Participants were encouraged to submit questions they have for Sensei to address relating to her life-time of experience and perspectives in Iaido. Questions of a technical nature were also submitted and are listed below.
Interview and/or Lecture Questions
i hope she can discuss kan-kyu-kyou-jyaku at some length.
Do you believe, like age and disability, instructors should take gender into consideration when giving instruction and feedback to students?
What was your motivation (or need) to repeatedly undergo the examination for iaido hachidan? Did other iaido sensei convey words of encouragement or discouragement to you about continuing to challenge the examination? Did your confidence vary with each examination? How was your experience of the examination different when you passed it in comparison to the previous attempts? How did your relationship within the Japanese iaido community change after passing the examination?
What considerations do you recommend in regard to selecting an iaito and/or shinken?
Women have special issues with our builds which affect how the hakama and Gee are worn and, more importantly, where they end up at the end of practice. We need a successful women instructor to instruct us in how they have dealt with these issues in a way that accommodates our differences. Wearing a hakama lower on our hips doesn't work for most of us anymore than wrapping something around our waist to "fill us out" works. I look forward to having Hatakanaka sensei instruct us in the "secrets" that will help the women deal with those issues that often get in the way of our being proficient in iaido.
Where should the hakama/obi/iaito sit for women? Particularly for women with wider/curvier hips? I have been told that the iaito/tsuba can stick out further from the body than men traditionally have it to keep the iaito level, but how far is too far?
It seems to me that men are prone to be naturally more aggressive. The warrior in them blooms easily. I have been told that I need to increase my aggressiveness, to look more defiant, to bring my anger and rage from the inside, out. I am struggling to do so. I feel that allowing those feelings to flourish is a synonym of losing control. My motherly instincts don't help me much either. How can I overcome this lack of assertiveness? How can I be more intimidating? Are there any body language tricks that I can use to show my inner strength and determination? Is it only a matter of time and practice until I can develop and show my fighting and indomitable spirit? Thank you very much.
How old were you when you started Iaido, and who encouraged you to join? Any struggles you have encountered? Why do you love (and you must love it) Iaido?
How to properly wear the uniform so the hakama does not sit too high and your obi stays in place. How to balance kindness/gentleness with strictness/enforcement when teaching. Gender inequality in budo and how to resist the tendency to overcompensate to be regarded as equally skilled as our male counterparts, or the struggle to be recognized for your skill over your gender.
What are some of the differentiators/qualities that one has to display in 4th, 5th & 6th Dan Iai?
Moving hips for women, Seme attitude for women
Can you tell us what the major focus is for each Dan level? I've heard variation on this and I want to know what your thoughts are on it. What can I expect to face during my Iaido career because I'm female? What tips do you have for dealing with gender specific challenges?
How to make powerful cuts. In comparison men might have an easier time with it, and it might take less energy and concentration to achieve this. How to make the best possible cut without relying on muscles or a strong build.
Could you please share your experience of testing for 8-Dan?
Kata Questions
#5, Kasagiri: What is the proper way to draw the sword ---Pull out almost all the way before twisting the saya or twist at the beginning of the draw? When performing chiburi should you keep the koiguchi at centre, or bring back after chiburi (with sayabiki) to perform noto?
#6, Morotezuki: What is the proper footwork for the stab?
#8, Ganmen Ate: What is the correct position for the left hand, (Grasping saya or flat) when making the turn?
#9, Soetezuki: How much angle should there be during the first cut from the draw to where it is set at the hip? When performing chiburi should you keep the koiguchi at centre, or bring back after chiburi (with sayabiki) to perform noto?
#11, Sougiri: What is the proper footwork for the cuts, and also proper technique to keep the sword horizontal during the 4th cut.
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