How are you liking test cutting process with the sharp weapons? What do you observe when test cutting on a target object?
I'm really enjoying learning all the details and nuances of cutting and how it is giving me more insight on single cutting techniques. It really helps me improve my forms as to where I should be putting cutting energy and how long to maintain it in the motion. So far I've only been cutting water bottles and cardboard, so there's a long way to go. I am hopefully going to cut some bamboo and tatami later on this year so I can really feel the "cutting" standard. The biggest revelation I've had is about hand position. Cutting, weight, and practical techniques require some specific hand positions which deviate from the accepted knowledge and techniques that have been passed down. On top of it all, I've been able to expand my community and make new friends and mentors. I have been very lucky to have had extensive conversations with some very profound martial artists, who I would call actual swordsmen (unlike myself, there's a long way to go for me!).
