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

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

Tips for Beginners and Common Issues

Here’s some tips for the beginners at the dojo where I practice in two parts on:  1) Mindset and Self-care and 2) The Mechanics of Kendo.  They are based on commonly

Ways to Relax Tight Shoulders (肩に力を抜いて!)

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