Saturday 18 January 2014
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Here are some general guidelines and plans from me for our members:
For Kyu-grade members, executing strikes with ki-ken-tai-itchi is the main focus at this stage. Perform the kihon-datotsu (basic strikes) correctly. We will have a lot of training on kiai-seme-Men, Kote-Men, and kiri-kaeshi. It is important to focus on your own techniques rather than whether you can hit on your opponents.
Be patient on this stage and there is no need to rush to move on to next stage. This stage is to build your foundation and you will find the long term benefit yourself!
Another important issues for kyu-grade members is about purchasing your own Kendo-gu (the kendo-armour, or Bogu). Once you decide you want to pick up Kendo, you are encouraged to prepare your own Kendo-gu. Renting bogu from club is just temporary or when you are not sure whether you want to pick up Kendo.
For Sho-Dan and Ni-Dan members, you basically know what you need to do in terms of the physical techniques. It is important that you can start to take up the learning responsibility and motivate yourself to perform kihon-datotsu in a higher level such as more fluently or faster. Try to find out your own strength and weakness through the hard training. Some suggestions are renzoku-waza (continuing 2 or 3 strikes techniques) and try to develop your ability of making judgements.
For San-Dan and above members, seme is the central theme of your keiko (training) now. Study seme as well as learn more waza (techniques) through daily your keiko. Having reflection is also crucial at this level.
In addition, as you are now at senior levels in our dojo, taking some responsibilities of helping instruction and encouraging and supporting beginners is a part of the journey. Remember that teaching and leaning are synonyms! Take and give!
Finally, wish all of us have a wonderful year both in Kendo and life!
See you in the dojo!
Sam
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