This article is inspired by the challenge of learning and teaching kendo over on-line video calls in this era of COVID-19. It is a collection of metaphors and visuals intended to help convey the mechanics of kendo in the Continue reading
For Beginners, For Kids
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
Teaching Kids – Boundaries, Models and the Child Whisperer
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 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
Witnessing a Transformation in the Demeanor of a Child in Kendo
The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled. – Plutarch
I recently witnessed something quite astonishing. The demeanor of a young child, who had been learning kendo for at least several years, changed remarkably during a Continue reading
A Neat Way to Teach and Learn Suri-Ashi – For Beginners and Kids
This article is intended as an aid for those either teaching or learning suri-ashi at the dojo where I practice at and elsewhere. Continue reading
Resources for Teaching Children Kendo
Some instructors, parents and myself are preparing to start kendo classes specifically for children. To facilitate that, I have compiled a list of resources that I’ve found so far in Continue reading
Tips for Beginners and Common Issues
Here’s some tips for the beginners at the dojo where I practice in two parts on: 1) Mindset and Self-care and 2) The Mechanics of Kendo. They are based on commonly Continue reading
Resources for Beginners
I compiled a list of videos and written resources below for the beginners at the dojo where I practice and for all those new to kendo. They cover a wide range of topics: Continue reading