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.

Hesitation

Friday practice Vic (one of our sensei) picked up that I hesitate when people move into my cutting distance. He also said I focus too much on my opponents sword. As a result, my reaction time is slow and stuttered which opens me up to seme and feints.

In my mind I'm trying to be more considered in my cutting (i.e. no 'headless chicken' mode). Consequently, I am missing the opportunity to attack when the opponent steps into my cutting distance. I need to break from this way of thinking, even if i feel it's too soon to attack at the time.

The downer of the week is that I was caught on the right knuckle again and it's bruised up. Gutted. I've been icing it and using Voltarol gel to reduce the swelling, I will also resew extra padding on my kote for next week. I hope i've not done any long term damage.