Kikugido Practice Journal
December 15, 2018

Recently, I have been practicing to make a standing circle in swordsmanship.
It is not just about putting on the choreography, but there are many things included in it that we cannot see.

When I was instructed last time that I would take the core and that I could use any number of people up to four for entanglement, I thought about making sure that everyone had a proper role.
It was very easy to create when the people involved moved naturally and gave me ideas.
On the other hand, I wanted to be that kind of involvement when I was involved.

Today we were allowed to do four standing and entanglements.
Although I wanted the core performers to shine, it was not always easy to get them into the right position, or the timing was a little off, or their bodies did not move as quickly as the choreographer had intended.
Also, when I am not able to pull the core of the performance together, such as when I am not able to bring out the atmosphere of a good moment during rehearsals, I am reminded that this must be my current level of ability.

However, I think it would be fun if everyone could improve their own skills, and if everyone could think of everyone else, and if everyone could stand around freely.
We will continue to practice hard in order to get a little closer to such a day.

Thank you again for your time today.

art of swordsmanship

Masumi Ishihama