Sequential Breakdown of the Small Men-Uchi (小さい面打ち)

This article delves into the sequential breakdown of the small men-uchi (small strike to the head) – also referred to as chiisai men-uchi (小さい面打ち) or a sharp, fast men (鋭く早い面) [Ichiki_MenUchi].  Visual examples of this strike can be

Advertisement

A Reminder to Myself: Chew, Chew, Chew, . . .

This is a self-reflection and reminder for myself on the value of chewing.

The Alexander Technique – Quotes and Resources

I had no idea of the Alexander Technique until two Alexander Technique teachers (H. and M.) described this to me a few years ago.  Thanks to them and their periodic comments on the Alexander Technique,

Quotes on Surrender and Acceptance

Here’s a small collection of quotes on surrender and acceptance in the following sections:

Self-Inquiry and “Who Am I?” – Quotes and Resources

Photographed near Lake Poway in Poway, CA, in the Spring of 2020.

This is a companion article to [KendoNotes_Awareness] on “awareness.”  It is a compilation of quotes and resources on an approach to awakening, heijoushin (平常心),

On Grieving, Dying and Living – Quotes and Resources

A flower in bloom in La Jolla, CA, Aug 2020.

Two fathers of adult members of the dojo have passed away.  One, ten days ago in his sleep.  A kind, soft-spoken and gentle figure who would visit regularly to watch his two

Really Seeing the Opponent and the Opportunities to Strike – Part 3: In Slow Motion

In “Part 2: Reflections,” I described the recollection of perceiving a strike come towards me as if in slow motion during keiko in at least one rare instance.  This reminded me of

Awareness and Who is this ‘I’? – Quotes and Resources

What you’re looking for is that which is looking. – St. Francis d’Assisi

Watercolor by Taylor, Jan. 2020.

Thanks to meditation and many teachers, this mind has come to a growing realization.  That meditation, zazen and aspects such as peace (平常心, heijoushin), freedom from

On Setbacks and the Pain of Suffering – Quotes and Resources

Carved sand by the water’s edge.

Life seems to present varying degrees of setbacks and suffering.  While taking a brief walk outdoors between shinpan duties at the 2018 U.S. Junior Nationals Championships, I