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

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

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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,

Somatics for Chronic Shoulder and Neck Tension Relief – Videos

This article lists some Somatics exercise videos (below) to release chronic muscle tension in the shoulder and neck areas and to experience (hopefully) long term and lasting relief.

Bottled Rice – a Home-Made Bokuto to Help Develop Tenouchi

A compact home-made bokuto.

A beginner asked for suggestions on exercises he could do between practices some time ago.  Given the current COVID-19 situation and the shelter-at-home order in many places worldwide, I thought an article on this could be useful.

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

I was recently reminded of a “technique” from the 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,

The Achilles Tendon – Ways to Help Protect It

This article is about ways to take care of the Achilles tendon.  According to the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF), among all the injuries that occur in kendo, Achilles tendon-

For Beginners – Some Ways to Help Prevent Foot Blisters

This article is for the beginners at the dojo where I practice at who often develop blisters on the feet and, in particular, the rear foot (typically the left foot).  I, too, remember

Plyometrics for Speed and Strength Development in Kendo

The producer of Bokushingu’s Kendo TV kindly introduced me to plyometrics several years ago.  I had wanted to increase the speed and strength in my footwork and koshi