I may not look it, but I seem to do a fair few martial arts. :-)
Kendo was my first martial art that I actually lasted more than one lesson at. I started in the beginner's course at the ANU Kendo Club in Semester 1 2001.
I achieved the rank of 6th Kyu on 4th August 2001, along with my friend and co-Fenner Hall resident, Phillip Wong.
In July 2002 I had to stop training due to an injury. When I had recovered, I weighed up my time commitments and decided I could not maintain Kendo training.
Since I originally came to Kendo wanting to to Battoujutsu, I was quite pleased to discover that the ANUKC's sensei also holds a dan grade (2nd Dan, I think) in Iaido. As a prelude to Kendo kata and a self-control and centering exercise, Semmler-sensei took a few of us who were interested through the reiho and first kata of Seitei Iaido.
Then in January 2002, Phillip and I attended the 12th Australian Iaido and 2nd Australian Jodo championships in Hobart, Tasmania where we underwent a week's intensive instruction in the two forms, culminating in a grading on Friday, 25th January 2002.
The 13th Australian National Iaido and The 3rd Australian National Jodo Champs, Gradings and Seminar were January 20th-26th 2003 on the Gold Coast, in Queensland. It was hot, sweaty and humid. And of course, very educational. Phil couldn't make it this year due to work commitments. :-(
The 2004 Australian Iaido & Jodo Seminar, Gradings & Championships will be held in Melbourne on January 19th - 25th, 2004.
I achieved 6th Kyu in Iaido and 4th Kyu in Jodo on the 25th January 2002.
I achieved 3th Kyu in Iaido and 3th Kyu in Jodo on the 24th January 2003.
In March 2002, since there is noone in the ACT teaching Seitei Iaido or Seitei Jodo on a regular basis, I saw the Kobudo stand at the ANU Clubs & Societies Market Day. On investigation, I discovered that it was the weapons component of the ANU Jujutsu Club. So I joined both.
I acheieved the rank of 10th Kyu on 1st June 2002. My grading time for 5x2 speed throws (5 throws, twice each) was 0:59, which was the best time I achieved out of the nine sets I've done.
I acheieved the rank of 9th Kyu on 2nd September 2002. My grading time for 10x2 speed throws (10 throws, twice each) was 2:09, and my receiving time was 2:13.
I acheieved the rank of 8th Kyu on 30th October 2002. My grading time for 10x2 speed throws (10 throws, twice each) was 1:52, and my receiving time was 1:49.
I acheieved the rank of 7th Kyu on 1st March 2003. My grading time for 15x2 speed throws (15 throws, twice each) was 2:38, and my receiving time was 2:56.
I acheived the rank of 9th Kyu in the Meidokan Kobudo system on 7th December 2002.