Easter-Stage in Québec

April 10th to 13th 2009

First day: return to the basics
The first day, once the presentations were made and the dojo in order, was dedicated to a return to the basics. Initially, Sylvain Creuzet presented the topic of the training course, nen, meaning the present, now, to remain focused on the present. Then, a presentation of the tandoku kihon helped Sylvain Creuzet evaluate the technical level of the group. After a return on movements (tsugi-ashi, ayumi-ashi), each kihon was re-examined by breaking it up in smaller parts. Suburi were also carried out, adding the suburi kaeshi- tsuki, gyakute-tsuki and maki-otoshi to the jo suburi already integrated into the training of the participants. Finally, an introduction to the teaching method of Sylvain Creuzet, by exercises of levels 1 to 4 (level 4 being the highest level shown), was given, more precisely by the teaching of the ken suburi.

Second day: iaido (Muso shinden-ryu) and kenjutsu
Again, the day began with an essential return to the basics. Various points (opening, handling of the sageo, etc) were covered, as well as the different cuts and tsuki. In order to vary the exercises, the iaido sessions were intersected with kenjutsu training. Exercises of more advanced levels were introduced gradually, requiring a great effort of concentration from the participants. The day culminated in kata training, first shohatto and then movements leading to the following kata (sato, uto and atarito). Finally, Sylvain Creuzet presented ten kenjutsu techniques to counteract a shomen-uchi attack. The day ended with a nice evening out to initiate Sylvain Creuzet to Québec gastronomy, beer and poutine...

Third day: integration of the notions of the first days and katas
This day was mainly devoted to the study of the omote series and the chudan series for some participants. However, the day began with the sotai kihon. This made it possible to correct some problems, especially in the kihon kuri tsuke, kuri hanashi and tai-atari. The main point addressed was the height at which uchidachi should stop his cut, modifying the sotai kihon considerably. Lastly, the omote series known as zen, in opposition to the go series, was shown by Sylvain Creuzet. This will enrich the practice of the omote series.

Fourth day: exams and personal work
The first hours of this fourth and last day of training were for the preparation of the exams (3rd, 4th or 5th kyu). The exams went well and everyone successfully passed. A few hours were then devoted to personal work, which made it possible to start integrating a certain number of concepts learned the previous days. The training course ended with level 4 kenjutsu exercises: happo-giri, sotai suburi and kiai training.

In conclusion, a big thanks to Sylvain Creuzet for his technical contribution, his presence, his patience, his good mood and especially his devotion to jodo.

Hoping to get the chance to train again with you, on the "old" or the "new" continent,

Maxime Dubé for the members of Rensinkhan


Shomen Sylvain

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