Should finally do my #introduction.
In and around tech since 7, when I started programming as a kid living in #NorthernIreland (now in #Finland). The sheer magic of creating a world from a blank screen was like nothing else. Since then founded several companies including banking disruptor #Holvi, the new computer #Solu, and now #AttractiveAI. Also #demoscene event #AltParty.
Beyond that I enjoy writing and am 1st kyu in #aikido, with some #DaitoRyu, #iaido and #kobujutsu in the mix.
@Setok I can relate. My joy in programming is absolutely taking what was in my head and manifesting it into something that I can see on my computer screen. Knowing that it's not a psychotic delusion because other people can see it too!
The first time it happens, and every time you do something even cooler than the last, that feeling is like magic all over again.
@Setok@attractive.space Hi from a fellow #iaido and #kendo practitioner... I've started in September 2022.
On March, 25 I'll take the exams for kendo's 5^ Kyu, and for iaido's 4^ Kyu... wish me luck! #Kendo #Iaido
@rimmon1971 fantastic! I started roughly a year ago and am now 5th kyu (having often been travelling during headings). Considering doing 4th kyu in a month, but should talk to the senseis. ZNKR #iaido. But I’ve also studied some amount of #AikiTohoIai (Nishio-sensei’s development of iaido with kind of aikido type movement).
I actually just came from practise :)
@Setok@attractive.space I struggle with both kendo (due to lack of previous combat sport experience, I think) and iaido (lack of coordination). Sigh. Kendo's exam probably will go well, I'm mostly concerned about the iaido's. #Georgia #ForeignAgent
@rimmon1971 I have done quite a bit of swordwork in aikido, which probably helped, but then a lot is also different and it can be tricky to relearn stuff. I still struggle with my kesagiri cuts. Which type of iaido do you do?
@Setok@attractive.space probably, having a 30EUR plastic saya + thick wooden sword does not help; I've decided that, if I pass this iaido exam, I'll buy my first iaito (probably with steel blade, allowing me a cheaper upgrade to katana later). #Kendo #Iaido
@rimmon1971 yeah I got a iaito pretty quickly. My whole ZNKR thing started from an Aiki Toho Iai seminar where I was handed a iaito instead of a bokken. That’s when I really got hooked to the sword and started ZNKR to get some basics in, and ordered my iaito. A bokken just isn’t the same at all…
I would however recommend a Japanese iaito (unfortunately they are never steel). The balance, weight and quality is just better than the cheap steel ones (usually Chinese).
@rimmon1971 I would’ve wanted steel as well, but I always ended up unimpressed with the ones I tried. One Chinese shinken (sharp) was pretty decent, but also much more expensive. More than what I paid for my Japanese iaito, despite some customisation I did (I’m tall so kind of needed custom anyway). Cheaper ones have often felt like clubs or with poor wraps.
@Setok@attractive.space I'm thinking about this one https://www.yarinohanzo.com/Ryuzoji-Katana-Limited-Edition-Iaito-Practice-sword-Handmade-Samurai-Sword-YNH09LTD1.html (approved by my sensei, even if it comes from YariNoHanzo). #Kendo #Iaido
@rimmon1971 yeah I was curious about those Yarinohanzo ones. That one at least isn’t the cheapest so maybe quality is there. I think my friend’s iaito is from there, but I don’t remember how it felt. I think it was a cheaper one though.
@Setok@attractive.space a "collateral" question": did you find other fellow iaido/kendo practitioners around the Fediverse? Trying to search for any of these keywords gave only your introduction... But maybe it's mainly a federation-related fact. #Kendo #Iaido
@rimmon1971 not as of yet. I do follow a couple aikido folks and there’s @karatejukka for kobujutsu stuff, but haven’t bumped into other iaidoka apart from now yourself.
There is a martial arts Discord server (Martial Arts Alliance) I’m on that has a channel for kendo/iaido, if that would be of interest. Had a few good chats there.
@rimmon1971 I’d be keen to hear how well it works if you get that. Steel does feel a lot more ‘real’ if you can get the balance and other bits right. It’s a pity the Japanese aren’t allowed to make steel iaito (or rather they are, but would have to be made in full traditional way, so as expensive as a Japanese shinken … !).
@rimmon1971 oh and don’t assume it’s easier to be coordinated with a iaito. It’s not! But it does give much better feedback. Plus it’s just more fun :D
@Setok@attractive.space I know, but for example the left-hand handling of the saya is actually quite awkward (it's HUGE) and the absence of a bohi on the "sword" doesn't help during "noto" phase. #Kendo #Iaido
@rimmon1971 it’s true that noto is a bit more awkward with a bokken and plastic saya, now that you mention it. Though it’s more forgiving of the alignment being a bit off.
@Setok@attractive.space ehm... ZNKR "standard", I think. "Seitei" does make sense? #Kendo #Iaido