2011-02-05 20:13:00
Last week's training at was great and I enjoyed it a lot. The day after I realized that I might have enjoyed it just a little bit too much, because apparently I'd pulled a muscle in my left leg. Something running from my loin down the inside of my thigh. Either way, dumb me disregarded the problems and proceeded to attempt jogging to and from the office every day. Dumb :) Today it was still bothering me, to the point that I had to bow out twice, after sharp pains during practice. So, mental note to self: take it easy next week!
Both sensei Loyer and sempai Chris pointed out a few structural flaws in my technique, which I really need to work on. One has been obvious from the start, one was noticed only now.
Another important point is that, when landing a point, I should properly stamp my right foot. However, today I avoided doing that because of my pulled muscle.
So! Practice, practice! Renshuu, renshuu!
Today I also asked the teacher if I could enroll as a student. I was originally told that everyone could have five free introductory weeks, after which one'd join the dojo. Instead I was told that he would, for now, not accept my enrollment and that I should simply proceed as we are right now. Sensei wanted to impress upon me that "kendo is not something you do for a year", so first he'd like to see me get through the first few months. Based on our short discussion I assume this is to our mutual benefit: for me so I am not forced to make social and monetary commitments and for the dojo so they first get to know me better before truly accepting me. It's certainly not what I expected, but I can agree with all the benefits involved with this approach.
Finally, as I remarked last week: I really like the people in the group. At least one of them lives very close to me, so I gave him and his friend a ride back to Almere Buiten station. Given our proximity I see some definite opportunities for backyard training in spring and summer :)
kilala.nl tags: body, sports, kendo,
View or add comments (curr. 2)
Posted by Thomas
Cool stuff Menno :) and I'm there to learn, I'm a complete beginner, so of course I won't take anything personal. Anything sensei will throw at me will be in order to learn :)
Thanks!
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2011-02-07 12:33:00
Posted by Menno
Cool! If you need a sparringpartner to hit into the gras now and then, let me know =D.
As for the first months, getting to know eachother, and getting accepted as a student; you will probably run into some more obstacles and/or injuries. Your sensei might even put you down or throw you in the deep and see how you do. I sense that breaking people down a little first, see if they stick around, and then build them up again (military approach) might be something that they could/would use. Or maybe that's not at all how they operate. Eitherway, if they do, it's all a game and try to see it like that. Don't take it personal and just keep in going. Obstacles are temporary. The pride of toughing it out is for ever. :)