Striking with the Legs and Near-Instant Hikitsuke (引き付け) for Sharp Strikes – Yamauchi Sensei

This article expands on an earlier article “Synchronizing the Strike with the hikitsuke (引き付け) [KendoNotes_SynchHikitsuke].  It is based on the teachings of Yamauchi Masayuki (Kyoshi 8 Dan) 山内

Sequential Breakdown of the Small Men-Uchi (小さい面打ち)

This article looks into the sequential breakdown of the small men-uchi (small strike to the head) – also referred to as chiisai men-uchi (小さい面打ち) or a sharp, fast men (鋭く早い面) [Ichiki_MenUchi].  Visual

Games for Kids Big and Small Learning Kendo

Playful art by Mimi in 2021.

As described in the article “Resources for Teaching Children Kendo” [KendoNotes ResourcesKids], one of the best ways for kids big and small to learn kendo is to play games.  Not just any games but those that

A Story on Releasing Tension from the Shoulder to Produce Crisp Strikes

I saw first hand this week the potency of releasing the tension in the shoulders for striking.

A Reminder to Myself: Chew, Chew, Chew, . . .

This is a self-reflection and reminder for myself on the value of chewing.

A Story on the Transformational Power of Kirikaeshi (切り返し)

Many years ago, I had the opportunity to attend the early morning practices at the Tokyo Police keishicho (警視庁) tokuren (特練) dojo at Shinkiba (新木場) as a visitor.*  I remember the day that I first saw a new

Ten Habits for Health (健康十訓)

Here’s a set of ten habits (precepts, lessons, guidelines) for health from Japanese literature which also adorn tea mugs and posters [aretan_健康十訓].   The translation is provided first and followed by the

The Alexander Technique – Quotes and Resources

I had no idea of the Alexander Technique until two Alexander Technique teachers (H. and M.) described this to me a few years ago.  Thanks to them and their periodic comments on the Alexander Technique,

The Kensaki as a Floating Log (浮木)

This article is on how to manage the the shinai tip (kensaki 剣先) when in chuudan kamae against another in chuudan kamae.  It relates to how to “win” the center with the kensaki given that the kensaki of