14.09 Nowadays, we do lots of shiai practice – as this is the field I lack the most in, that’s really good. I have to repeat it to myself, as I’m trying to build up my jigeiko confidence. My lack of experience equals me usually thinking too low of myself, where actually I am able... Continue Reading →

10.09.2017 Sunday – another day without training, though not without sticks, apparently. Ewa and Simon went down to Shubukan dojo in Itami to practice Tendō-ryū, an ancient budo that is really fascinating, but unbelievably complex, as it includes an array of weapons and techniques. I was truly hypnotized by those several ladies (plus two white... Continue Reading →

07.09.2017 Today we’ve welcomed a guest to our training, Simon’s sister, Claudia. I always admire all the people who really want to try something new – even if it involves wearing heavy clothes (and armour) and stabbing people in awful humidity that turns everything damp and stinky. As she was working with Terada sensei, we’ve... Continue Reading →

03.09.2017 We went to Nara and we weren’t the only ones that had the idea to go there that day. Japanese Crown Prince (plus his fan club and lots of police) were also there, which influenced our sightseeing plans a lot. Nevertheless, I managed to get voluntarily molested by the famous deer, seen the sixteen-metre... Continue Reading →

31.08.2017 The last day of the summer holidays in Poland – hard to imagine that while I’m happily stuck at the other end of the world, where, for all this glorious time, I could forget that warm clothes exist. I am totally aware of the fact that I’m going to suffer so much in October,... Continue Reading →

27.08.2017 Sunday – training. Yay! Today we went to Gifu to train with a local jukendo club. You read it right, finally there were some more people than sensei and us. Plus I could witness some kiddies doing jukendo, and although they were just beginning, I can easily predict that they will be awesome in... Continue Reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →