Every day I feel a bit like the Karate Kid, missioning up a mountain (going to school), discussing philosophy or experiencing this beautiful and ancient culture. On my way to school I walk past bonsai, watch kyudoka (archers) setting up for practice and see beautiful examples of Japanese pottery. While I have yet to practice any Iaido, I’m learning Japanese daily and getting super fit at last, cycling and walking the 40 minutes to school each day. 4i2n3j

I’m hoping that I’ll get all the equipment I need for Iaido next month, but the nice thing about having done a martial art for awhile is that you have a few tricks up your sleeve for practicing without the gear, so that’s been quite energizing to me really.

Julia

I don’t really write on behalf of Julia because I’d rather she posted her own thoughts on the blog, but she is doing well and really enjoying meeting with her students. She’s become somewhat of a celebrity there. Julia is also getting into Japanese cooking, which I’m enjoying. It’s much more expensive to eat like we do in SA, so getting into rice, cabbage, onion and fish is essential.

Word of the day

Today’s word is Ken. Ken means sword, so kendo means “way of the sword”. Japan has strong historical ties to the sword and we’ll often think of the samurai when we think of Japan. The truest form of swordsmanship in Eastern society is the concept of “no sword” or to win without violence, a concept that is not often comprehended in Western society.

Link of the day

Learn some kanji here.