Training tonight 2009-01-22 by Alba

Hello :)

I asked sensei today if I could try my bogu to see what my poor sempais were going through when I hit them. I got the ok (probably because otherwise I would continue hitting like the girl that I am :P).

Robin and Clement were very kind to show me even a little more of what kendo is.

It's SO much fun!

Yet, I also understood what sensei Sam said about kendo being two martial arts and not one; one pre bogu and one after. The first hit I received was scary however I also felt very secure as I found that yes, indeed, I did not die (though I was a bit stressed after, as I was waiting for the sky to fall, and it would not ). After that it become free and fun, fact for which I thank my sempais; especially Clement who showed how much fun the actual fighting/sparring can be.

Thank you senpai

Today has also increased my understanding of kendo a bit more. I'd like to share what I found with my fellow junior kendoka. Perhaps you know already what follows, case in which oh my god you are smart

Basically, every little thing you do is important!

I did not tie up my kote properly because I took a lot of time to do the men.I could not use my hands properly but my head felt fine. Kinda get what I'm getting at?

Every little thing!

Any time taken to prepare will pay off greatly in the long run.Every aspect of a cut will impact on the total form and accuracy. Every second taken to learn how to dress will help you stay safe during training. Even if not expecting to fight I should be fully prepared just in case. (I think this may be along the lines of what Ari said about Zanshin).

My respect has increased tremendously for my sempais as I now understand why they take care so much notice of anything they or we do, as there is no inconsequential act.

From now on I will try even harder to learn every little aspect of a correct cut so I can get as strong as my senpais. I will also go on 'google is my friend' (thank you Robin :) ) to see different kendokas' perspective on how the gear is supposed to sit :)

Fighto-o
Alba

Forwarded mail from Waikato Kendo Club mailing list at Yahoo!Gropus 22-01-2009

Comments

Eiga and Morioka Sensei Kendo Seminar

We are honored to announce that Eiga Hideyuki Sensei (Hanshi 8th Dan) and Morioka Hiromitsu Sensei (Kyoshi 7th Dan) will be visiting New Zealand this August to lead a Kendo seminar. Everyone is warmly invited to join the event—or follow along for updates, photos, and highlight videos. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with the wider Kendo community! Introducing Eiga and Morioka Sensei Eiga Hideyuki Sensei - Hanshi 8 Dan (栄花英幸 - 範士八段) Renowned worldwide for his exceptional skill and deep understanding of Kendo. Eiga Sensei’s notable achievements include placing 3rd at the 21st All Japan Invitational 8th Dan Tournament in 2023, first at the 19th All Japan Invitational 8th Dan Tournament in 2021, and placing 2nd and two 3rd positions at the All Japan Kendo Championships. He graduated from Tokai University and currently serves as a teacher at Hokkaido Eniwa-Minami High School. Morioka Hiromitsu Sensei - Kyoshi 7 Dan (森岡宏光 - 教士七段) A respected teacher with vast experience...

Kendo Journey: A "Travel Guide" from Shodan to Godan-and-a-Half

Waikato Kendo Association Grading (2009) Kendo Journey: A Travel Guide from Shodan to Godan-and-a-Half （中文） by Sam Tsai December 27, 2017 Those that know me should know that back in 1998, Marleen and I moved to Hamilton, New Zealand and ended up being the only two people that practiced kendo within the 100 kilometers radius. In the following year, the stars were aligned as we formed the Waikato Kendo Association and I found myself shouldering the responsibility of being a kendo instructor. Practicing kendo myself and teaching others how to do kendo are totally different things! About half a year after we established the dojo, Hsu Heng-Hsiung sensei , coach of Team Taiwan, led a delegation of more than 20 kenshi to come visit us in New Zealand. About a year after their visit, I was in Taiwan visiting sensei. The first thing he said to me was, “Tell me, what are you having trouble teaching?” I could not help myself but laugh out loud as I replied, “Coach you are ...

Kendo Dōjo basic etiquette & commands for beginner & kyu grades

Kendo Dōjo basic etiquette & commands for beginner & kyu grades Thanks to Janet for organising this article. When entering & leaving the Dōjo （道場, training hall）, we need to bow respectfully from the waist, first towards the direction of Joseki （上席）, in our case this is the Waikato Kendo Club WKC banner. (But in Japanese dōjo there is often a Kamiza （上座） with a small Shinto shrine or altar displayed with religious significance). And then bow towards Sensei & Senpai on your way in before neatly organising your belongings on the side & getting ready quietly. At beginning of each Keiko（稽古）, Sensei（先生）or Senpai（先輩） will say: Line up - Seiretsu （整列） : We will need to quickly find our position along a horizontal line facing Sensei (in the middle) in order of our experience/ rank with Senpai (Seniors) on the right and Kōhai (Juniors, 後輩 ) & Shoshinsha (Beginners, 初心者 ) on the left. Standing straight facing the front, holding Shinai firmly...

Waikato Kendo Club

Search This Blog