Striking with the Legs and Near-Instant Hikitsuke (引き付け) for Sharp Strikes – Yamauchi Sensei

This article expands on an earlier article “Synchronizing the Strike with the hikitsuke (引き付け) [KendoNotes_SynchHikitsuke].  It is based on the teachings of Yamauchi Masayuki (Kyoshi 8 Dan) 山内

Sequential Breakdown of the Small Men-Uchi (小さい面打ち)

Stairway “in” heaven 🙂

This article looks into the sequential breakdown of the small men-uchi (small strike to the head) – also referred to as chiisai men-uchi (小さい面打ち) or a sharp, fast men (鋭く早い面) [Ichiki_MenUchi].  Visual

Resources on Gyaku-Dou (逆胴)

Here is a small collection of resources on striking gyaku-dou (also referred to as hidari dou) for students at the dojo, where I practice at and to all who are interested in learning how to do gyaku-dou.   It is a useful

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

Men Kaeshi-Dou (面返し胴) – Quotes and Resources

Here is a collection of quotes and resources (in terms of  articles and videos) on the Men Kaeshi-Dou (面返し胴)  technique.  This collection will likely grow as I discover more.

Forward Heel Action for the “Stomp” in Fumikomi

There are probably multiple ways to teach and learn how the forward foot contacts the floor in the “stomp” portion of the fumikomi.  That part of the fumikomi where the forward foot forcefully hits the floor.  For

Relaxing the Right Arm – Benefits, Tips and Gunslingers

This article is on an issue that I pay close attention to for myself (as described later) and for others at the dojo where I practice at:  a “tight” right arm.  I see it often among the

Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-Waza Keiko-Ho (木刀による剣道基本技稽古法) – Tips to Help Memorize Their Order, Notes and Resources

I wrote this article as an aid for me to learn the “Practice Methods of Basic Kendo Techniques with a bokuto (wooden sword)” (木刀による剣道基本技稽古法) developed by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF). 

Kirikaeshi and “Large, Strong, Fast, Light (大強速軽)” – from a Seminar by Kamei Sensei

Here’s a brief summary of pointers from a portion of a Southern Californian Kendo Federation (SCKF) seminar given by Kamei Toru (Hanshi 8 dan) back in 2012 at Torrance, California in this 12:16 min video [Kamei Kiri-Kaeshi].  It is on the topic of kiri-kaeshi (切り返し)