I'll start off with an update since I have fallen far far FAR behind on my journaling. I am now certified in in first aid thanks to a pair of amazing instructors and feel both impowered by the knowledge I gained over the two Sundays, but also more cautious about what situations I may face. I also finally have an appointment with a neurologist in mid June, which I have been waiting for almost two years on.
This weekend I missed the Pandamonium to attend a two day seminar on traditional Chinese swordsmanship. Although it saddens me to miss one of the most important days at Silent River, I learned many new skills and made new connections with people from many different martial arts.
The seminar was hosted at the Fighting Arts Collective in Toronto, an amazing facility that houses schools of Wing Chun, HEMA, aerial gymnastics, and many other disciplines. The days were filled with drills, discussion about the history and future Jian Fa (sword method), as well as many quips about the socioeconomic climate of North America.
Although we were supposed to learn both the jian and miaodao (two handed saber), the time was spent only on the former with a few miaodao techniques demonstrated without drilling. I also had the chance to participate in a knife throwing seminar after the first day, but declined so I had time to work on my reps.
Tomorrow I'm leaving for DC and am looking forward to all the sights and museums. I was hoping to make a trip to Baltimore to visit a smithy that creates amazing pieces of art but found out through Scott Rodell that they are in the middle of a shoot and aren't even allowing clients to pickup their orders. Although it's a bit of a disappointment, I know that my trip will still be full of adventure and excitement.
