to learn more about the sword arts. I have always loved the Katana and the mystery surrounding this sword. It is absolutely beautiful and at first, I just wanted to maybe begin collecting them. However, I decided that if I was going to collect them I wanted to also know how to use one.
I found the club here in Calgary and went to my first class to just watch after contacting Sensei Gilham. Well...this was just it. I didnt expect much upon going to the class? I was excited to go of course, but for whatever reason I went with a lot of trepidation? But for me, I have to tell you...I loved that first class! And I have since totally enjoyed continuing down this journey of Iaido. Because in the short 4 months that I have been there, my own interpretation of the art has changed a ton!
Today, I'm just going to write to you about my first class, the one that I initially just watched. I did this for several reasons. I first wanted to see how the class was instructed by Sensei Gilham but I also wanted to see exactly what I might be getting myself into! How glad I am that I went to that first class.
Sensei Gilham and the rest of the members of the club were more than welcoming. I remember just sitting and watching the class. It was amazing to me. The precise movements of everyone in the class. The 'swoosh' of the sword through the air. The silence in the dojo. It was peaceful to me. I was entranced. And I know it sounds crazy, but I wanted so much to join.
So I was hooked the moment I heard the noise that the Katana made while it sliced through the air. Thats the simple truth. I had a rush of adrenaline pour through me. I do not know why? I have felt it before...I used to be an EMT. So I was well aware of the sensation. I just knew that I needed to explore it more.
Sounds cheesy I know but its what it was for me. As I found out later, making that sound with the sword is oh so much harder than it looks. But that was my hook in the beginning. And I guess thats whats important. What made me want to get up and go to class? It was the sound of the Katana, but it was also the fact that I was holding and learning how to use this insturment of war. The almost 'coolness' of it all. And yet heres the thing. It is something that I didnt pick up on until a few weeks into my training. It wasnt all about the visceral sensations. There was something so much more that I was slowly beginning to see. It is something that became more important than swinging the sword around and learning the amazing Kata that I am a part of now. It was that I was getting more in touch with me, my center, my soul in a way. It is hard to explain...but everytime I leave class I feel rejuvinated and a sense of peace.
Its crazy! Because here I am learning about how to defend myself with an antiquated weapon in this day and age? Yet, I was walking away with a huge sense of well being, peace, calm, and overall happiness. And my journey has only yet begun. I am so grateful for finding this club to be a part of. It has become a major part in my life. I try to practice 2-3 times per week. Believe me, that is difficult enough when raising a family. But the truth is that I wish I could train more. If I miss it, I feel that loss during the week.
If anyone is reading this and thinking of training...I urge you to give it a try. But give it a real go. Really 'see' what it offers. I know that if you take a good hard look, you won't be dissapointed. For my Sensei and club mates I only want to say thank you so much. All of you have made this a wonderful journey for me so far and I am deeply honoured to be training with all of you.
Ill write some more in the future as things come to me.
Anyways, for all of those looking to take this martial art. I wanted to write about my first experience. Thats just it! I keep coming to an amazing club where I am taught about the art of drawing the sword. Its fantastic!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Jodo Training
We will now have 'official' Jodo training nights, once per month which will occur Saturday nights from 7:30 - 9 pm at our usual training location.
Alex Cook will be leading these classes. He will be joining us from out of town so we deeply appreciate his time!
Our first official Jodo classes will be October 29 and December 3.
Chris
Alex Cook will be leading these classes. He will be joining us from out of town so we deeply appreciate his time!
Our first official Jodo classes will be October 29 and December 3.
Chris
Sunday, September 18, 2011
2011 AGM and Board of Directors
Thanks much to the board of 2010 for their support of our club!
Welcome to the new board!
Chris Gilham - President
Alexander Cook - Treasurer
Sohail Thaker - Secretary
Keith Simpson - Director
Riun Rabatach - Director
The Board will be meeting in six months time to create an action plan for our annual summer seminar.
Chris
Welcome to the new board!
Chris Gilham - President
Alexander Cook - Treasurer
Sohail Thaker - Secretary
Keith Simpson - Director
Riun Rabatach - Director
The Board will be meeting in six months time to create an action plan for our annual summer seminar.
Chris
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Updates!
Congratulation to Colin Pitman for successfully passing his 3rd dan test in Iaido!
Way to go Colin!
Our summer seminar details and registration form are now updated on the website.
Much thanks to Alexander Cook for applying for the CKF development fund.
His work was successful which means we have been provided with funds to help defer some of the costs of having Kim Taylor sensei come here this summer and instruct us.
Thank you Alex!
I removed the club brochure from the website - the training dates on it caused confusion with potential new students. I updated our web page to show that we train Saturday nights year-round.
I also updated the instructors bios to reflect Colin's new rank and as well as his status as a student and Alexander's status as a working engineer. Times have a changed eh boys!
Welcome to our newest member Riun!
As usual, I will be absent all of July.
Keith, Joe and Alexander will be instructing during this month.
Much thanks and see you at training!
Chris
Way to go Colin!
Our summer seminar details and registration form are now updated on the website.
Much thanks to Alexander Cook for applying for the CKF development fund.
His work was successful which means we have been provided with funds to help defer some of the costs of having Kim Taylor sensei come here this summer and instruct us.
Thank you Alex!
I removed the club brochure from the website - the training dates on it caused confusion with potential new students. I updated our web page to show that we train Saturday nights year-round.
I also updated the instructors bios to reflect Colin's new rank and as well as his status as a student and Alexander's status as a working engineer. Times have a changed eh boys!
Welcome to our newest member Riun!
As usual, I will be absent all of July.
