Suburi Basics

UG told me that when I do Suburi, I should not make it in 2 separate motions but one overall motion.

When I do Suburi, (1) I raise up my Shinai, (2) then swing for Men.
For many people including myself, this one Suburi actually consists of two motions.

But, this one Suburi should consist of one overall, natural, smooth, whole motion. Not two.

Against a Tight Opponent

I was talking to SPC after the practice.
I said that it's hard to go through some opponent b/c they're so tight after their attacks.
(So, I can hardly pass through them)

SPC said that I should try to go through them.

Also, he gave me another tip on playing against those tight opponent.
I lead them to open up by ... (ah, so hard to explain in words) ...
pressing them. When you press them (their shinai), their reaction is to come right back at it.
Then, you attack the openings.

Stomping

(I don't know the words for this technique)

My stomping doesn't seem right.

When I stomp and the floor does make a big sound, then my heal hurts.

But, when I try to do the proper stomping, the floor does not make the big sound.

I know that I should jump toward the opponent as if I'm gonna step on his toe.
That should give my body's weight shift and should give the natural stomping.

But, for some reason it's not happening. I should work on this.

Small Kote-Men

During the basic practice yesterday,
I was doing Ai-Kote-Men against KN sensei.
(Ai-Kote-Men is a Waza where the opponent attack my Kote, but I attack his Kote-Men right at the same time)

To do that, I had to do the small Kote-Men.
KN sensei said that my Kote-Men should use my shoulders and be natural (and smooth).
(It's really hard to describe in words. I'll get back on this topic later. I'll probably have to draw or something)

From now on, I'm gonna have to work on this. Also, watch KN sensei's Kote-Men carefully.

Things to work on

1. Stepping back right before the attack.
UG mentioned that my left foot steps back right before the opponent attack.
It must be something that I'm not even aware of. I should watch out for it next time.

2. More Zanshin.
NG said that after the strike, we should have more Zanshin and go faster.
He said that's why UG makes us to do so many Suri-ashi (for the Zanshin after the attack).
After the strike, I probably used up half of my energy that it's really hard to bring myself to do faster Zanshin. But, I should work on this.

3. Breaking the fear.
During the keiko w/ KN sensei, he got me a good Tsuki. After that, I was so afraid that I couldn't go forward. All my attacks stopped in the middle. I should break that fear.

Being a Good Senpai

I think CMKD did well today. Alex, Bennette, Louie and Matsumoto fought hard in younger Kyu group. (I didn't get to watch any adult group)

Seeing other dojos (especially Torrance, OCB, Cypress, etc.), I felt that I must be a good senpai to be a good example for our dojo's young kenshis.

I'm not good enough. I should try hard to be a good example for them and help them to improve in proper Kendo.

Advice from SPC

I talked to SPC at the SCKF Tournament.

I asked him what I should do to fix my habit of blocking. He said that blocking is not good. He suggested few methods:
1. When I practice against little kids, I know for sure that I can beat him because they're slower and I can see them completely (I can see all the moves and their whole body b/c they're so small). If I can see them coming to attack, then try my counter-attack Wazas. Also, practice my Seme and Waza on them. THEN, take that to a higher level opponents. I should be able to see them as well.

2. He also said that, first, I should try to see them coming. If I see them then attack, it's already too late. I must 'feel' them coming. (UG mentioned this many times, too) I really didn't know what this meant. But, I had few instances when I could 'feel' that the opponent was going to attack (certain target too). I don't know how to explain this, but I could just 'feel' it. (I'll try to work on it and explain further once I get the grasp of it)
Once I practice 'seeing' them coming in, then try to 'feel' them coming in. He said that the ultimate goal is to feel them coming in even before they attack (and do my counter-attack).

3. I told him that when I tried to keep my Kamae (and not block), the tip of my Kamae often slips off from the opponent's Do and the opponent hits a valid Men. He said that if I'm not keeping a straight Kamae, it's my fault. I should not try to force blocking the opponent by holding a strong Kamae (hard to explain but I often try to point at Tsuki to make the opponent's Men invalid), but my Kamae should be in the center and aim the tip to his Tsuki.

Go CMKD!!!

