niall

 

Thanks Joe. I agree with you that kata should always be done seriously. All training in fact! The word for seriousness in Japanese is shinken - live blade.

Speaking of which you brought up a new element. Batto ho - techniques for drawing a sword. Do you do that within aikido? I have done some batto jutsu myself but outside (a Scottish friend used to say without) aikido.

I'm doing great, thanks Joe, and I hope you are well too. Cheers,

Niall