In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.


Tsubazeriai.

Another kendo post.

Last night was the first official training where we beginners had jigeiko (free practice/sparring). Many, many things pointed out to me and many I found out for myself.

Things I managed okay on my level of kendo:
* Posture, dignity, confidence, composed - kigurai.
* Relatively cooperative.
* Fair maintenance of kamae.

Things I need to do better:
* Cut with accuracy!
* Cutting is one action, not two. For example in tobikobi men, there should be no pause between raising up the shinai and cutting downwards. It should be executed as one movement.
* Pay attention to maai! Either go into tsubazeriai/taiatari position or back to at least chudan no kamae.
* No matter what, attacking is better than retreating.
* For keiko, pull shinai higher when swinging upwards before cutting down. Use big waza. Do proper kihon cuts.
* Faster ashi, needed more so for nuki-do.
* When doing ni-dan waza, remember to fumi-komi for each cut.
* Faster recognition of opponent's suki.
* Stop thinking about doing a debana men all the time.
* Pay attention to the our kote - don't let it open unintentionally.

Last night, when facing off with Caleb in jigeiko, every time he does gedan no kamae, I have no idea of knowing what to do. So by default I did men cuts, and he always ends up doing a tsuki on me.

How would I attack an opponent when he/she is in gedan no kamae? I was pondering on this question the whole night through. The only answer I can find is to go for his/her kote, but I can't be sure. Or should I respond to his tsuki with uchiotoshi waza?

Ad Majorem dei Gloriam