Day 604:
Today Iaido class went quickly. I made sure to push the blade forward and rotate slowly to make ready to strike.
In kendo class, our normal sensei was on vacation. So, I had to lead stretches and suburi. After men-tsuke, we practiced various men strikes. Men-ouchi, ai-ouchi-men, kote-ouchi, kote-men-ouchi, and then ji-geiko.
Day 605:
I showed up late from traffic but still had enough time for three full sets of Iaido kata. Simply pivoting my wrist seems to make the cut in the third kata even easier. I should practice that.
In Kendo, today was the same as previous day. Various men-ouchi-waza were done today.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Saturday, August 23, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 602-603
Day 602:
Today I arrived late but still had enough time for three full sets. I tried pushing the sword forward as much as up and it seems to make to the swinging around into strike position much easier.
In kendo we had a hard day of practice. We stepped into practice right after suburi. Several round of men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi. then we started to work on advanced concepts of kote-men, ai-ouchi-men, and then step-step-men. We’re trying to teach to see and strike the men upon sight of target. Finishing with kakari-geiko and ji-geiko was satisfying.
Day 603:
Iaido class went quickly. After three sets, I practiced the third kata by pushing the blade forward again. It does make the swivel easier. My foot felt mildly sprained after last class but it feels fine now.
In Kendo class, I tried to take it easy, especially with the fumi-komi. After suburi, we went back to okuri-ashi practice. I like okuri-ashi, it fixes my footwork well.
We did a series of drills to work up towards small men strikes. We apparently don’t call it sashi-men anymore because ‘sashi’ means ‘stab’. Calling it stab must be rude or too sensitive or something. I don’t care.
Kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, and ai-men-ouchi were the drills for the day.
Today I arrived late but still had enough time for three full sets. I tried pushing the sword forward as much as up and it seems to make to the swinging around into strike position much easier.
In kendo we had a hard day of practice. We stepped into practice right after suburi. Several round of men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, doh-ouchi. then we started to work on advanced concepts of kote-men, ai-ouchi-men, and then step-step-men. We’re trying to teach to see and strike the men upon sight of target. Finishing with kakari-geiko and ji-geiko was satisfying.
Day 603:
Iaido class went quickly. After three sets, I practiced the third kata by pushing the blade forward again. It does make the swivel easier. My foot felt mildly sprained after last class but it feels fine now.
In Kendo class, I tried to take it easy, especially with the fumi-komi. After suburi, we went back to okuri-ashi practice. I like okuri-ashi, it fixes my footwork well.
We did a series of drills to work up towards small men strikes. We apparently don’t call it sashi-men anymore because ‘sashi’ means ‘stab’. Calling it stab must be rude or too sensitive or something. I don’t care.
Kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, and ai-men-ouchi were the drills for the day.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 600-601
Day 600:
Another day of fast kata, three sets long. The third kata is getting awkward. I nearly clip my head as I swing my sword around. I asked Sensei and he demonstrated the swing. I think I’m not pushing the blade forward as I push it up.
Kendo class was hard work today. After surburi, we went right into men-tsuke. We did multiple iterations of men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and doh-ouchi. We practiced kote-men and then went into a series of ai-men-ouchi and ai-men-kote-kote-men-ouchi to teach us to always try to strike kote-men rather than just men. We finished with ji-geiko.
Day 601:
Iaido class is getting fast. Fast to practice and fast time ticking by. As a class, we did half of the set together after the new student was taught the tenth kata.
Today was a repeat of last class with men-ouchgi, kote-ouchi, kote-men-ouchi, and then into ai-kote-men-ouchi drills. We finished with ji-geiko.
We’re getting close to the time when we are supposed to cut our hours. I wonder if we’re going to include a mandatory kata lesson at the end to cool down. That would help me. I need to learn the three shoto kata for sandan test.
Another day of fast kata, three sets long. The third kata is getting awkward. I nearly clip my head as I swing my sword around. I asked Sensei and he demonstrated the swing. I think I’m not pushing the blade forward as I push it up.
Kendo class was hard work today. After surburi, we went right into men-tsuke. We did multiple iterations of men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and doh-ouchi. We practiced kote-men and then went into a series of ai-men-ouchi and ai-men-kote-kote-men-ouchi to teach us to always try to strike kote-men rather than just men. We finished with ji-geiko.
Day 601:
Iaido class is getting fast. Fast to practice and fast time ticking by. As a class, we did half of the set together after the new student was taught the tenth kata.
Today was a repeat of last class with men-ouchgi, kote-ouchi, kote-men-ouchi, and then into ai-kote-men-ouchi drills. We finished with ji-geiko.
We’re getting close to the time when we are supposed to cut our hours. I wonder if we’re going to include a mandatory kata lesson at the end to cool down. That would help me. I need to learn the three shoto kata for sandan test.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 598-599
Day 598:
No class today as I am not well.
Day 599:
Iaido class went fast today. It was cooler and less humid than usual. I completed my three sets and did a few spare random kata to keep sharp. Today the lesson was “drop your right hand before moving back”.
