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 →
Yamaguchi-sensei Lesson 4: Full technique
https://youtu.be/hH-bq61X9ww By Simon Larsen and Emily Jackman This is the full exercise which follows on from the work in the previous 3 lesson videos. Again, if you’ve not practiced the techniques from the earlier lessons it’s advisable to get those under your belt before adding this all together. The full technique consists of the shuugisha... Continue Reading →
Replacing mokuju tampo
https://youtu.be/yosViTJ5Glo By Emily Jackman If you’ve ever replaced the sakigawa on a shinai then this is not likely to be too new to you. This technique is also similar when changing the sakigawa on your tanshinai. You’ll need: - a new tampo - tsuru - thin flexible wire that can be bent into a hairpin... Continue Reading →
Yamaguchi-sensei Lesson 3: Mae tsuki mae
https://youtu.be/9u2vuz8wSz8 By Simon Larsen and Emily Jackman Again, if you haven’t already seen and practiced the exercises from lessons one and two, it’s worth reviewing them before taking on this extension. In this exercise we’re now starting from outside of ma-a which requires an additional step in to reach distance before doing tsuki mae. If... Continue Reading →
Yamaguchi-sensei Lesson 2: Tsuki mae tsuki / Kaeshi tsuki
https://youtu.be/GBbtmVkG_rM By Simon Larsen and Emily Jackman If you’ve not seen the first lesson video, tsuki mae, then we definitely suggest reviewing and practicing the exercise from there before using the refinements and advancements in this second lesson. This starts with the same basic exercise as lesson one, the tsuki mae where the shuugisha makes... Continue Reading →
Yamaguchi-sensei Lesson 1: Tsuki mae
https://youtu.be/gLzG4KDCEeM https://youtu.be/gLzG4KDCEeM Yamaguchi Sensei had a lesson plan which was interesting and by starting small and adding new steps once the current piece was under control we ended up with a fascinating exercise that covers so many of the fundamentals of Jukendo and then shows how they are applicable in far more advanced waza and... Continue Reading →
Glossary
Basic strikes Omote [J]: Direct thrust forward at opponents uwadou. In this strike there’s no impediment to the attacker thrusting in a straight line forward to meet the target. When practicing, the motodachi will usually open their left out slightly to clear the path for the attacker. First command to attacker is usually tsuki; onaji... Continue Reading →
Training basics: Dai Ichi Kyoushu
Dai ichi kyoushu is a renzoku exercise that consists of continuous striking in a pre-set series and can be considered one of the most fundamental exercises. You can have different patterns but the basic strike sequence demonstrated in this video is omote, ura, omote, shita, nodo (or omote if practicing without men and trying... Continue Reading →
Training basics: Tankendo: Do tsuki
Do tsuki is the first strike I learned in tankendo - a very straightforward thrust to the centre of the opponent's torso. From naore to chudan no kamae The movement to go into kamae is done in two smooth motions. You start with the tanken in your left hand which is resting lightly down... Continue Reading →