Day 618:
In Iaido class, I finished 3 sets of kata and then did a few spare kata. I focused on the 12th kata because I need more saya-biki.
In Kendo we started with suburi and then men-tsuke. We had 2 beginners, so it was an easy day. We did kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, kote-men-ouchi, and ji-geiko. One of our beginners had his first day in full bogu.
Day 619:
In Iaido class, it was one of the most humid days ever. I was sweating so much just from kata. I had a moment of weakness from the humidity. Still, I finished 4 sets of kata. New record! Not even rushing.
In Kendo class, I decided to pace myself instead of pushing myself. We did suburi and okuri-ashi. Our newest student joined us up to this point. Afterwards, he went off to practice with one of our sensei.
We practiced kihon-waza and some kote-men-ouchi. From there, sensei taught us about how to make the kote-men-ouchi into a quicker waza. You strike kote when you raise up for fumi-komi and strike men when you stomp down. I was actually pretty good at it. I just think of kote-men as skipping-stone. We then practiced kote-suriage-men, which was easier then I remember doing it when I was a few ranks lower. We finished with kiri-kaeshi.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Sunday, October 12, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 616-617
Day 616:
In Iaido class, I was really focused. I completed three sets but I noticed that my saya was scraping on the 12th kata. I tried to use more saya-biki and it made less noise.
In Kendo, we had two beginners, so it was a less intense class. It was actually taught by my fellow early-dan Kendoka. It was an intro to him teaching. We went through the basic set of kihon, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and doh-ouchi. We then moved into harai-waza, ai-kote-kote-men-waza, kakari-geiko, and ji-geiko. After class, we took some pictures of myself and a sensei practicing the first 10 kata for advertising purposes.
I asked sensei about the difference between harai and suriagi, because they seemed the same. He confirmed that the motions are similar but the initiative is different. You attack with harai but you react with suriage.
Day 617:
WORST TRAFFIC EVER!!!
I was 30 minutes late to class, with only 15 minutes left. Still, I went in and practiced a full set of kata and another 6 kata.
In Kendo class, we only had one beginner so it was a normal class. We practiced suburi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, and then right into ji-geiko. We then practiced harai-men and hiki-men wazas. Moving slowly to get the footwork right makes it really hard.We finished with multiple kata and then into kata.
I love kata. This time I got to practice with the shoto. I got to practice both uchidachi and shidachi.
For shidachi, you have to step out and set down your bokuto using three backward diagonal steps and kneel with your left knee. Step back and take chudan. First kata is block with uke and step to the right, strike men, and back into jodan. Reset. Second kata starts with pressure the uchidachi and then uke to the right. Strike men, shoto at the hip and grab the arm. Reset. For the third, the shidachi is in gedan. Surprise block and flip the uchidachi’s sword down and left. Immediately block doh and pressure the sword. Slide your shto to clack with the tsuba. Grab the uchidachi’s arm and push them three steps diagonally. Reset.
For uchidachi, you mirror the shidachi when putting your shoto down. For the first kata, you are in jodan. You strike men and then you are done. Match the shidachi when they step back and follow when they reset. For the second kata, start in gedan. Try to come up but when the shidachi preassures you, swing back into waki-gamae and then rise up to cut men. Then you’re done. For the third kata, start in chidan. Surprise the shidachi by raising up on the second step and swing down on the third. When you are parried, swing around into waki-gamae and then swing up and around for doh. Let the shidachi grapple you and step back three steps. Best to lead with the back foot.
The rei before and after the sword picks is counter-intuitive and best left to practice.
In Iaido class, I was really focused. I completed three sets but I noticed that my saya was scraping on the 12th kata. I tried to use more saya-biki and it made less noise.
In Kendo, we had two beginners, so it was a less intense class. It was actually taught by my fellow early-dan Kendoka. It was an intro to him teaching. We went through the basic set of kihon, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and doh-ouchi. We then moved into harai-waza, ai-kote-kote-men-waza, kakari-geiko, and ji-geiko. After class, we took some pictures of myself and a sensei practicing the first 10 kata for advertising purposes.
