A Beginner's Point of View 36-37

Day 36:

Today we focused on the men strike and giving kiri-kaeshi. Senior students put on full bogu and received kiri-kaeshi, each choosing to stand still or step back after the initial men strike. This forces us to adapt to the choice of whether or not to perform the tai-atari, which is to push someone back using your kote against their kote.

We also practiced the sayu-men drill going backwards and forwards, which reinforces the striking principle of raising the shinai straight up and then bringing it down a little bit sideways to strike migi-men and hidari-men. We were promised that we would work on kiri-kaeshi until we were more than qualified for testing.

My endurance is getting a little bit better. I did not have to stop once tonight for water or breathing, but still it showed I was tired. Hopefully, I won't show so much fatigue during testing.

Day 37:

Today was practicing the tai-atari (body check) for kiri-kaeshi. This is correctly done when you first semin, then strike men, then step into your opponent's space. If your opponent does not move, then you bring your fists down to in front of you while holding the shinai vertically. You then lock your elbows in place and then forcefully step forward. Your body, not your arms, will push your opponent backwards. You then step into his space, claiming it as your own. This is supposed to throw your opponent into disarray, which will create openings for you to strike.

Head sensei was here today as well as sempai. Both did not say anything to me directly, so I must be doing well. In Kendo, if your instructor speaks to you directly, it is because you have made a mistake and they wish to correct you. This advice is not to be taken badly, it is simply them trying to help you perfect your Kendo one class at a time. By saying nothing, they actually declare that your form and technique are good enough for your level of training.