Skip to main content

Humility - Mark V

Photo taken on 2008-11-20 WKC Beginners Grading


Date: Thu, Dec 18, 2008
New Subject - Humility.

I came home this evening from our last 2008 beginners practice (which seemed to go so quickly!!) and I opened my gift from Sensei Marlene. Upon reading the comments held within from my fellow Kendoka and Sensei Marlene, I can truly say that this was the most humbling gift I have ever received.

Much like yourself, 4 months ago, I turned up to a "Hall" at the University of Waikato with a group of nervous strangers, wishing to find out more about something called "Kendo". Since then, no matter what has been transpiring in our personal lives, we have all continued to meet every Thursday evening in that "hall" for an hour and a half, being taught things which I would not have even imagined doing, let alone achieving in my every day life.

Today, that "Hall" is our Dojo - It is our kendo home were we now all come together as one, to learn and practice the martial ( & mental ) art of Kendo.

I have been privileged to meet such a diverse & cool group of people such as yourselves, who under the guidance and sage tutelage of our Sensei & Sempai, I have personally experienced something greater than just belonging to a "club" - that is learning, enjoyment, improved wellbeing and more importantly - new friendships.

Wishing you all a very Merry Xmas, Kanpai & Fighto in 2009!

Mark V


Comments

Waikato Kendo said…
Wow, inspiring words there Mark.

I'd just like to mention that it has been my pleasure to help out in the beginners' class. I've forged new friendships and future competitors ha ha. It is great to see such a friendly and eager atmosphere during class. I understand that kendo started as something new and foreign, but everyone has progressed at a truly frightening pace. If everyone continues their learning of kendo at this speed, it will give us sempais a run for our money!

Thanks, I really hope to see you all next year. Let's cross swords then.

Cheers,

Clem

Popular Posts

2025 Beginners Information

You are warmly invited to join us and  start your New Year resolutions as a  Modern Samurai .  --- Information for Year 2025 Beginners --- Little Samurai Class (age under 14): 1.30 - 2.30pm, Saturdays  Beginners Class (age 14 and above): 2.30 - 3.30pm, Saturdays Intermediate and Advanced Class : 3.30 - 6.00pm, Saturdays Starting Dates: Term 1: Saturday 25 January Term 2: Saturday 10 May  We will be accepting new students all Saturdays of May, but the earlier you can start, the better. Term 3: Saturday 19 July   Term 4: Saturday 11 October Join our 2025 Beginners Facebook Group  now to get updates. Or, email us for more information.  Course Information: No previous experience required. Regardless of gender,  ages from 6 to 60  are all welcome. First lesson  is your Free trial. Membership Fees:  Kids and School students: 50.00 per month Tertiary students and adults: 80.00 per month Family discounts : the 2nd family member is 50...

How do you practice seme?

Kobayashi Hideo Sensei – How to Seme (w/English CC)  小林英雄 先生 - 攻め方 How do you practice S eme ?   Very early on, I have heard of the “Three Opportunities to Strike”: strike when your opponent’s technique is about to start, strike when your opponent’s technique ends, and when the opponent is mentally and physically depleted. Since then, this line of thinking has given me a direction in how to train. In 2017, Utsunomiya sensei, 7-dan kyoshi, came to visit us and taught me the concept of “okori”. That reminds me of the conversation that happened 8 years before that in 2009 with Morioka sensei, also 7-dan kyoshi, who asked me: “What is the timing or reason of your strike?” I think most people are familiar with the idea that you should “ seme then strike ”. However, when do you strike after seme has been a source of struggle for most kenyu. That’s why when I saw the video from Kobayashi Hanshi where you seme for the purposes of creating “okori” , I felt this added a whol...

Experiencing Jōdan-no-Kamae & Gyaku-Dō

Wednesday 31st May 2023 Keiko Reflection - Janet Tonight’s Keiko was planned by Marleen sensei & led by Senpais Leo & Joyce.  We had a rare opportunity to watch & learn some wazas/ techniques first hand from both senpais particularly on their specialties: Jōdan-no-Kamae & Gyaku-Dō. The upper-level posture or stance ( Jōdan-no-Kamae ) which Leo Senpai uses, is the Hidari (left) Jōdan , where the left foot is in front of the right foot, so essentially the foot positions are reversed from normal Chudan position.  Using the posterior right foot to push off when going forwards & the anterior left foot to push off when going backwards.  Otherwise all other elements of footwork remains the same, like heels off the ground using Suriashi sliding steps, maintain inner parallel & the distance between both feet, right foot not overtaking left foot, using the left foot for fumikomi & right foot quickly follow up after strike to run through with Zanshin…etc....