This Sunday is SCKF Championship.

Go CMKD!!!

Still Apart

After the Shiyai keiko, UG commented that my feet are still too far apart. He said that I should bring the left foot up closer.

Considering that today was Shiyai keiko, it probably affected my mind so that I was more concentrating on getting points than focusing on the proper Kendo.

I should keep this in mind.

Block the Tendency to Block - Part 2

During the Circle Shiyai,
Me and Mr. Yang were the first two to play.
I started w/ a loud Kiyai, but as soon as he came in,
I raised both my arms up to block, then he hit my Kote.
It ended really quick.

I should really work on that tendency to block.

Circle Shiyai

After the shiyai keiko, UG had us all gather around as a circle, then 2 people played for a point in the middle. As soon as the winner gets the point, another person can jump in and attack the winnder right away. (and losers would stay out)

In the beginning, people were kinda hesistant to go in, but people started to get the feel of it and started to jump in as soon as the loser was determined. We did it for 3 times.

It was really fun!

Mind for Shiyai

This Sunday is SCKF tournament, so we did Shiyai keiko today.
After observing my shiyai keiko, Richard made a comment. He said that he saw some good valid points, but since I stopped in the middle of the attack, I didn't get the points.

It was a good feed back because I constantly forget that I become timid during the shiyai.
When there's points at stake, my mind gets affected and it affects my body and technique. I stop in the middle of the attack to quickly block the opponent's counter attack, etc.
I should free my mind.

Being natural, neutral, and free mind, I believe that that is a mind for kendo.
(Point is, I should loosen up and relax...and go for it....as UG always said...)

Block the Tendency to Block

Today, while doing keiko w/ Mr. Yang, he got my Kote many times.

When he came to attack Men, I had this tendency to raise my arms up to block it.

So, Mr. Yang came to attack as if he was hitting my Men but slightly turning to the side thus hitting the exact spot where my Kote would be (after raising my arms up to block).

Once he got my Kote like that, I was reluctant to raise my arms to block his attack.

Then, he attacked my Men (thus hitting the valid points).

Good strategy and good Waza for him.

As for me, I should stop that tendency to block.
(But attack or do something...)

Tsuba-Zeriyai Like a Standing Wall

During today's keiko w/ NG, I hit his Men (but missed), then, as I ran into him,
I almost was knocked down by his Tsuba-Zeriyai (standing straight w/ Shinai right in front of the face).

From my own (limited) experience, when I run into the opponent after the strike, I could easily bounce back and would do straight Tsuba-Zeriyai w/ the opponent (standing face to face). Then, slowly move back to Kamae.

However, I was shocked by how firm and strong NG stood and he stood straight doing Tsuba-Zeriyai. Then, as he slowly pushed me back, I couldn't stop but had to move back no matter how hard I tried to push him away. It was like trying to push against a moving wall (that's slowly coming toward me).

After the practice, I asked NG how he does Tsuba-Zeriyai. He said that he puts his weight on the lower body, bending his legs a little. I tried to follow that but couldn't quite grasp it.

I'll try to practice it and learn more from him, then post my progress as I go.

p.s. I mispelled Tsuba-Zeriyai, too! I thought it was Tsuba-Zeri. I'll correct it from now on.

Importance of Basics

(This posting is for my own reference and for the readers who skip the comments -- just in case)

SPC mentioned in comment that the best thing for improvement is to focus on the basics:
1. Suri-ashi
2. Suburi
3. Uchikomi (being paired up w/ Motodachi and practicing the basics)

Those of us who have been in CMKD long enough will realize that we emphasize a lot on the basics. I think that is important for Kendo and every aspects of our lives as well.

*I've been misspelling Suri-ashi all this time?! ah...so embarassing...hahaha. I'll correct it from here on. ;p

Improvement

Today, SPC, UG, KN, and SHRKU sensei all showed positive impression about my kendo.
I could imply that my kendo has improved a little bit.
(though many things to correct)

I had a little chat w/ Mr. Yang after the practice.
He said that I practice hard these days and that I have been improving (and few of my problems have gotten better). That comment and the impression I got from the senseis were all good encouragement to me.

