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01/09/2008
Sword Skills, Day 1
Just before Christmas, I had the bright idea of signing up for a recreational class in sword handling, held at the local university. Today was the first day of it, and I was kind of nervous going into it, not knowing what to expect, not knowing anyone in the class (my attempts to drag my friends into it have failed...).
As it turns out, the class was great - I really enjoyed it. I am hoping this will help strengthen my upper body which is pretty weak right now, and this seemed more fun than pumping iron (though probably not as effective).
We all bought our bokken wooden swords from the instructor before the class started. Basically they're curved wooden swords about 3 feet long, made of what looks like oak. However, they're mass-produced, and came with warning stickers on them. The sticker says (and keep in mind, this sticker is fastened to a wooden sword):
This product is sold for use in HIGH RISK activities. [Blah blah blah terms and conditions blah blah blah consult physician before starting training blah blah blah] Injuries, including paralysis and death can occur when using this product.
I thought that was hilarious. Um, if you're training with a sword and need to read a label to realize you could hurt or kill someone with it, you shouldn't be training with a sword...
Anyway, it was a fun class! I'm glad I signed up! I'd love to practice even, but I'm afraid I don't think I can swing this sword anywhere in the house without breaking something or punching a hole in the ceiling. I'll have to work the logisitics of this one!
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