I asked sensei about the difference between harai and suriagi, because they seemed the same. He confirmed that the motions are similar but the initiative is different. You attack with harai but you react with suriage.
Day 617:
WORST TRAFFIC EVER!!!
I was 30 minutes late to class, with only 15 minutes left. Still, I went in and practiced a full set of kata and another 6 kata.
In Kendo class, we only had one beginner so it was a normal class. We practiced suburi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, and then right into ji-geiko. We then practiced harai-men and hiki-men wazas. Moving slowly to get the footwork right makes it really hard.We finished with multiple kata and then into kata.
I love kata. This time I got to practice with the shoto. I got to practice both uchidachi and shidachi.
For shidachi, you have to step out and set down your bokuto using three backward diagonal steps and kneel with your left knee. Step back and take chudan. First kata is block with uke and step to the right, strike men, and back into jodan. Reset. Second kata starts with pressure the uchidachi and then uke to the right. Strike men, shoto at the hip and grab the arm. Reset. For the third, the shidachi is in gedan. Surprise block and flip the uchidachi’s sword down and left. Immediately block doh and pressure the sword. Slide your shto to clack with the tsuba. Grab the uchidachi’s arm and push them three steps diagonally. Reset.
For uchidachi, you mirror the shidachi when putting your shoto down. For the first kata, you are in jodan. You strike men and then you are done. Match the shidachi when they step back and follow when they reset. For the second kata, start in gedan. Try to come up but when the shidachi preassures you, swing back into waki-gamae and then rise up to cut men. Then you’re done. For the third kata, start in chidan. Surprise the shidachi by raising up on the second step and swing down on the third. When you are parried, swing around into waki-gamae and then swing up and around for doh. Let the shidachi grapple you and step back three steps. Best to lead with the back foot.
The rei before and after the sword picks is counter-intuitive and best left to practice.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 614-615
Day 614:
Today I was more focused. I got through 2 full sets of Iaido and then the next 10 kata. I was getting focused for the next class.
In Kendo class, my student did not show up. He had some function at his school. So, I joined the regular class. After suburi, we launched into a long string of endurance drills. Men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, and then ji-geiko. We resumed with kakari-geiko and then practiced on some advanced waza.
We started with kote-men-ouchi and then moved up to ai-kote-kote-men-ouchi. We did ji-geiko and had a good drill in kiri-otoshi-men. You need to have plenty of space or else you’ll be too close. I took shorter steps to prepare. We finished class with ji-geiko and kiri-kaeshi.
Day 615:
In Iaido class, there was no clock. It was battery-dead and taken down. Our treasurer had to keep time for us to keep moving with new exercises. The weird passing of time means that I did 2 sets of Iaido regular and then did the last set with random kata thinking that it was almost over for class.
In Kendo class, we did suburi and okuri-ashi. Then we did some hard, repetitive waza with 5, 7, and 9 iterations each. It was men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, kote-men-ouchi, and kote-suriage-men. The new drill was to push the shinai aside and then strike men. You can mess it up if you over push the sword. We then finished with multiple 60-second ji-geikos. What a way to end a practice. I had more energy and stamina today than normal. I wasn’t push the to edge and that was comfortable. Last drill was kiri-kaeshi and that reminded me of my student not being present.
Today I was more focused. I got through 2 full sets of Iaido and then the next 10 kata. I was getting focused for the next class.
In Kendo class, my student did not show up. He had some function at his school. So, I joined the regular class. After suburi, we launched into a long string of endurance drills. Men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, and then ji-geiko. We resumed with kakari-geiko and then practiced on some advanced waza.
We started with kote-men-ouchi and then moved up to ai-kote-kote-men-ouchi. We did ji-geiko and had a good drill in kiri-otoshi-men. You need to have plenty of space or else you’ll be too close. I took shorter steps to prepare. We finished class with ji-geiko and kiri-kaeshi.
Day 615:
In Iaido class, there was no clock. It was battery-dead and taken down. Our treasurer had to keep time for us to keep moving with new exercises. The weird passing of time means that I did 2 sets of Iaido regular and then did the last set with random kata thinking that it was almost over for class.
