#kuhapdo update

[zenrayn]

Mini Kuhapdo update....So my Master emailed me the first 14 pages of the student kuhapdo handbook. A lot of new vocabulary to learn. The over-achiever I am went and bought a binder and some of those plastic page protector things... and bought a printer cause I don't own one. I put my binder together... found a new picture on google for the cover image.... and wow... I feel like such a nerd typing all this out haha! Whatever.

So I was reading the history part and it was pretty enlightening. As it turns out Koreans were the original swordsmiths and their art spread to Japan. They started following Buddhism and Confusianism thus making them a more peaceful people, so the swordsmiths started moving towards Japan. Then the Japanese occupation of Korea which destroyed a lot of their remaining weapons.

A lot of the vocabulary I knew from TKD. The stuff I don't know is all the terms for different sword cuts and the Korean words for the parts of the sword. I had studied an Iaido book before, so I know the Japanese terms, which doesn't quite help me haha.

Guess I have some studying to do!

[zenrayn]

Kuhapdo Class - Night #1

OH MAN! Definitely tired! I learned a lot more tonight. So many drills! My Master started me off with pointing out some etiquette that wasn't covered before. Then straight into drills.

Drills. ... Horse stance, downward overhead cut.

Drills. half step, head strike, full step overhead thru body cut.

Forms.

-Small water break- Talk about some history. Drills. horizontal cut.

Drills.

Forms. Forms. Forms. Kneeling, standing, kneeling, standing. INTENSE.

Drills. OOOOO Bokken on bokken drill. I'm not so good at it... but that's ok.

End class - etiquette and talk about class, drills for homework, reinforce the importance of not cutting off our ears lol

And so much terminology I can't remember. .... Well. I remember some words, but I can't spell them (yet). He said he's getting me a student handbook together for Kuhapdo and will have it for me next class. So I'll be able to spell some of the words at least, and figure out stuff on my own.

He said for now, stick to standard bokken - I have one with sheath-  but he said not to use it for now. Until I drill a bit more on drawing the blade.

I'm still excited. So much work and details and man are my shoulders tired! I can't wait till next class.

I was given 4 drills to work on at home until next weeks class. I think this is the only time I've ever been excited for homework. :P

Master also gave me a compliment and said I had good foot work o_o REALLY?!?!?!  AWESOME! One less thing to worry about. For now, making sure my shoulders are straight, and my grip on the sword is proper - two big things.

I can see why people would give this up quickly, it is a lot of repetition - but I like it. I will learn this and get really good at it. And eventually, when I achieve high enough rank to teach it, I will. I want to bring it to my dojang and teach others.

I never thought I'd find myself saying this, but I really enjoy being a teacher. I enjoy learning new things, betting good and something and being able to pass it on to others.

I'm going to head to bed. My brain in fuzzy and my body tired. Gonna sleep well and tomorrow... DRILLS!! :D