Sports, kendo, perseverance and such

2011-12-03 20:52:00

The past few weeks I have been a bit frustrated with myself. Since coming home from Japan I haven't properly gotten back to my sports regime. Only last week have I tried to get back to running on a daily basis, which aggravates me because I walk the same piece of road on a daily basis. So why not run instead of walking?! Well, at least I'm not taking the buss to the office.

Same for kendo. Before the holiday I used to train at home at least once a week, together with Martijn. Of course, these days the weather outside is awful, but I can still train by myself in the attic like I did when I just got started. But I haven't...

But! I'm not quitting kendo! I enjoy this way too much and it's very educational, both physically and mentally. The social aspect of it is also very pleasant, as my classmates are cool guys.

Points to take away from today's lesson:

• I am definitely not relaxed enough in my arms. Both sensei and another experienced kendoka remarked about my stance, especially my arms and my swing/strike. My arms tend to make a long triangle, instead of the "upside-down house", ie the square and triangle.
• Also, sensei noted that I start my upswing from a position where I'm upright and standing still. Instead he would like to see me start "falling" forward to gain distance before starting the upswing. Interesting mechanics right there! This should also allow me to actually do a proper fumikomi.
• Speaking of my upswing: it's angled and not straight. The tip travels over my shoulder instead of over the centerline. 

kilala.nl tags: Sports, kendo, running,

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