Keith, Joe and Alexander will be instructing during this month.
Much thanks and see you at training!
Chris
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Non-profit status
Thanks to Alex for doing the necessary paperwork to once again maintain our non-profit status in Alberta.
CKF Fees are due now!
The CKF has a new website design worth checking out.
Also, they are asking for all members to pay their dues before mid-February.
Please folks, go online and pay your dues.
http://kendo-canada.com/
Look under membership info...
Thanks!
Chris
Also, they are asking for all members to pay their dues before mid-February.
Please folks, go online and pay your dues.
http://kendo-canada.com/
Look under membership info...
Thanks!
Chris
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Ka Muso Kai Wolfeville?
We met up with Joe last night for sushi and atsukan.
He is doing very well with his new life in residence at Acadia University.
He tells us he has finally got space for training (and teaching) at Acadia University.
Excellent!
So, as a small way of strategically pressuring him to get things going, I've posted this blog.
We miss you Joe and wish you the best this year with your studies AND your martial arts training
and teaching. Please let us know the details for your training times and fees, etc.
Chris
He is doing very well with his new life in residence at Acadia University.
He tells us he has finally got space for training (and teaching) at Acadia University.
Excellent!
So, as a small way of strategically pressuring him to get things going, I've posted this blog.
We miss you Joe and wish you the best this year with your studies AND your martial arts training
and teaching. Please let us know the details for your training times and fees, etc.
Chris
Anticipation's reflective action
2010 was a very difficult year for club membership.
This phenomenon occured nation wide in the CKF.
Being at training when so few show up can be difficult for some.
I love it because I get to train however, it's more important for us to have active members in training.
Last night Nathan and I reflected on those difficulties.
We were quickly able to reframe our reflection on the richness of our club
and the events we have been a part of:
-We are now in our 6th year!
-Yamamoto sensei has been to our club!
-Watkin sensei has been to our club three times and has taught us Niten and Kage ryu!
-Taylor sensei has been to our club three times and some of us are now ranked in Jodo!
-One of us now lives in Japan!
-Nathan is moving to Japan (congrats Nate)!
-Several of us have earned our undergrad and grad degrees throughout these past few years while maintaining our training!
-Ka Muso Kai Saskatoon came to be!
-We have had 4 summer seminars with people coming from as far away as Florida, USA!
-Some of us have moved from pure beginners, to beginners with Nidans and Sandans!
-We have attended the yearly Guelph seminar almost every year since we started!
We have much to reflect on that speaks exceptionally well of our time together. This opens up anticipation for what may yet come to pass for us. Regardless of numbers, the richness of our experiences in the arts, then, now and future is what matters.
Besides, 2011 is safe: the rent is totally paid :-)
Come train!
Chris
This phenomenon occured nation wide in the CKF.
Being at training when so few show up can be difficult for some.
I love it because I get to train however, it's more important for us to have active members in training.
Last night Nathan and I reflected on those difficulties.
We were quickly able to reframe our reflection on the richness of our club
and the events we have been a part of:
-We are now in our 6th year!
-Yamamoto sensei has been to our club!
-Watkin sensei has been to our club three times and has taught us Niten and Kage ryu!
-Taylor sensei has been to our club three times and some of us are now ranked in Jodo!
-One of us now lives in Japan!
-Nathan is moving to Japan (congrats Nate)!
-Several of us have earned our undergrad and grad degrees throughout these past few years while maintaining our training!
-Ka Muso Kai Saskatoon came to be!
-We have had 4 summer seminars with people coming from as far away as Florida, USA!
-Some of us have moved from pure beginners, to beginners with Nidans and Sandans!
-We have attended the yearly Guelph seminar almost every year since we started!
We have much to reflect on that speaks exceptionally well of our time together. This opens up anticipation for what may yet come to pass for us. Regardless of numbers, the richness of our experiences in the arts, then, now and future is what matters.
Besides, 2011 is safe: the rent is totally paid :-)
Come train!
Chris
2011 Board of Directors
2010 - 2011 Board of Directors
President - Chris Gilham
Secretary - Keith Simpson
Treasurer - Alexander Cook
Director - Paul Hrynyszyn
Director - Sohail Thaker
Saskatoon - Colin Pitman
President - Chris Gilham
Secretary - Keith Simpson
Treasurer - Alexander Cook
Director - Paul Hrynyszyn
Director - Sohail Thaker
Saskatoon - Colin Pitman
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
Best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy and excellent 2011.
I'm looking forward to our new training schedule - Saturday nights from 6 - 9 pm - starting January 8.
Check out this extraordinarily cool video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rDJkjI13HA&feature=player_embedded
One of the early versions of the ZenKen Iai (once known as the seitei iai).
Also, please note the video on MSR there too.
Both videos speak to how rigid the ZenKenIai has become, in my opinion.
You can see how infused this more original version of ZenKenIai is with the koryu which constituted it.
Thanks to Nathan also for reminding me to get back to blogging here a little more in the New Year.
Send me your updates too and I'll be sure to post them!
Best wishes.
Chris
I'm looking forward to our new training schedule - Saturday nights from 6 - 9 pm - starting January 8.
Check out this extraordinarily cool video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rDJkjI13HA&feature=player_embedded
One of the early versions of the ZenKen Iai (once known as the seitei iai).
Also, please note the video on MSR there too.
Both videos speak to how rigid the ZenKenIai has become, in my opinion.
You can see how infused this more original version of ZenKenIai is with the koryu which constituted it.
Thanks to Nathan also for reminding me to get back to blogging here a little more in the New Year.
Send me your updates too and I'll be sure to post them!
Best wishes.
Chris
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