Lucas and I worked on Chuden Menkyo material tonight. It was very productive (not that class usually isn't) and we focused on Tsume-Iai. After going through the waza with our swords, we started exploring the empty hand possibilities.
Tsume-Iai in general has some really cool henka that build off the core techniques in each kata. We also experimented with these henka in our empty hand and had great results. For example, their are quite a few variations for kata kobushidori and the empty hand extended to each one without any problems. Once we get the empty hand ironed out I will explain more... but hear is a teaser: one involves getting uchitachi cornered against a wall with potential head bashes. Needless to say I was very excited working these techniques for the first time tonight.
Head bashes, Brandon-san? You must tell us more. ;)