Happy xmas!

I've managed to pick up another cough/cold (third in two months!), which ruined my chance of attending the last practice of the year. I'm a bit concerned why my immune system is shot to shit, i'm wondering if it's due to the increased stress/poor sleep i'm suffering due to uni studies? These colds seem to coincide with periods of heavy training (i.e. squad), apparently the immune system dips after intense exercise.

Looking forward to 2012 which is shaping up to be a big year. I am planning to take my sandan grading in July and I'll hopefully graduate with a degree in September.... a culmination of 5 years study (nearly as long as i've practiced kendo).

I hope everyone has a good xmas, here's to successful kendo in 2012!

Another Cold

Yes, its that time of year again. Looks like this week's training will be screwed due to a honking cold.

//edit: I'm now entering my third week of a cough I can't shift (thus no kendo).  Gonna visit the docs on Monday.

Urghhh

Another cold, kill me.

No kendo tonight.

Happy 45th Nenriki!

I suffered with another cold during the last few weeks.  This included an annoying cough which I was unable to shift for ages. I still attended practice but it knocked me for six every time due to my lack of energy.

This year is my home dojo’s 45th anniversary. One of the celebration events was an Ono ha itto ryu seminar run by Harris and Blake sensei. Both have studied this form of kenjitsu for decades, itto ryu is acknowledged as one of the origins of modern kendo. Due to my cold I was unable to attend the morning session.

The second part of the day was a talk by Victor Harris sensei about the history of the dojo and kendo. Harris sensei is very knowledgeable in Japanese sword art history, one of the dojo's originators, is a retired curator of Japanese Antiquities at the British Museum, completed the first English translation of the Book of Five Rings and has made numerous appearances on history channel style documentaries. His presentation was made in one of the school’s classrooms and was very interesting, a playlist of vids can be found HERE.

The final part of the day was keiko back in the dojo.  I managed 5 fights before flaking out, one was with Fuji sensei who was one of the first sensei to teach at the club during the 1960's.  Keiko with Fuji sensei was fun but must have looked a little odd, i'm guessing he is about 5"1' or 2' while i'm 6"4'! I have attached a few photos of the practice below.
 

Men wo tsuke

Fighting Fuji sensei

Wait for turn



Working on my Lift

Been suffering with a streaming cold this week which ruined my planned practice. Managed one session on Thursday though.

O'Sullivan sensei commented that I need to quicken my sword lift to improve my total cut speed. I'm ok cutting down but its the lifting part which is messing things up.

I've been practicing lifting as fast as possible at home using a suburiko (short shinai). I lift stright up and push with my left foot, half a cut. Rinse and repeat.

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.