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 Continue reading
Mechanics
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 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)” developed by the All Japan Kendo Federation Continue reading
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) Continue reading
Hikitsuke (the Quick Follow-up of the Rear Foot) in Fumikomi – Some Pointers and Videos
This article highlights some pointers and videos on a fundamental component of fumikomi known as hikitsuke (引付) – courtesy of a number of sensei’s. An experimental Continue reading
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. Where my right foot and body slides forward Continue reading
The Chassé for Strengthening the Hikitsuke – 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 one’s hikitsuke (the fast follow-up of the Continue reading
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. I found the video very informative and helpful Continue reading
Relative Grip Strength – Why Emphasize the Left Hand? (Part 1)
A common pitfall in kendo is the under-use of the left hand and over-use of the right hand [KendoInfo LeftHand] [KendoInfo RightHand]. You may have heard many sensei‘s Continue reading
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. Continue reading