What I learned so far is that:
1. Attend practice consistently . Do practice at home everyday.
2. Give the best while practicing.
3. Be humble, Suppress your frustration and take the advice and learn it.
4. Constantly monitor your Kendo by asking people. Be open to any comments and advice, and work on it. Don't just go home after the practice. There's so many things that I learned from by simply seeking comments about my Kendo after the practice.
5. Do it right, do it slow, do it many. I have life time to learn Kendo.
6. Points are not important (except on the day of the shiyai). Good, Correct, Proper Kendo is very important.

Lastly... very fortunate to be a CMKD member. I'm very proud to have learned Kendo here and met all the senseis, senpais (and senpais who later became my senseis), and all the kenshis who are equal and below my rank.
(I know that this is how all kenshis feel about their dojo as well)

Going Forward

I felt pretty good during today's practice.
(Maybe, partly, because I skipped the first warm-ups and basic practices)

I thought that my major thing to correct was to going forward with proper form and force.
So, I tried to remember what UG taught me on Monday.
(Attack as if I'm gonna step on the opponent's toe)
When I did that, my attack became much solider and easier.

1. In Kamae, put equal balance on both feet.
HSKW sensei mentioned that, in Kamae, I put too much weight on my right leg (foot), so when I attack, my whole body leans forward and I can't move any further after just single attack. He said that my whole weight is forward (thus kinda leaning forward) then right before I attack, my body pulls back a little, then I attack, so the opponent can see that I'm coming in.

2. "Body" as one.

In reply to the above comment (which was translated by UG), I explained that I do the above because I put all my weight forward and stiffen my left leg as accumulating power for the spring to jump forward. UG said Ki-Ken-Tai (Spirit-Sword-Body) must go forward all at once. He said it's "Body" not just legs, so "don't try to use only your leg." Good point.

3. Tsuriyashi
SHRKU sensei said I should still work on my Tsuriyashi. He said smaller and faster Tsuriyashi is better. Today, during the keiko, I noticed myself hopping like a horse after the attack.
I think that smaller and faster Tsuriyashi requires much more leg muscles and workout.
My calves already have gotten huge and my thighs got bigger, too. I know this because the pair of jeans that used to fit me (it's kina narrower leg jeans) not fit very tight so I can't wear them.

4. Waza then Forward.
During the keiko w/ SHRKU sensei, he came for my Kote, so I raised both my arms and hit his Men then went backward (as if I was finishing off Tayatari-Men). SPC observed this and told me not to go backward after doing Waza. Always go forward after Waza. The only time I should go backward is after Tsuba-Zeri.

5. Relax, Don't Panic.
After observing my keiko w/ Mr. Yang, UG said that I should be more relaxed and make it more natural. He said that when I see an opening, I'm rushing into it. He told me to be natural and go forward smoothly.

6. Seeing the whole.
I had shiyai keiko w/ MGM. She got me a good Men. After the practice, we had a little discussion about what we observe during keiko. She said that I should see the whole opponent. If you see the whole opponent, then you can notice little habits and things that you can use to your advantage. For example, she said most people stand straight Kamae, but they step forward when they're about to attack. So, you can use this to your advantage (knowing that the opponent will attack now) to apply the counterattack.

7. Fast one step Men.
I had a good keiko w/ Mike Hs. W/in one step distance, he was amazingly fast and got almost all my Men. As for me, I tried couple of Seme Waza that SPC taught me. Kamae (then) Step backward and forward little to see the opening (then) step forward again as if just observing (then quickly) bring my Shinai to go under his Shinai and raise it up then attack Men. It worked once. Good Waza.

8. Solid Good Men as if Practice.
KN sensei let me hit the Men at the end of keiko w/ him. I did it all correctly w/out any pressure or anything. He said, "strike your Men just like that in keiko too." He later explained that my Men during keiko is little too shallow. I should hit it more solid.

9. Unbeatable KN sensei.
I did sam-bon (3 points) keiko w/ KN sensei.

Me: "YA!!!!!!!"

KN: (hits) Kote!!!

Me: (back to Kamae) "YA!!!!!!!!!"

KN: (hits) Men!!!

Me: (back to Kamae) YAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~~~~"

KN: (hits) Tsuki!!