In Kendo class, we did suburi and okuri-ashi. Then we did some hard, repetitive waza with 5, 7, and 9 iterations each. It was men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi, kote-men-ouchi, and kote-suriage-men. The new drill was to push the shinai aside and then strike men. You can mess it up if you over push the sword. We then finished with multiple 60-second ji-geikos. What a way to end a practice. I had more energy and stamina today than normal. I wasn’t push the to edge and that was comfortable. Last drill was kiri-kaeshi and that reminded me of my student not being present.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 612-613
Day 612:
In Iaido class, I was able to complete 2 sets of Iaido and then a few spare kata. I remembered to try to cut across the shoulders of the enemy instead of “horizontally”. It seems to make the path better.
In Kendo I was teaching again. I had to compress the schedule since he doesn’t show up twice a week. We did rei-hou and stretched. Then we reviewed okuri-ashi, fumi-komi, and 2-step men. Then I put on bogu and taught him kote and doh strikes. After repeating the strikes several times, I had him doing something like kakari-geiko where I give a random opening. Next week is the last training class and I introdouce kiri-kaeshi.
Day 613:
In Iaido class I tried to focus. I squeezed in a full 3 sets of kata and then immediately ending rei-hou. I’m really losing track of time in class. Cutting lower across “shoulders” helps for the first 2 kata.
In Kendo, we had an old-fashioned stamina-training session. After warm-ups and suburi, we had several rounds of okuri-ashi. We had several rounds of men-ouchi, small men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, small kote-ouchi, ai-men-ouchi, and ji-geiko. The new drill was ai-men against men and kote and doh. After class, I was told that I keep dropping my guard. I give bait and then don’t fully recover. I should fix that.
In Iaido class, I was able to complete 2 sets of Iaido and then a few spare kata. I remembered to try to cut across the shoulders of the enemy instead of “horizontally”. It seems to make the path better.
In Kendo I was teaching again. I had to compress the schedule since he doesn’t show up twice a week. We did rei-hou and stretched. Then we reviewed okuri-ashi, fumi-komi, and 2-step men. Then I put on bogu and taught him kote and doh strikes. After repeating the strikes several times, I had him doing something like kakari-geiko where I give a random opening. Next week is the last training class and I introdouce kiri-kaeshi.
Day 613:
In Iaido class I tried to focus. I squeezed in a full 3 sets of kata and then immediately ending rei-hou. I’m really losing track of time in class. Cutting lower across “shoulders” helps for the first 2 kata.
In Kendo, we had an old-fashioned stamina-training session. After warm-ups and suburi, we had several rounds of okuri-ashi. We had several rounds of men-ouchi, small men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, small kote-ouchi, ai-men-ouchi, and ji-geiko. The new drill was ai-men against men and kote and doh. After class, I was told that I keep dropping my guard. I give bait and then don’t fully recover. I should fix that.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 610-611
Day 610:
I was able to complete three full sets of Iaido again. I concentrated and did not hesitate. I need to remember to cut lower horizontally across the eyes. Maybe I need to imagine cutting across “my shoulders” instead.
In Kendo, I had to teach again. My student came back and seemed eager to practice. We reviewed rei-hou and warm-ups. We went over some words in Japanese and then did some okuri-ashi in our corner of the dojo.
It was time to teach him fumi-komi, so we joined the class. However, when the class did their kiai, he left. He had an anxiety attack and refused. All I could do was try to comfort him and get him to recover. I taught him basic fumi-komi together and we practiced 2-step men with and without fumi-komi.
I added the 4-step suri-ashi drill to the mix and he finished the class today. He told me that he could only practice once per week. Next week I’ll have to compress the schedule and teach him kote and doh.
Day 611:
No class today because I am not well.
I was able to complete three full sets of Iaido again. I concentrated and did not hesitate. I need to remember to cut lower horizontally across the eyes. Maybe I need to imagine cutting across “my shoulders” instead.
In Kendo, I had to teach again. My student came back and seemed eager to practice. We reviewed rei-hou and warm-ups. We went over some words in Japanese and then did some okuri-ashi in our corner of the dojo.
