“Ssssss-Tong” – Inspired by Komeda Toshiro (Kyoshi 8 Dan) and Nakamura (7 Dan)

This article is for the beginners at the dojo who are learning fumikomi and, of course, anyone who might benefit from it (including myself).  It is inspired by the teachings of both Komeda Toshiro (Kyoshi 8 dan) during his recent “AUSKF 8 Dan Tour” visit to

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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 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

Extending the Life of the Shinai (竹刀)

This a brief article on some ways to help extend the life of the shinai (the bamboo sword) for the beginners at the dojo I practice at and all who find that their shinai‘s do not last long.   I present a short version and a

Synchronizing the Strike with the Hikitsuke (引き付け)

This article is intended for those, like me, who may find it difficult to strike, with power and consistency, the small men-uchi (小さい面打ち as demonstrated at 0:15 of [RemaKendo SmallMenUchi]).  It covers: some Background explaining the impetus of this

A Fun Way to Teach Kids – Using Booboos

This article describes a “fun” approach to teaching kids in general and kendo specifically.  It is an approach that I use from time to time that seems quite effective.

Metaphors and Visuals to Help Learn and Teach Kendo

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

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.

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