Wow.. its been longer than a month since my last entry.
Nothing major to report really, my life is still under the jackboot of uni work. I'm trying desperately to shoehorn kendo into any available time but its proving difficult both physically and mentally. I find myself exhausted after only 4-5 hours sleep some nights (i'm up for work at 0550) .....generating enough energy for kendo can be a struggle. I keep telling myself I've only got until Feb next year and this nightmare is done.
I also visited the physio about my wrist. She said that the injury has improved and what remains is residual pain. Apparently this pain doesn't mean i'm 're-injuring' my wrist, I simply have to work through it until it gets better. This can potentially take 12 months. I explained that I practiced kendo and she advised that I should ease myself back into training, the unnatural bending of the wrists during chudan means I'll feel discomfort. I'm taking paracetamol before practice which can just about get me through a 2 hour session, I think it will be a while until I can attend two day squad training again.
On the kendo front, Holt sensei has highlighted my posture as I'm still bending too far backwards. Therefore, I'm attempting to straighten up and lean forward a few degrees. Work in progress.
I'm also working on zanshin and turning effectively. This is bloody hard work because I have to maintain concentration and not take cheeky breathers. I've also discovered, like Zoolander, I'm not an ambi-turner - I can't turn right. More work in progress.
On a positive note, Salmon sensei commented that my footwork has improved slightly over the last few months.
Finally, I'm entered into the team comp of the London cup. I feel we've got quite an experienced team this year, I hope I can keep my end up as my shiai record is ubergash. I've had to duck out of the singles comp due to uni *yawn* work.
81 days until grading
When I was at uni in my final year in the very last month where all my coursework had to be handed in I had the Watchett Seminar or a seminar in St Austell to go to. Everyone is different but I think it's important to take time away from studies so you can come back refreshed. Just think of all that advice they give to GCSE and A-Level students around exam time - constant study isn't as productive as study with breaks.
ReplyDeleteKendo isn't a waste of time, fretting and feeling antsy because you can't do the one constant commitment you have in your life will do more harm to your mentality than going for a session and taking an evening off study.
But you will know your situation better and as much as I know how it feels to want to get back into training as soon as possible, take their advice and go slowly. I would love to be able to go back to practice, I'm enjoying the freedom not to but I miss the guys and the fun I had. Good luck with it.
Hi Dwez
DeleteI hope you've found something to replace kendo, it must have left a big hole in your week :(
Unfortunately, I cant slack off my uni work. I work full time and study by distance learning, so all my spare home time is sat in front of a mac (100% course work). Sometimes something's got to give and it can only be kendo - not happy but I have no other choice.
D.