A Paper Napkin and Saving $50M – Deautomization and Getting Unstuck

When aware, we are no longer robots. – Young, KendoNotes

Here’s two stories on the topic of deautomization and getting unstuck from automated patterns of behaviors: one about a paper napkin and a second on saving 50 million

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Witnessing a Transformation in the Demeanor of a Child in Kendo

I recently witnessed something quite astonishing.  The demeanor of a young child, who had been learning kendo for at least several years, changed remarkably during a

Kiai, Presence and the Second Circle

A few days ago, I witnessed a remarkable change in the kiai of a longtime fellow dojo member.  Until that day, for as many years as I can remember, her kiai had sounded

On Fire in Shiai – An Anecdote on the Power of Music

An old memory came to mind while watching some of the snowboarding events in the recent 2018 Winter Olympics.  I noticed how some of the athletes would rhythmically

Kyudo and Kendo – “How Can They Be Identical?”

This is a story of a learning experience I had, among many, thanks to a professor and teacher, Yokoyama Naoya (横山直也) sensei, years ago when I was a student in Japan.

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