It was time to teach him fumi-komi, so we joined the class. However, when the class did their kiai, he left. He had an anxiety attack and refused. All I could do was try to comfort him and get him to recover. I taught him basic fumi-komi together and we practiced 2-step men with and without fumi-komi.
I added the 4-step suri-ashi drill to the mix and he finished the class today. He told me that he could only practice once per week. Next week I’ll have to compress the schedule and teach him kote and doh.
Day 611:
No class today because I am not well.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 608-609
Day 608:
In Iaido class, I only got to accomplish two and a half sets. I was really distracted. Maybe I was obsessing over being prepared for teaching today. I got my last new shinai from the club. We don’t sell equipment after this so I need to watch my shinais. When I think I need a new one, I’ll have to order two from the website. I also put in an order for the “How to Teach Kendo” book. It has great pictures and explanations.
In Kendo class, I taught my student. We reviewed rei-hou and I included standing rei. We reviewed chudan and some basic footwork. Today I introduced the three-step men. The kid was a natural. After several repetitions, I combined footwork and three-step men.
Day 609:
I finished two sets of Iaido kata today. I didn’t think I was stalling but the time flew by.
No student today, so it was Kendo class. After warm-ups and suburi, we did lots of repetitions of basic waza. Kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, quick-men-ouchi, ai-men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and quick-kote-ouchi. The advanced waza today was men-debana-kote-ouchi. We finished with ji-geiko. Next week I go back to teaching.
In Iaido class, I only got to accomplish two and a half sets. I was really distracted. Maybe I was obsessing over being prepared for teaching today. I got my last new shinai from the club. We don’t sell equipment after this so I need to watch my shinais. When I think I need a new one, I’ll have to order two from the website. I also put in an order for the “How to Teach Kendo” book. It has great pictures and explanations.
In Kendo class, I taught my student. We reviewed rei-hou and I included standing rei. We reviewed chudan and some basic footwork. Today I introduced the three-step men. The kid was a natural. After several repetitions, I combined footwork and three-step men.
Day 609:
I finished two sets of Iaido kata today. I didn’t think I was stalling but the time flew by.
No student today, so it was Kendo class. After warm-ups and suburi, we did lots of repetitions of basic waza. Kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, quick-men-ouchi, ai-men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and quick-kote-ouchi. The advanced waza today was men-debana-kote-ouchi. We finished with ji-geiko. Next week I go back to teaching.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 606-607
Day 606:
No class today as it is a holiday.
Day 607:
In Iaido class, I finished three sets and then practiced the fifth kata again. I need to pull the sword against the saya before drawing to make it more smoothly.
Today, I started being an instructor in Kendo. I was given a young kid for a student and this was his first class. I taught him rei-hou, stretching, holding the sword, and walking. I kept his attention by suggesting that he imagine a street thug as tall as he is trying to rob him. He holds the sword at the throat of the attacker and holds it. He did well. After about half an hour, I put on men and stepped into class. My instructor suggested this as he felt half an hour was enough to keep his attention. I still had a talk with him about the bogu and what it did.
In class, I did a quick kiri-kaeshi and then a few rounds of men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, kakari-geiko, and ji-geiko. I had taken my tabi off after Iaido and I was astounded by my speed and acceleration with bare skin touching the floor. That tabi really forces me to grip the floor with my toes.
No class today as it is a holiday.
Day 607:
In Iaido class, I finished three sets and then practiced the fifth kata again. I need to pull the sword against the saya before drawing to make it more smoothly.
Today, I started being an instructor in Kendo. I was given a young kid for a student and this was his first class. I taught him rei-hou, stretching, holding the sword, and walking. I kept his attention by suggesting that he imagine a street thug as tall as he is trying to rob him. He holds the sword at the throat of the attacker and holds it. He did well. After about half an hour, I put on men and stepped into class. My instructor suggested this as he felt half an hour was enough to keep his attention. I still had a talk with him about the bogu and what it did.
In class, I did a quick kiri-kaeshi and then a few rounds of men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, kakari-geiko, and ji-geiko. I had taken my tabi off after Iaido and I was astounded by my speed and acceleration with bare skin touching the floor. That tabi really forces me to grip the floor with my toes.
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