Watchet Seminar, 2014

        This was the first time I was going to the Watchet Seminar. I decided to go at the last moment and didn't put a lot of organisation into it. Driving 6 hours from London I ended up somewhere deep into the forest near Watchet after midnight. The little farm that was gonna be my hotel was in deep sleep. I was greeted only by the nothing-missing dogs. Having a sandwich and a beer I tried to use the seats of my van as a bed. After all, it turned out to be not so bad and in the morning refreshed I went to the venue of the seminar. The weather was perfect and also the seminar was attended by around 100 participants.

        The practice at the seminar can be divided into two parts: kata and kihon. We did kata on the grass enjoying the good weather. I tried to take as much as possible from the rare chances to do kata.
        The focus on kihon practice was on opportunities to make ippon. We did different technics emphasizing the moment before the actual technique is performed when you prepare the situation that can help you perform the successful technique.
        Someone mentioned that all the sensei at this seminar are from Mumeishi where I was practising anyway. What was then different for me in this Watchet practice after all? First, we did two days of practice focused on specific elements of kendo and second I had the opportunity to practice with people that I didn't practice before.

        And... what do you suppose to do when meeting someone on a 5 miles-long one-way road?