6
65rosessamurai
Guest
After getting through four treacherous years of my life, and still trying to stay in Iaido (A Japanese Martial Art of Swordsmanship), I finally was able to reach a goal that I wasn't sure would really happen.
With a shoulder injury three years ago, which prevented me from practicing for six months, I had also gone through a drastic transition in my life. Last year, I had even taken a ride in the Ambulance because I was in no condition to go to the hospital on my own reconnaissance, and it was too far to walk!
I had also gotten colds that just wouldn't shake, and had even been getting odd fevers on the weekends, to which the wife would ice me down that Sunday night and the fever was gone by Monday AM, in time for me to trudge my way to the dreaded job I had.
Well, the last year had been much, much better. I was getting the proper nourishment, and my energy was increasing. I was able to make my practices at least once a week by then. During the time I was getting proper nourishment, I was going through a lot of pain with my knees, and even my injured shoulder was giving me some trouble. With the amount of pain in my knees, I couldn't even practice, and was afraid I would have to quit because my knees were starting to give out.
However, when I was suddenly laid-off last April, I figured I would have plenty of time to get myself prepared for what was up-coming. With a ton of vitamins and mineral supplements, and fortunately warmer weather, my knees were actually feeling better.
From April, I was able to make practices twice a week on the average, and when my test for fifth dan in Iaido came up on Sunday (August 20), I was most relieved when they announced that I passed the test!!!
A fifth dan in the States, as far as I've seen, is a level in which I could start my own school! However, in Japan, it is only the beginning before going into teaching, yet I have to inquire what I am able to do and not do in regards to teaching for my rank as a fifth dan in Japan.
BTW, I even had videos taken, but am not sure how to put videos on here...however, the wife DID get a photo of me before the test, so I will post that here for everyone to see!
With a shoulder injury three years ago, which prevented me from practicing for six months, I had also gone through a drastic transition in my life. Last year, I had even taken a ride in the Ambulance because I was in no condition to go to the hospital on my own reconnaissance, and it was too far to walk!
I had also gotten colds that just wouldn't shake, and had even been getting odd fevers on the weekends, to which the wife would ice me down that Sunday night and the fever was gone by Monday AM, in time for me to trudge my way to the dreaded job I had.
Well, the last year had been much, much better. I was getting the proper nourishment, and my energy was increasing. I was able to make my practices at least once a week by then. During the time I was getting proper nourishment, I was going through a lot of pain with my knees, and even my injured shoulder was giving me some trouble. With the amount of pain in my knees, I couldn't even practice, and was afraid I would have to quit because my knees were starting to give out.
However, when I was suddenly laid-off last April, I figured I would have plenty of time to get myself prepared for what was up-coming. With a ton of vitamins and mineral supplements, and fortunately warmer weather, my knees were actually feeling better.
From April, I was able to make practices twice a week on the average, and when my test for fifth dan in Iaido came up on Sunday (August 20), I was most relieved when they announced that I passed the test!!!
A fifth dan in the States, as far as I've seen, is a level in which I could start my own school! However, in Japan, it is only the beginning before going into teaching, yet I have to inquire what I am able to do and not do in regards to teaching for my rank as a fifth dan in Japan.
BTW, I even had videos taken, but am not sure how to put videos on here...however, the wife DID get a photo of me before the test, so I will post that here for everyone to see!