The art of the Japanese bayonet
23.08.2017 Probably one of our last trainings in the Kasugai dojo. Therefore, we’ve used the time well. After a brief revision of the basics, which is always great and useful, as I discover various different problems each time I do the thrusts, we’ve practiced some more advanced patterns with a focus on being a good... Continue Reading →
We went through the basics of Omote. Now a bit more detail on the motodachi side of things. The Motodachi sets the tone of the exercise. Pay special attention to the footwork used by the motodachi. As the strike lands a tiny step backwards is taken and the upper body receives the impact. The concept... Continue Reading →
20.08.2017 Sunday – Day off We’ve decided to head to the Tsuruma Park, which, up until now, we’ve only passed on our way to, and from, the dojo. The park is really nice, distinctly Japanese, and big enough to give me the much needed feeling of space and quiet. We’ve also watched the Japanese no.1... Continue Reading →
Katotsu, Shita, Shita wo Tsuke, Shitadou all end up meaning about the same thing but have different contexts. Katotsu (lower thrust): Usually used for the name of an exercise e.g. Katotsu San Bon (3 times) Shita (Down): The strikers mokuju is beneath the hands and the mokuju of the receiver. Shita wo Tsuke (strike): Grammatically... Continue Reading →
16-17.08.2017 As something kendo-related happened in the Kasugai dojo, for these two days we’ve been training in sensei’s house, either on his driveway or in his office. As you may guess, there’s not plenty of room there, so we focused on the very basics (how a thrust should look like, especially with the energy driven... Continue Reading →
Dattotsu, Ura, Hazuse tsuke, Uwadou all end up meaning about the same thing but have different contexts. Dattotsu (evading thrust): Usually used for the name of an exercise e.g. Dattotsu San Bon (3 times) Ura (reverse side): Usually used when describing the path to the target and is in the context of what the receiver... Continue Reading →
13-08-2017 Sunday - day off. Time flies! Today we went to Kyoto to enjoy some more of Japan. We’ve hiked to the top of the Inari mountain, fending off numerous spiders and other deadly creatures instead of other tourists by choosing the least populated and definitely the most adventurous and picturesque path with numerous forgotten... Continue Reading →
Chokutotsu, Omote, Tsuke, Uwadou all end up meaning about the same thing but have different contexts. Chokutotsu (direct thrust): Usually used for the name of an exercise e.g. Chokutotsu San Bon (3 times) Omote (and Ura) describes the relative positions of the two mokuju when striking. Omote means the strikers mokuju is in front of... Continue Reading →
09-08-2017 Nathan – the American guy – brought with him some infection that makes everyone ill, one by one. Yuck. Luckily, I got knocked out by it yesterday’s afternoon, so today I felt quite all right, even despite the raging heat. Today was also the day that I felt that everything I’ve learnt somehow got... Continue Reading →