Walking as if Kissing the Earth – for a Shinkansen-like Fumikomi and Seme

A member of the dojo where I practice at asked me to teach her a particular form of fumikomi and seme that I sometimes use.  The form is described in detail by Nakamura

Advertisements

The Chassé for Strengthening the Fumikomi – A Tribute to John Yamamoto Sensei

This article has a twofold purpose.  It describes a ballet technique, known as the chassé, which can serve as an exercise to strengthen (and develop) one’s fumikomi in kendo. 

Relative Grip Strengths – Between the Hands and Digits (Overview)

A lecture video by Takumi Chikamoto (Kyoshi 7th dan) [Chikamoto Lecture], forwarded to me by a sensei, prompted this article.  A common pitfall in kendo is the under-use of

Relative Grip Strength – Why Emphasize the Left Hand? (Part 1)

There’s a brief video which addresses this question nicely.  It is entitled “A Talk on Why Right-Handed Hits are Not Good” (なぜ剣道では右手打ちがダメなのかというお話し)

Relative Grip Strengths – in Brief (Part 2)

This is a brief summary of teachings and recommendations on the relative grip strengths for the hands and digits.

Relative Grip Strengths – in Detail (Part 3)

This is a detailed survey of teachings on the relative grip strengths of the hands and digits.  A measurement analysis of grip pressure over time during a strike by a kenshi is

Relative Grip Strengths – Exercises to Improve Shinai Control (Part 4)

I list a few exercises below to help improve shinai control – focusing on the left hand and digits.   A firm understanding of the ideal grips described in Part 2 (in brief) and