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 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

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)

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

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

From a distance I thought this was a twig.  What a camouflage!  Aug 2020.

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

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)

Drawing and edamame dumbbells by Ophie and Tomoe, Jan 2020.

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