Literally, I never even got to touch him... man!!

p.s. SHRKU sensei remembered my name! ;)

Learning by Watching

About a month ago, OLSN sensei mentioned to me that I can learn Kendo by watching other people play.

Yesterday, UG asked me if I could help out at the upcoming SCKF Tournament. Later by email, I said that I could help out.

He said that it'll be a good experience if I can watch the championship part of the tournament. He said that I should study other people's Kendo and take the good habits and posture from them and use it for myself. He also said that that's how he learned how to do stuff in Kendo.

*for non-CMKD members, UG sensei is CMKD's Head Instructor.

Lesson from Louie: Do!

Louie got my Do during last WED's shiyai practice.
Honestly, his Do was really good, and I never intended to give it to him.
After I got hit, I was shocked and amazed by his swiftness and clean technique.
I thought I should learn from him, so I practiced it and used it today. Indeed, it was good.

While in Kamae, step forward quickly (keeping Kamae), then go for Do (fast).
Key here is to keep the Kamae straight so the opponent does not know that you're going for the Do.
Also, make the step very quick.

Usually, intermediate kenshi's response would be to raise their arms to block their Men (expecting you to hit their Men). Thus their Do is wide open and you can go for Do.

I did that during the keiko w/ SHRKU sensei, and I did create the opening. (But, I didn't get the valid strike on Do cuz it was not solid enough and SHRKU sensei probably saw through my mind already thus obstructing my attack.)

Thanks! Louie sensei!
*for non-CMKD members, I'm 2-Dan and 30 yrs old. Louie is like 6 Kyu? and 9 yrs old? (still in elementary school)

One Good Strike!

Today, SHRKU sensei, TKHSH sensei, UG taught me various things to improve my Kendo.
I used to take each person's advice apart, tried to work on it one by one, but soon, my body would freeze during Kamae b/c I had like several things going on in my mind.

While talking to Spammy a while ago, he said that to draw a perfect circle is not to connect 1 tiny bits of lines by drawing them one by one (thus hoping to create the perfect circle), but to draw it once (fast) then try it again and again (thus creating more smooth circle).

So, I decided to relax (as UG always tells me) and just work on my Kendo overall.
I felt much better today.

From the things that people point out, I think that I should envision myself doing a good strike.
My whole body moving forward with straight posture and having a good big and fast swing.
With that in mind, people made the following comments:

1. Tsuriyashi (small fast steps).
SHRKU sensei said that my Tsuriyashi after a strike is someone awkward. He said that I cross my feet (and indeed I was), thus I was somewhat hopping like a horse (although not too bad?). After a strike, the left foot should NEVER cross the right foot, AND do the FAST Tsuriyashi.
SHRKU sensei said that even if you have a good swing and strike, if your Tsuriyashi is bad and slow, your Kendo will not look fast.

2. Smaller Swing
TKHSH sensei said that I should work on smaller and fast strike. He said that, during keiko, he could easily block my strike b/c he sees me coming in w/ both my arms way up. He showed me how to do it, but I cannot describe it w/ words here (I'll try to illustrate later). One thing to remember is that your right hand (holding Shinai) should be in front of your forehead.
(Also, I shall add what HSKW sensei, SPC and UG taught me, which is to move from your shoulder)
I should practice this.

3. Steps
Today, I learned something from UG that answered to something I've been wondering for a long time.
1) Adjust Distance with Subtle Steps Forward.
While doing Kamae, the distance btween me and the opponent is usually too far. Then, I should step forward, thus shortening the distance (also creating Seme).

2) Pushing Forward.
UG taught me and Richard how to Push Forward when we strike. He said to "jump toward your opponent as if you're gonna step on his toe." He told us this many times before, but today, I got to really work on it w/ Richard.
Also, UG said not to jump upward but jump Forward. (He illustrated example of swinging golf - hitting upward will make the ball to go up, hitting with driver from further distance with lower but larger swing will make the ball to go far away)

3) Swing from Shoulder
UG said not to stick out my arms just forward when striking, b/c it'll make:
1) only my upper body to stick out forward and lower body to lag behind (thus sticking out my butt and my left leg behind), AND
2) my strike to be shallow.
I should move my whole body to forward and strike from my shoulder.

