Lightsaber Exercises

[Zhi-don]

Thank you Gentlemen;

I am Headmaster due to originating the class and being the senior member [the oldest person] We have other Instructors that are one, better swordsmen than myself and two more experienced. Somebody had to be Headmaster, so I got the job. We have a Master's council that consists of 5 instructors, this allows for a majority vote on issues such as the one I mentioned aboved. The decision to allow the other instructor to keep teaching was voted on by 3 of us. We will keep an eye on him and his students. After all, we are not running an Empire here. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Back on track here are the pics I promised. Again, I apologise in advance. I really do need a video to show things correctly. Neverthe less, here are the 4 point kata and 4 point solo exercises. Each starts with a ready position, so that makes 5 pics each. Note that I am using an MHS saber and my student Liz is using a standard shinai.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...-don/kata1.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...-don/kata2.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...-don/kata3.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...-don/kata4.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...don/kata5A.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...-don/solo1.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...-don/solo2.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...-don/solo3.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...-don/solo4.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...-don/solo5.jpg

I will take the video as promised and post it here at the end of the month.

Zhi-don Aquintas
XO RL Sunrider Base
Treasurer/Head Instructor
Lightsaber training OCSWS

[naashar]

Master Zhi-don, I am most appreciative for the illustrated kata. I'm sure I'll soon have my own "form" in no time, incorporating both standard kata and spin kata. In fact, I've a few ideas now...details to follow. As to the point of the "headmaster" vs. "old guard", I see both ends clearly. As a matter of course, the free flow of ideas should be encouraged; no one wants to stifle another's growth, even if it is contrary to a prescribed method, and all stand a chance of coming out better for it.

However there is something to say about Master Mor-El's point. In my humble opinion, the honor of being named "Headmaster", even if given by default, should not be taken lightly, especially by those claiming to espouse and support your or an previously agreed upon school of thought. Obviously, you've already addressed the issue, both in your class and on the forum. I'm sure it's my own military background speaking here, where dissention and/or deviation can result in a phone call to somebody's mom ("Yes, Mrs. Smith? I regret to inform you that..."), but I was pleased to see the course of action you took, keeping in mind the well being of the General Body and the importance of its Opinion. It takes a level head to put your self and ego aside, view the situation for what it truly is, and be able to amicably move forward, having learned appropriate lessons.

To sum up, I applaud you and your council.

You don't need to see any identification.

[Mor-El Kesav]

Master Zhi-don, I have to echo Sai Naashar's sentiments on the instructor issues. I apologize if I came across harsh or sounded like I was berating you. Far from it, I was voicing my frustration at an Instructor who chooses not to follow the rules.

As Sai Naashar pointed it, my Army background reared it's head. I wasn't advocating the use of absolute power, rather I was advocating the concept of leadership & responsibility. There is Jedi Counsel and all of you vote on things, but one person must be the leader in the classes and that is you. If anyone, student or Instructor, fails to follow your directives then someone will get injured. There are times when a problem arises that cannot wait for the Counsel to convene and figure out a solution. At those times one person must have the authority to make & implement a decision. Appeals to that decision can be made later. You are that person in your Academy. I failed to articulate that point clearly enough, I apologise for my inadequate communications efforts.

Back to the subject of the Katas, those pictures are great and they are helping me clean up the flaws in my routine. Thank you for taking the time to post them for us. Once I have Mastered your techniques and incorporated them into my regimen, I will most likely open a Lightsaber Academy in my neck of the woods.

"Destroy the Sith we must!"
Master Yoda

[Zhi-don]

*Bows*

Gentlemen:

Again, thank you for you kind words and insightful observations. My own time in the service [USAF during Vietnam, although I never had to go there] often comes into play during this and other times of need.

I'm sure that the problem will work itself out. If not then I, backed by the council, will take action. I wish that both of you excellent Jedi lived closer so that you could join us. Failing that I will always be here to give advice and answer any questions you may have. Also to learn, because as a wise Jedi once said, "Learn from his students, a Teacher always does."

Video to be forthcoming.

Have a great weekend and to your wives and mothers, "Happy Mother's Day" and May the Force be with you.

Zhi-don Aquintas
XO RL Sunrider Base
Treasurer/Head Instructor
Lightsaber training OCSWS

[naashar]

And to you and yours, Master Jedi. I am truly honored, as I'm sure Master Mor-El is as well, for the gracious invite to join your most excellent Academy. I accept, if only in spirit, and humbly offer any insight and advice, both bidden or otherwise, as we all walk in the Light.

As I stated previously, mayhap our paths shall cross, and, Light willing, sooner rather than later.

You don't need to see any identification.

[Lord_Jyensba_Lalne]

*bows*

Master Zhi-don, I thank you for your wonderful contribution, but I do believe that Kata's 4 and 5 are the same picture.

I am 1/3 High School student and 2/3 SITH LORD.

[Mor-El Kesav]

Master Zhi-don, I would like it very much if we could all get together for classes, good food, good Jedi music, and swapping war stories. In the interim, look for a transparent glowing blue figure silenty watching the classes. That will be me, I will stretch myself out through the force to watch over your class. bows

I thought you had some military in you by the way you deport yourself. Now all we need is a Coastie and a Jarhead and we're set!

Master, Sai, have an enjoyable force filled weekend!


"Destroy the Sith we must!"
Master Yoda

[Zhi-don]

Lord Jyensba Lalne,

You are quite correct. I copied that picture and coverted it twice. I have replaced it with the correct one. Thanks for helping.




Zhi-don Aquintas
XO RL Sunrider Base
Treasurer/Head Instructor
Lightsaber training OCSWS

[LDS_Trooper]

Thanks so much for the images.. I look forward to the video as well. Will you be showing both paired and solo?

This pic was my favorite...



"Do you know how to use that thing?"
"Yes. The pointy end goes into the other man."

[Zhi-don]

Yes, I plan on showing both on video. I will also do Velocites, if I can get my ex-padawan, now full Jedi Knight, to participate. I need to get more memory chips for my digital.

Oh...for those who are using the MHS saber for dueling, get the extension [either ribbed or plain] to change the balance. Otherwise the heavier 40 inch x 1/8 inch wall x 1 inch OD blade makes the saber nose heavy. Adding the extension fixes it. That blade is darn near indestructable. Well, except for the tip. Tim will fix that soon with a new poly one.

Zhi-don Aquintas
XO RL Sunrider Base
Treasurer/Head Instructor
Lightsaber training OCSWS