Three parts to the cut

During tuesday practice Blake sensei taught a kihon lesson which broke an attack into three parts.

The first was to step into issoku-itto-no-maai with either an overpowering centre, harai or uchiotoshi technique. Next was to make a big cut (making sure it was timing of '1') and the final step was to step into tsubazeriai.

We were encouraged to cut straight with tenouchi so that the superior cut will win, and to maintain a high degree of zanshin after the third part. This meant that we were aware of a weakness in technique or spirit in our opponent after the initial cut which then allows continuous attack (e.g. second men or hiki waza).

This proved to be an intense exercise which didn't allow a drop in energy or mental concentration.

Happy to be Back

Managed my first sessions back this week. Nothing to shout about other than my timing is totally screwed, i need a week or so to get my eye in again.

O'Sullivan sensei did pull me up on my 'flicking' kensen while in chudan last night.

Friday night was tough, not felt that knackered for a long time. Most notable point of the night was when I was fighting Charles who's a club vet. He started to break his cut timing which threw me out completely, I was left wafting my shinai in the air on a number of occasions after failed suriage attempts.

This proves that I focus too much on my opponent's shinai rather than his whole body. I should do my own thing instead of following their sword.

Out of Action Again

I've been suffering with a bladder infection since last Wednesday so i've been unable to practice. 2010 hasn't started very well :(

I've got to take a blood (and other bodily fluid) test at the local hospital tomorrow so I should find out whats wrong in a few days. I really hope it clears up before Saturday as I was planning to go to my first BKA Intensive Training session.... however, it isn't looking promising.

The clock has started on the count down to my Nidan grading in July. I need to sort myself out soon.

Visiting the neighbours...

The school shafted us again by setting up all the exam tables/chairs the night before so we couldn't practice. Therefore, I thought it would be a good opportunity to visit Tora Dojo again just down the road.

It was a very intense night with lots of kihon drills with uchikomigeiko and 15 mins of jigeiko thrown in at the end. I found it tough to keep up with the young'uns there.

Cho sensei taught us to try and vary our timing/aggression so that the opponent does not become used to our attacks. The idea is to keep them guessing what you are going to do next.

Thoroughly enjoyed the night and left feeling pretty knackered.