Lesson: Seme with Heart

Whenever I step forward to have Seme against Spencer Sensei, he always seems to know whether I'm really going for his Men or just faking it (and going for something else).  Whenever I'm really going for his Men, he blocks it.  Whenever I'm faking it and going for something else (like his Do or Kote, he just keeps his Kamae straight thus making my attack meaningless).

I asked Yuji Sensei if that was because Spencer Sensei just has very good eyes to catch what I'm doing.

Yuji Sensei said that it's because I don't put my heart into my Seme.

He didn't say any further.

I should work on this.

Misc: Go! Costa Mesa!

This weekend is Kubota Memorial Tournament.

Almost all of the members of our dojo will be participating (except me).

Go! Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo!!!

Lesson: Suri-ashi and Zanshin

Yuji Sensei observed my Keiko w/ Kinno Sensei, and pointed out that I have no Suri-ashi and Zanshin.

In Kamae, while I'm seeking the chance to attack and observing the opponent, I hopped like a boxer instead of moving back and forth by Suri-ashi.  

Also, after striking the opponent, I hopped like a horse instead of gliding through the floor w/ Zanshin.

As for me, it takes a lot of foot and leg work to do that smooth Suri-ashi, so I tend to get lazy and just hop.  I should work on my footwork and perform that Suri-ashi well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4jPajrDs7g&feature=related

(I'm posting Eiga Sensei's Suri-ashi that I observed from YouTube)

Lesson: Relax

On WED practice, after the Keiko w/ Hosokawa Senior Sensei, I asked him if I should fix any problem.  He said, "Relax...don't be too tight."

I also remembered Richard R. told me few practices ago, "When I'm relaxed, I do so much better.  When I'm too tight, I can't move as freely as I wanted to."

So, I applied that to my Keiko w/ Shoraku Sensei.  I relaxed.

First, I completely relaxed both my shoulders in my Kamae, and I applied strength only at the instant moment when I was striking.  

Secondly, I tried to imagine that I did not have my Bogu on (thus freeing myself from the restrictions of the Bogu).  I could feel that I started to see wider vision (not only focused on my opponent but more area around him).  I remembered Spencer Sensei once told me of this --- "at first, you'll only see your opponent, but as you practice more and get more comfortable, you'll start to see more and wider."

I felt much better.

Lesson: Practice More

Today, Yuji Sensei observed my Keiko and said, "you need to practice more."

Just like any other things in life: practice, practice, practice.

2008: New Year

I should organize this blog better.
Happy New Year!