Went to the monthly iai kenshukai (practice seminar) yesterday. It was in the gym of a school down the street from Akihabara Electric Town. People from all different Mugai-ryu schools came, and this seminar was specifically for beginners so it was really intense on the basics. Naganuma-sensei drilled us on the first 5 seated kata and 4 standing kata, and there were about 5 assistant instructors so we got lots of specific help and pointers.
After about 2 hours I and 3 others were called up while everyone else sat down in the back. We had to take off our swords, bow, put our swords on, do the first 5 seated kata, take off our swords, and do the final bows. I was tired and pretty nervous so I messed up the first sword bow, which Naganuma-sensei caught and smiled, asking "Blade out! You know that. You nervous?" which made me even more freaked so I did it again on the final bow and he said again "Blade OUT. Ren, you really are nervous aren't you?"
So anyway at the end of that he says "OK, these 4 have just been promoted to 3-kyu...even though ren can't bow to his sword correcly. Congratulations. Don't forget to pay the 7000 yen testing fee!" Huh? that was a promotion test? Uh, ok. So now I'm 3-kyu!
The whole seminar was 3.5 hours long and I really think I learned alot. I think I'm starting to get noto (sheathing the sword) and I almost remember all of the first 9 kata, but my arms and shoulders are killing me. And we've got regular Monday practice again tonight so I am hosed.

On Saturday we celebrated Jeff and Kevin's BigBeefyBirthday at Barbacoa. I think we put away several cows and a not few beverages. Beef sweats abounded and after dinner several folks went to Ed and Ted's annual Pimps and Hos party, but Hiroko was feeling a bit sick (sore throat) and I was beef-bloated so we just went home.

Last night finally watched Chocolat -- great movie!