Ways to Improve Stamina for Kendo Practice

(This posting is in connection w/ my comment on the blog right below this)

(Ironically) Today, after the basic practice, we did several sessions of Kakari-Keiko.
I held myself pretty well, but after about 4-5 sessions (I believe--seriously, I couldn't even remember how many), I started to feel nauseated and felt like throwing up.

I held it as much as I could, but I just couldn't keep it up. So, I excused myself, took off my Men, then ran to the restroom. (While I was taking off my Men hurriedly, UG called it the last one. Man! I wanted to finish that one off, too! ;p)

When I put my head on the toilet, I had a big burb (;p), then I felt little better.
I washed my mouth, then came back to the practice.

However, after 1 keiko, I felt sick again. So, I went back to the restroom. This time, I threw up a bit. (I won't go into details) I came back, then did Keiko again. UG asked me how I was, and I said that I felt little better after throwing up.

After that, I had a good practice today.

I thought about why I threw up today. This was second time I threw up during Kendo practice.
The first time was back when I was in college, when I went to Chuo Dojo (L.A.). It was the first time in a while because I had not been practicing for a long time AND I ate right before the practice.

But this time, I've been practicing regularly.
The reason could be most likely that my daily cycle is all messed up.
I sleep very late at night (like 4 a.m.) and get up at noon or later, my body is all messed up. Plus, I eat heavily at like 2 a.m. in the morning, too.

I'm constantly tired and stressed out (from studying), and I sleep late and eat late.

All these had weaken by body.

Even with regular practice, bad daily cycle and irregular eating habit can lead to weak body, which then can lead to decreased stamina.
Solution: Regular sleep, regular meal (healthy meal), and good rest.

p.s. Man! I wonder how UG could have Kendo practice after the whole night of drinking...
I guess some people are born with healthy body. As for me, I must work on it.

Practice when...

Last WED,
while I was breathing heavily from the exhaustion after the keiko w/ TKHSH sensei,
SPC told me, "Go do keiko with [...I don't remember whom I did keiko w/ cuz I was so tired? ;p ].
Practice when you're tired."

Such a simple truth, yet something I've been ignoring for a long time...
(with all kinds of excuses...like 'I can't really give my best effort when I'm tired'...or 'I can't really learn well when I'm tired'...)

Things to practice

Ah...there's just too many...

1. Keeping the Center.
TKHSH sensei said that I should keep the center then attack.
The attack w/out the center will always fail b/c the opponent will block it.
I should constantly strive to get the center, then attack once I have it.
One thing I noticed myself doing while doing keiko w/ TKHSH sensei is that I always stop in the middle of my attack. I must go through and forward.

2. Swinging my Shinai in keiko.
I asked SPC how to do that small and fast strike.
SPC said that I should practice big swing of my shinai first (in suburi and even in the basic practices).
Then, I would be able to strike smaller and faster later.

3. Seme.
While observing my keiko w/ TKHSH sensei, SPC pointed out that I have no Seme.
He taught me one Seme:
While stepping forward with Kamae, go under the opponent's shinai then raise it up and hit Men.
It worked really well. I should work on it.
Also, w/ older senseis, maybe closer distance is fine. But, w/ younger people or same rank, I should have sufficiently further distance to impose my Seme.

4. Going Straight.
Many people pointed out that I hit everything from the side.
OSN sensei, TKHSH sensei, SPC, Richard all told me today.
My Kote, Men are all from the side.
I should hit them straight.

And finally, as always, don't forget to keep my body straight when I go in...

(hey what's up, Ray!)

Things to work on

1. Putting my whole body forward.
My upper body is still bent forward. UG said that I should go forward.
SHRKU sensei and TKHSH sensei said the same thing.
Even though I worked on sticking out my belly before I attack,
it didn't really work out right today probably because I cut the ball of my left foot.
(Thus I couldn't have that spring) -- I was limping after the attack.

2. Swinging big.
SHRKU sensei said that I should swing bigger.
I'm still wondering if that can be effective in real keiko or shiyai.
But, I should try to do that.

Shoot...only if I can practice kendo more...