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  1. Seeing the Lines

    When I am cutting I have noticed that visualizing the lines before I make my cut helps keep my cuts clean. For complex cuts I typically take a few seconds to place imaginary lines where I plan to make my cuts. I look the mat up and down then place lines in my minds eye on each section and imagine the reaction I want from the mat. I have talked to several other people who also use this same technique when cutting. I am not sure why it seems to help but I have noticed better results when I use ...
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  2. Soak Times

    Consistent targets are invaluable for cutting. It is difficult to anticipate the reaction of your target if it has lumps, and dry spots. After several months of trial and error the Rook was able to find the perfect soak times for the striped tatami.

    First off, for a single roll split the mats (the mats come in a double roll size).

    Next, roll the mats using a dowel or broom stick. This will not only leave a hole for the peg but also smooth out the roll.

    ...
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  3. Log for 11-29-2010

    Performed with bokken
    200 downward cuts
    200 kesa open
    200 kesa closed
    150 suhei open
    150 suhei closed

    Performed with carbon steel iaito.
    75 draw cuts to yaku
    75 draw cuts to suhei

    30 push ups
    50 sit ups
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  4. cutting Today

    Today, I cut mats with some fellow backyard cutters. Cutting today didn't go as well as I thought it would for me, because it took me three times at least to get a suhei-suhei double. Barely. Also, I wasn't in top form today, probably because I didn't practice for almost 2 weeks. However, I hope that I can continue to grow and be able to become a better cutter =) Gotta work a lot on my ha-suji =)
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  5. The Joy of Rolling Targets

    I just love to roll myself some mats. I just realized how much I do just now. The feeling I get when I get home w/ my bundle of new, still in their wrapper tatami candy that when you open the seam, that whiff of brand new omote just begs you to take a bite. Well not really a bite, but definately begs for your affection.

    I really like the time I get to roll mats for targets. It gives me a sense of satisfaction unlike any other. Knowing the fact that after that last one that is rolled,it ...

    Updated 08-05-2010 at 06:26 PM by glenntherookie

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