May we ask questions about the testing? If so I would like clarification on the forms for the kodenkan and for Japan. Do they need to be filled out with the photos and everything by a certain date, such as the test tomorrow?
The form for Japan can wait until Shihan returns in January. We'll try to send everyone's together. I believe everyone turned in their Kodenkan yudansha application forms already.
So you said something on my answering machine about a practice on Sunday I believe for the black belts, is this a new weekly thing or a just this once kind of deal?
Over the summer, there are classes at the Kodenkan of Tucsonthat you can join. It is on Saturdays at 3-4:30pm. Check out their site for registration.
We may have cutting sessions at the park but that has not been organized as yet. We will probably have people work on kata and other activities. The cutting is of course for those who have been approved to do so.
I'll post announcements on this site when they are. We typically do them on Sunday mornings, when its cooler and more people are available.
Can you recommend any good books or reading materials on Japanese sword smithing and design?
or any sword and weapon design?
I was assigned a research paper in my writing class and as sword design and construction is something that fascinates me with respect to metallurgy. I would like some good reference materials so I can make an impressive report.
Take a look at some of these English language books. The Craft of the Japanese sword describes the smithing process decently. The Connoisseur's Guide covers all the different little details on swords, historic periods, and smiths.
The Knighthawk Armoury builds some interesting realistic looking goshinken. They're expensive but they claim to be pretty durable (not yet tested by us).