Practicing the basics: footwork, oki-men and breathing

2012-06-20 12:23:00

As I wrote recently: it's highly important that I strongly focus on the basics for the next few weeks. Last night and hopefully one or two more nights this week, I'm focusing on:

• Suri-ashi (sliding footwork). Like Chris Ruiz wrote on his kendo blog, I need snappiness. This snap will also hopefully prevent my overstepping with left, as per Miyahara-sensei's reproach.
• Center line. Using two tricks suggested by Raoul-sempai, I'm learning to feel if my up and down swing go along the center line. I very frequently veer to the right.
• Oki-men. Using the suggestions from Roelof-sensei, I'm learning proper timing on the footwork for oki-men.
• Breathing. All three of the above must be mixed with a relaxed and continuous breathing pattern, as per Roelof-sensei's explanation.

So. Nothing special during home training this week (or next), just grinding the millstone on essential basics.

kilala.nl tags: kendo, sports,

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