Day 752:
No class today because of the weather.
Day 753:
No class today because I hurt my back shoveling snow.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Thursday, January 21, 2016
A Beginner's Point of View 750-751
Day 750:
In Iaido class, we practiced the 3rd kata. I seem to be doing well. Very few corrections from sensei. I just need to feel where my feet slide back parallel. Also, be sure of the left hand not flexing too much finishing the cut.
In Kendo, I was feeling down. It’s kinda like my symptoms for liver damage. Tired and not strong.
We did leg strengthening exercises and then suri-ashi. We did the wrist exercises to develop a snap in our men-ouchi. We did a new stretch where we raise up, then lunge, then bring up our back leg while swinging the shinai. I tried to keep going to the end. I just barely made it.
Day 751:
In Iaido, we finished the 3rd kata by doing it with a second person to show the attacker’s space and position. I’m getting the hang of it. We used our bokutou to avoid iaito damage. In the 4th kata, I seem to be leaning forward during the tsuka-ate.
In Kendo, I was feeling much better. We did several leg strengthening exercises, wrist exercises, and those snapping men strikes.
We had a guest sensei today as well. He was very fast. We did several kihon waza, focusing on a good men strike. I even got ji-geiko with guest sensei. I got one good men strike…while he got at least 3 strikes. I’m not really up to his level. Still, it’s about doing your best. I was breathless after class, but not feeling down.
In Iaido class, we practiced the 3rd kata. I seem to be doing well. Very few corrections from sensei. I just need to feel where my feet slide back parallel. Also, be sure of the left hand not flexing too much finishing the cut.
In Kendo, I was feeling down. It’s kinda like my symptoms for liver damage. Tired and not strong.
We did leg strengthening exercises and then suri-ashi. We did the wrist exercises to develop a snap in our men-ouchi. We did a new stretch where we raise up, then lunge, then bring up our back leg while swinging the shinai. I tried to keep going to the end. I just barely made it.
Day 751:
In Iaido, we finished the 3rd kata by doing it with a second person to show the attacker’s space and position. I’m getting the hang of it. We used our bokutou to avoid iaito damage. In the 4th kata, I seem to be leaning forward during the tsuka-ate.
In Kendo, I was feeling much better. We did several leg strengthening exercises, wrist exercises, and those snapping men strikes.
We had a guest sensei today as well. He was very fast. We did several kihon waza, focusing on a good men strike. I even got ji-geiko with guest sensei. I got one good men strike…while he got at least 3 strikes. I’m not really up to his level. Still, it’s about doing your best. I was breathless after class, but not feeling down.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
A Beginner's Point of View 748-749
Day 748:
In Iaido, Sensei started giving formal lessons. We began class with leg exercises. We started with kata 1 and 2. I need to increase my saya-biki and reach more on the initial cut.
In Kendo, we started with leg stretches again. It was less painful than before. We also did the wrist exercises fast. After kihon, Sensei called for birthday Kendo. There were two of us celebrating a birthday. We did 30-second ji-geiko for each one. Against my fellow nidan, I only got time for a few strikes because I was trying to taken center instead of messing around.
Day 749:
No class today as I had to stay late at my job.
In Iaido, Sensei started giving formal lessons. We began class with leg exercises. We started with kata 1 and 2. I need to increase my saya-biki and reach more on the initial cut.
In Kendo, we started with leg stretches again. It was less painful than before. We also did the wrist exercises fast. After kihon, Sensei called for birthday Kendo. There were two of us celebrating a birthday. We did 30-second ji-geiko for each one. Against my fellow nidan, I only got time for a few strikes because I was trying to taken center instead of messing around.
Day 749:
No class today as I had to stay late at my job.
Saturday, January 9, 2016
A Beginner's Point of View 746-747
Day 746:
In Iaido, I completed 2.5 sets. I think Sensei needs to put us through some practice exams soon.
In Kendo, we started the new year. Sensei put us through some strengthening exercises. We did some of the leg stretches from Iaido cutting down while kneeling down forward on one knee. Then repeat for the other knee going forward across the floor and back. We did tweo sets when someone boasted we could do a third. The third one got me hurting badly. I only went down a little bit instead of to the floor for the third. It is good exercise. Maybe doing this lots of times will help. We also did a good drill with striking men against our partner’s shinai with only wrists. This was good but tiring.
We then did a lot of basic kihon drills with ji-geiko.
Day 747:
In Iaido I did 2.75 sets of kata. We talked about how the dates for the seminar are set but the registration form is not ready. I need to budget time from work.
In Kendo, we had a guest sensei show up. He’s really good at Kendo. Our class did lots of kiri-kaeshi, kihon, kote-men, and ji-geiko. I tried to really bring my best Kendo for my match with the guest sensei. I got to score a point against him and he scored against me.
After class, I asked for advice on the sandan exam. He hesitated but gave me a lecture about how I don’t have center at all. Also, I’m leaning backwards instead of standing up straight. It’s slowing me down. My sense of center is off. Geesh, I’m not anywhere near ready for the sandan exam. I need to re-invent my Kendo back to basics. I don’t think I should take the exam.
