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

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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 inches forward

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

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

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

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