Missing More Kendo

Practicing 2 or 3 times a week by myself. I've been practicing short controlled stikes without any wasted movement. It's hard to tell if it is effective without a partner. If anyone has time and is available to practice at random time in Indianapolis, just let me know. My life has changed with kendo, as it should. Kendo is the way of the sword and it is a lifestyle.

Jogging Stats

3.5 Miles

9.15 36m.53s 5.69mph
9.19 33.27 6.28mph
9.26 33.3 6.35mph
9.30 30.3 6.89mph
10.7 30.53 6.80mph
10.13 30.12 6.95mph

Recent Activities

In class We're being taught to make a decision. Envision how we want our Kendo to be be before we practice. I get the impression that Hiro Sensei doesn't approve much of 'young' Kendo. He always refers to watching 8th dans, by which do not practice 'young' Kendo. This has been my focus for the past week. Small strikes, that are forward, powerful and to the point. No extra movement, no dodging to not get hit. Forwardness and strength.

An interesting question that I brought to Sensei. Is it acceptable to go to the gym and train for kendo. His reply seemed to be yes. What I have always heard from him was not to treat Kendo like a sport. So going to the gym to be better at kendo rides that line very closely. But, I have a better understanding of Kendo now that my body is able to complete the techniques necessary for the art.

I've managed to begin running. I have never been much of a runner, never more then a mile. Sometime last month I decided to go out. I managed to run 3.5miles in about 36mins. Though this may not seem like a lot for 'runners' but for me this is phenomenal. I've been running at least once a week since then, with our dog sam, and we have managed to bring the 3.5 miles into a 30m23s time. My goal here is to get under 30m and then increase the distance.

No luck on Kyudo practice. I keep trying though. I looked up the cost of the equipment and it totals around $700.00.

Kyudo

For some reason I am getting Highly interested in attempting Kyudo if Master Park would have me. I can't explain the itch but I'm being more drawn to it as the days go on.



I've never really been interested in Archery but this is different. Master Park only practices on Saturdays from what I understand, I wonder if I can manage having Saturdays off..... and Megan wouldn't mind.

G'day to you all,

On 9/11, we will have a joint practice of ECUSKF in Indianapolis.
For detail, please read below.

It is a good chance to practice with or see people with high grade,
so please do come and practice.

If you cannot practice in bogu, you can practice kata.
Also watching is a great way of learning too.

Venue: Mudokwan

8230 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46219-6816

Time Schedule

1:00 ~ 1:30 PM “Kata” Practice <- Bring boku-to

1:30 ~ 3:00 PM General Practice

After Practice

We will probably get together at some (Korean?) restaurant following Park sensei.

Looking forwards to seeing you at the Joint Practice.

The latest

Sensei said I am doing well, 'that is why I don't say much to you.' I get that, I understand. I'm not like some who need a pat on the back every few minutes to keep me going. Just don't let me do it wrong.

On Friday it was Hiro Sensei and myself. That is the first time it has happened. He said 'I knew someone would show up.' Indeed I did. As I've been referred as before, I am like a rock! Yes, I can count on one had the number of times I've missed kendo, and why. It is my dedication outside of responsibilities. I would probably find another job for the sole reason of not being able to attend kendo. I can't explain it other then it is my nonobligatory dedication.

Kata was the focus of Friday. I know sensei pushed hard to be able to practice with me. He didn't show it but I knew. I appreciated it, It is not every day that you get a one of one hour lesson of kata with a 5th dan sensei. He taught the 8th and 9th katas as well, at least it was a general introduction. I am by no means ready for them but I know some insight to them. It was the most beneficial kata practice I had ever had. I am very appreciative of that.

Sensei is having surgery on his shoulder the 13th... he will be out for sure 6 weeks and will be able to start light recoup after that time. I think he will still be at classes to direct us be will not be able to show us anything himself. We will have to listen with great detail.

I am trying to get into practicing iaido again. I have no instructor but I am trying. Other then books and small tidbits from Hiro, I am looking like a very white fool swinging a katana. So far, I am focusing on the initial draw of the sword, that is it. One step at a time.

Sinpan Seminar

To all ECUSKF members:

The annual Sinpan (Referee) Seminar is coming soon. This referee seminar should be meaningful for not only high rank kendoist but also kendoist at any level. We are looking forward to seeing you all.

Date: Saturday, August 21, 2010

Location: Ohio State University RPAC (Recreation & Physical Activity Center)

Room: Multipurpose Room A200 for seminar, Dave Griner Room for lunch break

Address: (Building 246) 337 W 17th Ave Columbus, OH 43210 http://www.osu.edu/map/building.php?building=246

Instructor: Koki Ariga sensei, 7 Dan (Referee of the World Kendo Championship in 2003, 2006, and 2009)

Seminar Fee: Free

Timetable:

10:00 pm Room Open

10:15 am ~ 12:15 pm Check Rules & Regulations, QA

12:15 pm ~ 1:00 pm Lunch break

1:00 pm ~ 3:00 pm Referee practice for 3 Dan and above, Simulation match by others

3:00 pm ~ 3:45 pm Joint practice

4:00 pm Room Close

Lunch: Please bring by yourself