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

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

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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

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

Zau sensei doing suburi on the Potato Chip Rock at Mt. Woodson in San Diego. Probably a first ever on that ledge.

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

Relative Grip Strengths – References (Part 5)