August 20, 2009

The Memphis Iaido club is doing well. We had Kato Sensei do a wonderful seminar for us. The club has grown since last posting. At times, twenty students can be seen practicing at the Bartlett Community Center in Memphis, Tennessee.

Kono Sensei honored us with his presence a few weeks ago. I did promise Murakami
Sensei, Kono Sensei and Kato Sensei that I would direct the Memphis Kendo Club to be more in line with the Federation (under Protest).

When I first trained in Japan, Seitei Iai had only 7 forms. Years later when I returned, Seitei had 10 forms. Now there are 12 forms . The biggest change's were with number 6 and 7. A slight change can be seen with number 4 and 5.

Some of the cuts have changed as far as the stopping points. I did alter my methods to coincide more with the federation. This is important as far as getting my students promoted. I will still make sure that my students are aware of the true old way that I was taught by Nagagaki Sensei (3 time all Japan national champion), Kamimoto Sensei (now deceased) and Tomihara Sensei (now deceased). I will never forget what my Sensei told me. He said,"never piss on a Samarai's grave". What he meant was that it took centuries and many a dead Samarai to ensure that a certain technique worked. How can we justify changing the techniques today when we are not out fighting with swords in life and death situations. We cannot test changes in techniques that have already been proven.

I cannot give these three great Senseis enough thanks. That is the one reason I have found it so hard to change. I also give thanks to my students who have shown enough interest to insist I keep on teaching.

My name is Harry Dach