Annual Gathering: On August 20, 2011, the annual gathering was held in Tobyhanna, Pa. Seminars of Instructor Training Strategies, boxing skills, tantojustu (knife fighing), and iaijutsu (sword drawing skills) were covered.
As part of the boxing skills training, footwork was emphasized. Attendees covered three different approaches to jabs, footwork (box steps, alternating box steps), combination bag training.
Double knife fighting strategies were covered in the tantojutsu training. Emphasis was covered in how instructors can develop their students in developing their individual fighting styles.
Proper sword techniques were covered. Techniques of how to carry a katana into training area, how to switch positions to prepare for katana rei, ceremonial rei, sword drawing skills, chiburis (throwing the blood), and proper notos (sheathing the sword) were covered.
After the seminars, a special Soke-Dai ceremony was held. Danielle (Triplett) Cardinale was presented the official Soke-Dai Scrolls. Mr. Shawn Morrison and Mr. Marty Frankenfield were recognized as Danielle's Phoenix Ninpo Ryu board members, as well as her Knights. These individuals were dubbed with a live sword.
In attendance was Grand Master Dan McEaddy of the Angelic Ninjutsu Order and the World Head of Sokeship Council.
Overall, it was a great event! Now, we look forward to planning next year's event.
Phoenix Combat System: The Phoenix Combat System has been launched in the Wilkes Barre area by Mike Gioe. Anyone interested in these classes may contact me for exact dates and details.