In Kendo, we again skipped okuri-ashi after suburi. I’m thinking I’d like to go back to it. My fumi-komi just isn’t synchronized well. Still, we had a lot of people show up, so I was rotating with the receivers again.
Drills for the day went right into kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and doh-ouchi. I even got to go through ji-geiko with many students and a couple of instructors without needing to sit out. That went well.
I decided not to tell the dojo that it was my birthday tomorrow. Going 40 seconds per person consecutively with no break doesn’t sound good for me.
We had a couple of visitors from years ago when they were members of our dojo. Something was wrong because they each took turns stepping out for different reasons. Maybe they’ve been out of practice for a while or maybe they pushed an injury. Either way it was nice to see them.
No class today as I am not well.
Day 599:
Iaido class went fast today. It was cooler and less humid than usual. I completed my three sets and did a few spare random kata to keep sharp. Today the lesson was “drop your right hand before moving back”.
In Kendo, we again skipped okuri-ashi after suburi. I’m thinking I’d like to go back to it. My fumi-komi just isn’t synchronized well. Still, we had a lot of people show up, so I was rotating with the receivers again.
Drills for the day went right into kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi, and doh-ouchi. I even got to go through ji-geiko with many students and a couple of instructors without needing to sit out. That went well.
I decided not to tell the dojo that it was my birthday tomorrow. Going 40 seconds per person consecutively with no break doesn’t sound good for me.
We had a couple of visitors from years ago when they were members of our dojo. Something was wrong because they each took turns stepping out for different reasons. Maybe they’ve been out of practice for a while or maybe they pushed an injury. Either way it was nice to see them.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 596-597
Day 596:
I did 3 sets of Iaido in class before asking a question. Sensei was teaching the new student about the footwork in the ninth kata. Sensei turned his left foot to the right about 45 degrees. I have been keeping my left foot straight. A short conversation resulted in the answer being either one is good, but straight is better. I did a few spare kata to reinforce the footwork.
In Kendo class, we had a Guest Sensei. He’s a yondan from Michigan, which is Sensei’s alma mater. He was really happy to be here and practice with us.
The class got delayed just enough that I could stepo in and lead the class in rei-hou. We did warm-ups and suburi together. As a class, we did a few rounds of okuri-ashi and then put on men.
We did several rounds of kiri-kaeshi and men-ouchi. Class was large and the receivers needed to rotate. We did a few kote-ouchi and then it was several ji-geiko. Most of my partners were kyus so I had to push them into hitting me. At least today my naka-yui stayed tied. Maybe I can keep this shinai a little longer.
After class, Guest Sensei had advice for me. He said that my left arm is still bent at the end of a strike. I think it’s because of not extending and being too stressed at striking.
Day 597:
Iaido went by quickly again. I got to complete three sets of Iaido and had some time left over. I asked a question about tate-heiza. Sensei seems to sit with his feet in line with each other. It looks really awkward to stand up. He said it’s not necessary to sit exactly in line just make it close.
In Kendo, we had a hard class. After suburi, we skipped okuri-ashi and put on men. We did several rounds of kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, and kote-ouchi. We had a round of ji-geiko using only men and kote. Afterwards I had to sit out. I was getting to the point of not breathing any more. After I got my breath back, I stepped in for some advanced waza. Kote-men-ouchi, harai-men, and harai-kote. I like doing harai-waza. It makes its own opening. After one last ji-geiko, we finished class.
I did 3 sets of Iaido in class before asking a question. Sensei was teaching the new student about the footwork in the ninth kata. Sensei turned his left foot to the right about 45 degrees. I have been keeping my left foot straight. A short conversation resulted in the answer being either one is good, but straight is better. I did a few spare kata to reinforce the footwork.
In Kendo class, we had a Guest Sensei. He’s a yondan from Michigan, which is Sensei’s alma mater. He was really happy to be here and practice with us.
The class got delayed just enough that I could stepo in and lead the class in rei-hou. We did warm-ups and suburi together. As a class, we did a few rounds of okuri-ashi and then put on men.
We did several rounds of kiri-kaeshi and men-ouchi. Class was large and the receivers needed to rotate. We did a few kote-ouchi and then it was several ji-geiko. Most of my partners were kyus so I had to push them into hitting me. At least today my naka-yui stayed tied. Maybe I can keep this shinai a little longer.
After class, Guest Sensei had advice for me. He said that my left arm is still bent at the end of a strike. I think it’s because of not extending and being too stressed at striking.
Day 597:
Iaido went by quickly again. I got to complete three sets of Iaido and had some time left over. I asked a question about tate-heiza. Sensei seems to sit with his feet in line with each other. It looks really awkward to stand up. He said it’s not necessary to sit exactly in line just make it close.
In Kendo, we had a hard class. After suburi, we skipped okuri-ashi and put on men. We did several rounds of kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, and kote-ouchi. We had a round of ji-geiko using only men and kote. Afterwards I had to sit out. I was getting to the point of not breathing any more. After I got my breath back, I stepped in for some advanced waza. Kote-men-ouchi, harai-men, and harai-kote. I like doing harai-waza. It makes its own opening. After one last ji-geiko, we finished class.
