I start taking Naginata classes tomorrow, which perhaps is the most useless form of martial arts training in the modern world. However, it’s been brought to my attention that the stress I carry from work has a tendency to follow me everywhere I go. This is a potentially entertaining remedy.

How the hell this became a traditional women’s sport is beyond me.

(America vs. Brazil - America is in red. I have no idea who is “winning.”)


I’m even more surprised that one of the very few legitimate training places for this in the state of Texas is located here. Apparently all that yelling and screaming done while competing isn’t a showboating thing - you’re supposed to call out your intended strike zone (customarily in Japanese) as you hit to prove that you weren’t just flailing around and got lucky. Much like calling your shot in pool, except with someone’s face as the target. I actually find myself more interested in really practicing kata though, which is the artistic side of it vs. the combative side. This is fortunate, since I probably won’t be allowed to attempt to spar for a while, at least until the instructor is sure I won’t accidentally jab myself in the stomach with my own weapon.

Maybe I’ll delve into something practical, someday.