Kendo kyu exams at Renshinjuku Almere

2012-02-04 14:48:00

Ten months after our dojo's previous exams we held kyu-grade exams today. This time around the group of people was a lot smaller, but things were still just as chaotic as last year. First off I started putting on my bogu, while we were not supposed to wear it during the exam. Then I had my zekken on, which was supposed to be off. Then I'd forgotten to switch to my kendo glasses. And finally, minutes before my test, I discovered that I was still wearing my wedding ring! Messy =_=

Today we had one person testing for fifth kyu, three for fourth (including myself) and three for third. The exams were as follows:

• Fifth = men-uchi and a written test on kendo equipment
• Fourth = men-uchi, kote-uchi, kote-men-uchi, ippon-me kata and a written test on kendo terms and safety
• Third = men-uchi, kote-uchi, kote-men-uchi, kirikaeshi, ipponme and nihonme kata and a written test

In general I thought my test didn't go badly and I was feeling more confident than during my first exam. However, there was plenty of stuff that wasn't great. Sensei tells me that I graded for fourth kyu, but that third kyu would require a lot of hard work.

The biggest problems seen in my kendo today were:

• A total lack of fumikomi. It wasn't even bad, it just wasn't there! There's a reason why my study goal for 2012 is fumikomi!
• Unstable footwork. It's sloppy and I tip over too easily. 
• Ton-sensei remarked that in kata my stance and base are weak. There's no strength.
• My men strikes hit before I have my arm fully stretched. Thus I hit, then I stretch and flex my elbow upwards. This means, that I am at least 20cm too close to my opponent, which is detrimental.
• When making a strike I still move backwards before moving forwards. This slows me down a lot. 

Martijn also remarked that, while my kiai sounds good, it's not supported by focus or strong body language.

kilala.nl tags: kendo, sports,

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