Monday 15 November 2010

Beginner's Course Week 5

Hi all,
A short update this time as most of what was covered on Monday has been described in detail in previous entries! This week was focussed on the coordination between the arms and the body.

Suburi
These are the practice cuts that are done at the beginning of every practice, and are very useful to practice on your own. For these to be more useful than just building up strength, treat each swing as a proper cut. Bear in mind the form and coordination, instead of just doing them rote and going through the motions. Use the chance to improve your technique and movements. For a previous entry on this blog, which describes different types of suburi, click on the header.

Ki Ken Tai no Icchi
This is the timing for which the sword (ken), body (tai) and spirit (ki) all arrive at the same time. This is a requirement for a cut to be valid in kendo and will need to be adjusted throughout your time practicing kendo, as different parts of your body grow stronger or faster, or you correct your footwork and posture. Hence, regularly check if your kiai, fumikomi and shinai impact on the target are hitting at the same time. Again, click on the header for the previous blog entry on ki ken tai no icchi.

See you all Monday!

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