Good things are coming!

Hello blog. I know we haven't spoken in a while, and I guess that's my fault, but you know, you don't make it easy. Twitter, Facebook, Buzz... all these services and how can I continue to.... ok, I know, I know, I'm just making excuses. But maybe we can try this again? Maybe this time it will be different? Iknow I've said that before, but can't you find deep down in your code to give me one last chance? Probationary period? OK, I'm willing to try anything if it means we'll be able to spend more time together. Good, let's give it a try then!

So there's a lot going on in the wide world of Samurai swords. Alright, so maybe it's not that wide, but it's certainly hopping! First of all, we have a Kendo and sword demonstration coming up this Saturday, June 19 at the ANIMENEXT convention in Somerset NJ. We're going to talk about how real sword training has influenced anime, and if we have enough time, might to a hands-on workshop. Hope you can make it to this!

On July 11, I am going to be taking a blackbelt examination for the martial art Joson Sebup. This is an extremely old sword form from Korea predating iaido. It is from a military codex that compiled different fighting styles from the proto-Korean kingdom's allies and enemies, including China and Japan. One of the challenges of this form is that there is no living record on how the techniques were practiced, so all we can do is interpret from illustrations. Here is a video of the form demonstrated by the Korean National Kendo team. These guys (especially the girl in front) are GOOD!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GUbjJav7Ew&feature=player_embedded

We're also going to have a master's workshop about Josun Sebup and Kendo (Kumdo) on Friday July 9 at 6:30 at the SMK Kendo Academy in Dumont NJ.

Also... I purchased a new sword. The one I currently use is great for general use and repetative swinging but I wanted a new one that:

- Was made of steel instead of zinc-aluminum alloy

- Was a little heavier to feel more like a "real" cutting sword and to bridge the gap between practice cutting (on soft targets) to real cutting (hard targets like bamboo mats)

- I could use for demonstration purposes.

Here she is. Ain't she a beaut?

New Space!

Starting on Thursday, April 22nd, the new home of sword class will be at 36th Street Studios(260 West 36th St. 3rd Floor). Class will still be from 6-7:00PM and are for all experience levels.

Looking for new space for class.

Spring is here, the healthcare bill has passed and change is in the air. Since I started teaching the sword class in September, the class has been at the Workmen's Circle Building on 33rd St. It seems that soon the space will longer be available and I'm going to have to find a new place to hold classes. There are a few requirements for the next space:

- Must have high ceilings. Most pre-war buildings have sufficient ceilings, as do industrial/loft spaces. It's not fun to swing a sword over your hear and have to worry about hitting a heating duct.

- I'd love to find a space near Penn Station. That's where I come into the city, so that would make it very easy for me to hold classes.

- Not more than $30/hour.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Leads? Ideas?

Busy Februa.... Wait, it's March already?

Wow, February was a busy month! Between special classes for NYU students, doing a workshop at Jeff Mach's Wicked Faire (which was a blast, by the way. If anyone ever has the opportunity to attend a Jeff event, especially the Wicked Faire, do it! There's something for everybody and you'll have a great time), and my trip to New Orleans, I haven't had much time. The Thurday class continues as usual, and I'm even considering adding a second class directly after the 6:00 class, or on another day of the week (possibly Tuesdays). Ah if only it didn't cost so much to rent space in NY!

I'm also having a conversation with a mother who is interested in setting up a teen class for her son and some of his classmates. I think this is a terrific idea. I know that if I would have had the opportunity to study the sword in High School, I would have jumped at it! I think that it would have really brought some much needed focus that I seemed to lose, especially in the last year of school.

Oh, and if you've been to the class, I'd love it if you would take the time to write up something about it on Yelp! It doesn't even have to be long, just a few comments and maybe a rating. I've pasted a link below to help speed you on your way.

Schedule updates - FEB 11, 18

There will be NO CLASS ON FEB 11. I will be in the Big Easy, paying my respects to Baccus, and his disciple, Drew Brees.

On FEB 18 class will begin at 5:30, instead of the usual 6:00. The class will run from 5:30 - 6:30. There will be an NYU class coming after that from 6:30-7:30. Any student from the 5:30 class is invited to stay at no cost to continue practicing until 7:30. Please contact me if you have any questions!

Thank you!

Sexy Swords Spies

Hopefully, soon I'm going to be starting a new partnership as a teacher with the Stiletto Spy School, a company that creates kick-ass-and-takes-names spy missions for women (and now for men, too) including small arms training, hand-to-hand combat, sexy dancing, poker playing, and now.... sword training! Even better, there's already a knife class, so I can use the line: "That's not a knife.... THIS is a knife." Check out their website to find out more about what they day, or you can see them on German TV here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbxEshT9Ct4

Schedule update!

The next class will be on MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 at 5:30 PM. I will be there from about 4:30 to get in some extra training if anyone wants to come early.

Grand Masters

DSCF4105
Originally uploaded by Sung Moo Kwan

About a month ago, I had the honor of sparring with come visiting masters, including two grandmasters (other than my own teacher). Obviously, this was was an incredible experience. They each had a very distinctive style, and I learned different lessons from each of them.

I try to always keep an open mind, and remember that there is no one way to do anything. Each of these extrodinary gentlemen have reached a supreme level of ability walking their own paths, and it's just breathtaking to see them learn from one another.

Swords and Dating - Time Out NY writeup

Time out has done another write up on the class. I may try that restaurant after the next class! My date will be Vivian, my sword ;)

Samurai sword class and venison-chili nachos
Sword virgins get in free to the weekly samurai sword class at the Workmen’s Circle (NYR Studios, 45 E 33rd St at Park Ave, sixth floor; 201-317-9517; Thu 6–7pm). Equipped with a wooden sword, you’ll learn basic etiquette, like “how to respect each other,” according to instructor Raab Rashi. Postbattle, bury the hatchet over venison-chili nachos ($12.95) and a refreshing Doc’s Hard Apple Cider ($7) at Waterfront Ale House (540 Second Ave at 30th St; 212-696-4104, waterfrontalehouse.com). Just watch out for a final lunge if you try to snag the last chip.

Read more: http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/sex-dating/81062/best-mostly-free-dates#ixzz0ZDXFbJUR

Ok, this made me so happy this morning. I've often wondered if Mario ever had formal training, or are his (in)famous exploits in the Mushroom Kingdom borne solely of his sheer will of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds? I think he's probably had training with SISMI