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 (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 →
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 →
Aichi Teams Match – Chuuken
Commentary by Simon Larsen Ewa is really good at maintaining constant pressure and doing kaeshi (returning strikes) techniques. I find kaeshi techniques are really annoying, it means I have to get away from her after a successful strike so much faster and with maintained covering against her. I believe it is entirely possible in tankendo... Continue Reading →
Aichi Teams Match – Senpo
Commentary by Simon Larsen I have a better win ratio in the teams than the individuals, especially if I play in the first position (senpo). As far as I am aware the psychology of going first is not so much to win but to set a good mood for your team i.e. if you lose... Continue Reading →
Emily’s Starter Kata guide: Tanken tai To
Disclaimer: these kata descriptions are the authors own interpretations of the patterns are based on the AJJF videos and the written descriptions from Kendo World articles. Some of the terminology may not be 100% accurate but is intended more to help in visualise positioning based on basic strike knowledge. Any errors lie with the author... Continue Reading →
Emily’s Starter Kata guide: Mokuju tai to
Disclaimer: these kata descriptions are the authors own interpretations of the patterns are based on the AJJF videos and the written descriptions from Kendo World articles. Some of the terminology may not be 100% accurate but is intended more to help in visualise positioning based on basic strike knowledge. Any errors lie with the author... Continue Reading →
Emily’s Starter Kata guide: Mokuju tai tanken
Disclaimer: these kata descriptions are the authors own interpretations of the patterns are based on the AJJF videos and the written descriptions from Kendo World articles. Some of the terminology may not be 100% accurate but is intended more to help in visualise positioning based on basic strike knowledge. Any errors lie with the author... Continue Reading →
Emily’s Starter Kata guide: Tanken tai tanken
Disclaimer: these kata descriptions are the authors own interpretations of the patterns are based on the AJJF videos and the written descriptions from Kendo World articles. Some of the terminology may not be 100% accurate but is intended more to help in visualise positioning based on basic strike knowledge. Any errors lie with the author... Continue Reading →