https://youtu.be/VtIXyiy0PVU By Simon Larsen This tournament was Ippon Shobu, 1 point matches. These are fairly common in Jukendo and they are pretty high stress affairs (for me anyway). You have to walk out into the match ready to go as a moment’s hesitation or uncertainty will often gift your opponent an easy win. As you... Continue Reading →
Training drill: Relaxing shoulder
https://youtu.be/uN49fjyZeqk By Simon Larsen and Emily Jackman It’s important not to be tense when training - this drill can help to release tension from the shoulders before and during strikes. Note that this drill is deliberately doing some things wrong in order to build up to a more correct strike. In normal kihon do not... Continue Reading →
Training drill (Advanced) – Circles
https://youtu.be/YjZfqKhpWs8 By Emily Jackman and Simon Larsen This more advanced shiai exercise is another one from Yamaguchi-sensei; it’s not complicated but it does require good timing and footwork to do successfully. The shuugisha takes the initiative to enter from tomaai using suriashi - as they cross ma-ai the motodachi, who does not move in, attempts... Continue Reading →