In Iaido, I completed 2.5 sets. I think Sensei needs to put us through some practice exams soon.
In Kendo, we started the new year. Sensei put us through some strengthening exercises. We did some of the leg stretches from Iaido cutting down while kneeling down forward on one knee. Then repeat for the other knee going forward across the floor and back. We did tweo sets when someone boasted we could do a third. The third one got me hurting badly. I only went down a little bit instead of to the floor for the third. It is good exercise. Maybe doing this lots of times will help. We also did a good drill with striking men against our partner’s shinai with only wrists. This was good but tiring.
We then did a lot of basic kihon drills with ji-geiko.
Day 747:
In Iaido I did 2.75 sets of kata. We talked about how the dates for the seminar are set but the registration form is not ready. I need to budget time from work.
In Kendo, we had a guest sensei show up. He’s really good at Kendo. Our class did lots of kiri-kaeshi, kihon, kote-men, and ji-geiko. I tried to really bring my best Kendo for my match with the guest sensei. I got to score a point against him and he scored against me.
After class, I asked for advice on the sandan exam. He hesitated but gave me a lecture about how I don’t have center at all. Also, I’m leaning backwards instead of standing up straight. It’s slowing me down. My sense of center is off. Geesh, I’m not anywhere near ready for the sandan exam. I need to re-invent my Kendo back to basics. I don’t think I should take the exam.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
A Beginner's Point of View 742-745
Day 742:
Today was unseasonably warm for December. The temperature was 60+ degrees. Sheesh, this will be great for my health.
In Iaido, I was able to complete 2.75 sets of kata. I think I’m going slower well now and turning my saya flat for noto by automatic motion. That’s good. I just need to keep my feet apart for stability. I really want that shodan for Iaido.
In Kendo, no student showed up. I guess neither will come back. We had a guest sensei show up. He’s at least yandan, so that’s always good. We did several rounds of kiri-kaeshi and kihon. Then somewhat early, Sensei decided to train exclusively with guest sensei to gain some understanding for his yandan test.
The few times I had practice or ji-geiko with guest sensei, he didn’t challenge me at all. He left himself open which I thought was a trap. So, I must have looked dumb or scared. Still, it’s for Sensei’s advancement and I’m okay. So, I guess I won’t be upset.
However, today we had several rounds of doh-uchi-waza. I took several strikes to the ribs right where I used to be injured. It didn’t hurt as much as last time, so I might be okay.
Day 743:
In Iaido, there was almost no traffic. So, I had enough time to complete 3 full sets of Iaido kata.
Today was very humid and very warm. I also feel tired and sluggish, like when I used to be injured from liver damage. I wonder if this is the same or less.
In Kendo, there was a lot of basic waza. Kiri-kaeshi, basic kihon, and ji-geiko. This might be Sensei listening to the AUSKF saying that all students need to sharpen up their waza for the past couple of months. He said next year he’ll come up with new stuff to practice upon.
Next year I’ll be up for promotion in Iaido and I’ll be allowed to test for sandan in Kendo. However, I don’t feel up to standard for sandan. I’m just fixing my attacking by not using my right hand. That’s hard enough. Now I also have to include tension and seme. I think I need for practice and frankly, I’m not even all that interested. At least there’s no class next week so I can rest.
Day 744:
No class today because of the holiday.
Day 745:
No class today because of the holiday.
Today was unseasonably warm for December. The temperature was 60+ degrees. Sheesh, this will be great for my health.
In Iaido, I was able to complete 2.75 sets of kata. I think I’m going slower well now and turning my saya flat for noto by automatic motion. That’s good. I just need to keep my feet apart for stability. I really want that shodan for Iaido.
In Kendo, no student showed up. I guess neither will come back. We had a guest sensei show up. He’s at least yandan, so that’s always good. We did several rounds of kiri-kaeshi and kihon. Then somewhat early, Sensei decided to train exclusively with guest sensei to gain some understanding for his yandan test.
The few times I had practice or ji-geiko with guest sensei, he didn’t challenge me at all. He left himself open which I thought was a trap. So, I must have looked dumb or scared. Still, it’s for Sensei’s advancement and I’m okay. So, I guess I won’t be upset.
However, today we had several rounds of doh-uchi-waza. I took several strikes to the ribs right where I used to be injured. It didn’t hurt as much as last time, so I might be okay.
Day 743:
In Iaido, there was almost no traffic. So, I had enough time to complete 3 full sets of Iaido kata.
Today was very humid and very warm. I also feel tired and sluggish, like when I used to be injured from liver damage. I wonder if this is the same or less.
In Kendo, there was a lot of basic waza. Kiri-kaeshi, basic kihon, and ji-geiko. This might be Sensei listening to the AUSKF saying that all students need to sharpen up their waza for the past couple of months. He said next year he’ll come up with new stuff to practice upon.
Next year I’ll be up for promotion in Iaido and I’ll be allowed to test for sandan in Kendo. However, I don’t feel up to standard for sandan. I’m just fixing my attacking by not using my right hand. That’s hard enough. Now I also have to include tension and seme. I think I need for practice and frankly, I’m not even all that interested. At least there’s no class next week so I can rest.
