Yamaoka Tesshu – the Swordsman, Calligrapher and Zen Teacher

Thanks to a fellow kendo dojo member, I recently started reading the life story of Yamaoka Tesshu (山岡 鉄舟, 1836-1888), a master swordsman, calligrapher and Zen

Teaching Kids – Boundaries, Models and the Child Whisperer

Drawing by Ophie, Jan 2020.

At a local community center, I came across a sports teacher who seems to have a way with little kids (pre-kindergarten usually).  I call him the “Child Whisperer.”*  Whenever

The “Whispered Ah” – for Calmness, Muscle Relaxation and the Posture

I was recently reminded of an Alexander Technique known as the “Whispered Ah” – developed primarily for those in the performing arts [Josefsberg Breathing] [Dias WhisperedAh, p. 4] [Breaking WhisperedAh].   It is a very simple technique that initiates,

Shinsa (Promotional Exam) Resources

Here are resources on promotional grading in kendo referred to as shinsa (審査) and organized as follows:

Self-Inquiry and “Who Am I?” – Quotes and Resources

This is a companion article to [KendoNotes_Awareness] on “awareness.”  It is a compilation of quotes and resources on an approach to awakening, heijoushin (平常心),

Anger as a Gift and Alarm – Enriching Our Relationships and Life

This article is on the “Anger Management” aspect of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) by Marshall Rosenberg.  Thanks to a recommendation from a family member, I recently read:

Relaxing the Right Arm – Benefits, Tips and Gunslingers

This article is on an issue that I pay close attention to for myself (as described later) and for others at the dojo where I practice at.  It is a tight right arm.  I see it often among the