Before arriving in Japan, I had heard from Andrew, the local CIR (coordinator for international relations), that the town's dentist was into iaido and I'd probably be asked if I wanted lessons. Sure, sounds cool. Swords hadn't really been my thing in previous martial arts training, but why not? Good a time as any for changes in one's lifestyle.
So, one of my coworker/supervisor people took me to meet this guy maybe a week or so ago. We met him at his dental clinic, and he brought us into his office, poured tea, and wasted no time getting right to it:
Him: So, I hear you're interested in iaido. When do you want to start? How's this weekend?
Me: Bwuh? Um, sure...I have hakama but I don't have a blade I can use...
Him: No prob, you can use one of mine. I'll lend it to you so you can practice at home.
Me: ...?!!
So, I now have in my apartment a several hundred dollar sword, and parts of me I didn't know I had still ache. We probably trained for about 9 hours this weekend, and he's said that he'll train me for free (!). He said as long as I'm serious about it I can come to his dojo (which is right next to his big, beautiful home up in the hills) and train every week.
Allow me to channel Keanu Reeves for a moment...Whoa.