Day 744:
No class today because of the holiday.
Day 745:
No class today because of the holiday.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
A Beginner's Point of View 740-741
Day 740:
In Iaido I went slower than usual. I was trying to cut right. I only had time for 2 sets of kata.
In Kendo, we had a day full of repetition. After several rounds of kiri-kaeshi, we did a lot of repetitions of kihon strikes. Then we finished with a couple of rounds of ji-geiko. We had another visit by a kendoka. However, it turns out he has a zekken with our logo. I guess he’s a member of our dojo but doesn’t come very often. He also stands in the middle of the lineup.
Day 741:
In Iaido, I showed up early and kept going long. I completed 3 sets of kata. I was on fire today.
One of our new students introduced his girlfriend as a new student. I volunteered to teach her. We started with a combination of the first 2 days on the schedule. We did standing, walking, 2-step men, and then a primer on basic manners. She’s very short so I need to adapt for a shorter stride when teaching.
In Iaido I went slower than usual. I was trying to cut right. I only had time for 2 sets of kata.
In Kendo, we had a day full of repetition. After several rounds of kiri-kaeshi, we did a lot of repetitions of kihon strikes. Then we finished with a couple of rounds of ji-geiko. We had another visit by a kendoka. However, it turns out he has a zekken with our logo. I guess he’s a member of our dojo but doesn’t come very often. He also stands in the middle of the lineup.
Day 741:
In Iaido, I showed up early and kept going long. I completed 3 sets of kata. I was on fire today.
One of our new students introduced his girlfriend as a new student. I volunteered to teach her. We started with a combination of the first 2 days on the schedule. We did standing, walking, 2-step men, and then a primer on basic manners. She’s very short so I need to adapt for a shorter stride when teaching.
Friday, December 11, 2015
A Beginner's Point of View 738-739
Day 738:
Today Sensei did not show up. It was just myself and our new Iaido student. I answered questions about the 7th and 9th katas. He seems to want to do Iaido but he’ll have trouble when he gets his metal sword with how strong he swings the sword. For now, he’s using the wooden saya we have in the closet.
In kendo, I really wanted to skip class. My left leg is hurting in both hamstring and Achilles tendon. However, Sensei was sick. Also, the other nidan passed the responsibility off to me. So, I decided on a “lab day” where we care more about technique than brute force.
We did suri-ashi drills to fix fumi-komi, several rounds of kiri-kaeshi, kihon with seme to take center, and then ji-geiko. We saved time for lessons on Kendo kata. I took the time to teach the lower-ranking kata 1, 2, and 3. One student is very weak with his chudan-no-kamae. He’ll need to fix that when he eventually tests for ikkyu.
Sensei left a message that he may also be out next class. Our other nidan said he won’t be available for next class. I’ll have to come up with something.
Day 739:
In Iaido, I was glad to see Sensei show up. He wore his uniform but did not come with bogu. I completed 2.25 sets of kata.
In Kendo, Sensei coached from the sidelines. We had yet another guest sensei show up. I’ve seen him at our tournaments. We did kiri-kaeshi, kihon, and then several rounds of ji-geiko. Sensei gave a lecture about keeping center. The guest sensei gave me silent lessons by holding center against my doh. I need to be less spastic and take center. We had a discussion after class about how I lose momentum when I take strong center. He mentioned that he had the same problem, but you can only learn to use your left leg to propel yourself proper.
Today Sensei did not show up. It was just myself and our new Iaido student. I answered questions about the 7th and 9th katas. He seems to want to do Iaido but he’ll have trouble when he gets his metal sword with how strong he swings the sword. For now, he’s using the wooden saya we have in the closet.
In kendo, I really wanted to skip class. My left leg is hurting in both hamstring and Achilles tendon. However, Sensei was sick. Also, the other nidan passed the responsibility off to me. So, I decided on a “lab day” where we care more about technique than brute force.
We did suri-ashi drills to fix fumi-komi, several rounds of kiri-kaeshi, kihon with seme to take center, and then ji-geiko. We saved time for lessons on Kendo kata. I took the time to teach the lower-ranking kata 1, 2, and 3. One student is very weak with his chudan-no-kamae. He’ll need to fix that when he eventually tests for ikkyu.
Sensei left a message that he may also be out next class. Our other nidan said he won’t be available for next class. I’ll have to come up with something.
Day 739:
In Iaido, I was glad to see Sensei show up. He wore his uniform but did not come with bogu. I completed 2.25 sets of kata.
In Kendo, Sensei coached from the sidelines. We had yet another guest sensei show up. I’ve seen him at our tournaments. We did kiri-kaeshi, kihon, and then several rounds of ji-geiko. Sensei gave a lecture about keeping center. The guest sensei gave me silent lessons by holding center against my doh. I need to be less spastic and take center. We had a discussion after class about how I lose momentum when I take strong center. He mentioned that he had the same problem, but you can only learn to use your left leg to propel yourself proper.
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