Back to Kendo in 2014

Saturday 18 January 2014

On behalf of Waikato Dojo, I would like to welcome you back from Xmas and New Year holidays!

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

Comments

Mazza said…

See you on Saturday!!! Look forward to class!!!

12:07 am

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...

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...

Kendo and Rototuna Junior and Senio High Schools 2025

Rototuna High School Kendo Club 2025 Our 2025 Kendo program at Rototuna High School has now come to an end, and I want to say how proud I am of all the students for their effort and commitment this year. Every Friday afternoon has been something I’ve looked forward to — not just for the practice, but for the energy, enthusiasm, and fun you all bring. It has been wonderful to see you challenge yourselves, support each other, and grow through Kendo. I’ve really enjoyed spending this time with you, and I wish each of you all the very best in whatever comes next — whether that’s continuing with Kendo or simply carrying the lessons you’ve learned into your everyday life. A special thank-you also goes to Rototuna High Schools for supporting this program and giving us the chance to share Kendo together. Sam Tsai Renshi 6 Dan Waikato Kendo Club

Waikato Kendo Club

Search This Blog