Friday, July 25, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 594-595
Day 594:
I got to class early today. I was able to complete three sets of Iaido with time to spare. I was able to practice the eighth kata a few times to practice the footwork. After class, sensei told me that the official instruction book was available. I asked for a copy.
In Kendo class, we did suburi and okuri-ashi. I felt good throughout. It was a big class, big enough that the receivers had to rotate. I like this kind of class. It gives me the time to recover my breath before doing waza. I still get to push myself.
Day 595:
In Iaido, I was really motivated. I did three sets of kata and then had time for almost another set of random kata. I had to remember to bring my right hand down before backing off. A sensei at the seminar told me to hold both hands on the sword as you back off. My sensei told me it’s not true. Now I gotta unlearn that lesson after months.
In Kendo, we did kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, and kote-ouchi. My naka-yui started coming undone before my eyes. I stepped out to re-tie it and back in. I practiced kote-men-ouchi and then had to step out for breath. Soon after, the whole dojo took a water break. We stepped back in for kakari-geiko and ji-geiko. Very good workout. I need to inspect my shinai this weekend.
I got to class early today. I was able to complete three sets of Iaido with time to spare. I was able to practice the eighth kata a few times to practice the footwork. After class, sensei told me that the official instruction book was available. I asked for a copy.
In Kendo class, we did suburi and okuri-ashi. I felt good throughout. It was a big class, big enough that the receivers had to rotate. I like this kind of class. It gives me the time to recover my breath before doing waza. I still get to push myself.
Day 595:
In Iaido, I was really motivated. I did three sets of kata and then had time for almost another set of random kata. I had to remember to bring my right hand down before backing off. A sensei at the seminar told me to hold both hands on the sword as you back off. My sensei told me it’s not true. Now I gotta unlearn that lesson after months.
In Kendo, we did kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, and kote-ouchi. My naka-yui started coming undone before my eyes. I stepped out to re-tie it and back in. I practiced kote-men-ouchi and then had to step out for breath. Soon after, the whole dojo took a water break. We stepped back in for kakari-geiko and ji-geiko. Very good workout. I need to inspect my shinai this weekend.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
A Beginner's Point of View 592-593
Day 592:
Today we had kind of a group practice. We all did the first kata twice, then the second kata twice, etc… We finished with the sixth kata twice. Then we broke into freeform. I finished the seventh through twelfth katas twice and finally did an entire set.
In Kendo, we did suburi and I was sweating really badly. The summer is really hard on my health this year. There were thunderstorms, cooling the air. Still, it was humid. We did kiri-kaeshi and men-ouchi. I felt drained, close to losing all my breath again. I stepped out to catch my breath. Afterwards, I stepped in for some ji-geiko and kiri-kaeshi. I had just enough energy to finish.
Day 593:
Iaido was a structured class today. Together we started with leg stretches and then the four-direction practice. I messed it up trying to follow the opposite line instead of just turning the direction called. Ugh, what an amateur mistake.
Then together we did the first seven katas twice together. Afterwards we had free practice. I finished the two sets and practiced a few spare kata.
For Kendo class, sensei did not arrive. I stepped into lead the class in rei-hou and then led suburi. We did okuri-ashi and I remembered to loosen my arms. It allowed for better strikes. We put on men and then did waza. Kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi. I was getting tired. I was thinking about stepping out but it was close to the end of class. We did kakari-geiko a few times and I had to stop in mid-stride.
Fortunately, we stopped to line up for birthday keiko for one of our students. When it was my turn, I made sure to crush her spirit so I could step in and strike her men and kote. After that, I allowed her to strike my men. It was a success, I think.
Today we had kind of a group practice. We all did the first kata twice, then the second kata twice, etc… We finished with the sixth kata twice. Then we broke into freeform. I finished the seventh through twelfth katas twice and finally did an entire set.
In Kendo, we did suburi and I was sweating really badly. The summer is really hard on my health this year. There were thunderstorms, cooling the air. Still, it was humid. We did kiri-kaeshi and men-ouchi. I felt drained, close to losing all my breath again. I stepped out to catch my breath. Afterwards, I stepped in for some ji-geiko and kiri-kaeshi. I had just enough energy to finish.
Day 593:
Iaido was a structured class today. Together we started with leg stretches and then the four-direction practice. I messed it up trying to follow the opposite line instead of just turning the direction called. Ugh, what an amateur mistake.
Then together we did the first seven katas twice together. Afterwards we had free practice. I finished the two sets and practiced a few spare kata.
For Kendo class, sensei did not arrive. I stepped into lead the class in rei-hou and then led suburi. We did okuri-ashi and I remembered to loosen my arms. It allowed for better strikes. We put on men and then did waza. Kiri-kaeshi, men-ouchi, kote-ouchi. I was getting tired. I was thinking about stepping out but it was close to the end of class. We did kakari-geiko a few times and I had to stop in mid-stride.
Fortunately, we stopped to line up for birthday keiko for one of our students. When it was my turn, I made sure to crush her spirit so I could step in and strike her men and kote. After that, I allowed her to strike my men. It was a success, I think.
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