Ten Habits for Health (健康十訓)

Here’s a set of ten habits (precepts, lessons, guidelines) for health from Japanese literature which also adorn tea mugs and posters [aretan_健康十訓].   The translation is provided first and followed by the

For Beginners – Some Ways to Help Prevent Foot Blisters

This article is for the beginners at the dojo where I practice at who often develop blisters on the feet and, in particular, the rear foot (typically the left foot).  I, too, remember

From Over-eating to Intuitive Eating

A student asked for advice related to eating.  He was struggling with over-eating and its associated complications to his weight, health and ability to do kendo.

Resources for Beginners

I compiled a list of videos and written resources below for the beginners at the dojo where I practice and for all those new to kendo.  They cover a wide range of topics:

Ways to Relax Tight Shoulders (肩の力を抜いて!)

Some fellow members at the dojo where I practice have asked about ways to relax tight shoulder muscles.  What follows is my journey in this area and ways I have explored

Ways to Check and Improve One’s Posture for Kamae and Well-Being

Posture (shisei 姿勢) is an important ingredient of a strong and beautiful kamae – which, in turn, is a prerequisite for the “execution of correct technique (and thus ‘beautiful’ kendo) [Kenshi247_Kamae].”

Body Maintenance for Kendo – Deep-Tissue Self-Massage Therapy

When I was younger, I did not appreciate the value of stretching, warming up or massage therapy.  Now I do.  My muscles may remain tight for a day or more after a