The day was split into two training sessions, the morning session seen us introduced to the basic mechanics of holding and moving with a sword.
We practiced the strikes and turning body movements before progressing to learning Form 1. It is a beginners form but still required a lot of thought (on my part anyway) to try and incorporate what we had learned to a set Form.
Next we paired off and practised choreographed strikes and blocks
attempting to build up speed and accuracy. Which was a fun challenge although my unfortunate partner finished the drill with a bruised hand (oops)!After dinner for the second session the mood became very upbeat as we tryed our hand at cutting a clean line through a sheet of newspaper. This tested our sword movements and gave the opportunity to see how accurate we were.
For the final challenge of the day we worked on target strikes. This was achieved using a ball which we had to both throw and strike, progressing to group drills.
I really enjoyed the days seminar, it had it all, skills to master, knowledge to gain, a good laugh or two (mostly at my own efforts) and a sore body on Monday morning.
A big thanks to Master Chong Jae Nim Kim Jeong Seong, Martin O Malley & The White Tigers, Stephen Kelly for his corrections and photography and my unfortunate partner, I hope her hand is okay.
