This is a self-reflection and reminder for myself on the value of chewing. Continue reading
Body Maintenance & Development
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 Continue reading
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, Continue reading
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. Continue reading
Bottled Rice – a Home-Made Bokuto to Help Develop Tenouchi

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. Continue reading
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, Continue reading
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- Continue reading
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 Continue reading
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 Continue reading