Sharon,

I understand where you're point of view comes from. Details that you
are seeking are addressed when handling blades in Systema. The
approach in Systema is not only different from a learning standpoint,
but from a technical standpoint as well. It isn't necessary to do
1,000 cuts a day to becomes proficiant on how the cut exists, because
of how the cuts are applied in what we do. In Systema, we do not
follow Shu, Ha, Ri.

It's almost as though a boxer telling a karateka is wrong because the
biomechanics and learning of a punch does not match the boxer's..<?>

Cheers,

Jay


On Wed, 05 Jan 2005 22:05:41 -0000, Sharon Friedman <ransuru@...> wrote:
>
>
> Thank you for your input in this matter. I have reread my post and
> though it seems clear to me, I failed to be understood so with your
> permission I will try again. Within the sword arts we repeat a move
> such as a shomen uchi or yokomen uchi thousands of times and
> contemplate the many facets and intentions that create a flawless
> stroke. At the same time we enjoy the Randori or free sparring, which
> is not combat, and that too, has a great impact on out learning and
> our spirit. Tradition teaches and I agree that one can benefit if one
> refrains from learning tools for a while until the movement develops
> to a certain stage. My sensei says it promotes a better understanding
> of the differences between armed and unarmed combat and from my meager
> experience (11 years) in the army I agree. A man with a blade tends to
> overlook the possibilities beyond its edge unless he had had to fend
> without one. Both free movement and set practice have their distinct
> benefits. Free movement allows for experimentation and moving with
> your Uke develops gentleness of movement and awareness. Set practice
> allows us to explore movement in depth and creates movement without
> though or the void, if I may use the words of Musashi.
> The goal of both extremes is freedom of movement with an unfettered
> mind. They do not oppose each other but complete each other at the
> proper time.
>
> There is another point that I am sure your Systema teachers have
> stressed from time to time. Combat is not a time to tense up and to
> act hard. The tree breaks in the wind while the grass bends and
> returns. A novice civilian will be put off if you tell him a certain
> technique will not work because the blade will slide along the rib
> cage and it will work better if the blade is horizontal to the ground
> or that you shake the blade at the end of the stroke to avoid getting
> blood in your eyes. That is why one is introduced to the body than to
> the wood and only than to the metal. So the grass will bend and return
> and the student can become a teacher with sound body and mind.
>
> respectfully, Sharon Friedman.
>
>
>
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>
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>
>
>


--
Signum Pacis Amor