In recent years, the Hokkaido Police have threatened dominance against the top 3 powerhouses of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, Osaka Police, and Kanagawa Police. Hokkaido Police have been able to create players like Mitsuhiro Jishiro and Sho Ando known for their performances at the All Japan Championship. What kind of Read More
Kendo makes use of a lot of different skills both physical and mental. A well planned keiko session will help you improve in all areas, but cross-training can be extremely beneficial not only to those who have limited opportunities to train, but also to those practitioners with specific requirements. In Read More
This article is a translation of an essay by Tachibana Tatsunari-san, he works for Tozando and practices Yoshinkan Aikido and is currently 5-dan. In his essay he explores “kamae” – posture or stance – in training and why it is emphasised so strongly in Yoshinkan Aikido. In Yoshinkan Aikido, as Read More
3 Important Factors for Gaining Ippon In a match, in order to gain an ippon or win the match, mind, sword and body must come together. It is important to make these things your own through daily training and practice. In this edition, I will explain these three separately. Ki Read More
In any sport, it is important to maintain a high level of concentration in order to win. How about in kendo? As you are constantly battling close with your opponent in a short match time, if you lose one moment of concentration you will expose yourself to the opponent. In Read More
Not only in kendo, but in other areas of your life you may feel like your physical fitness has gotten weaker. But kendo is a martial art that can be practiced throughout your life. I will introduce some information that can allow you to enjoy kendo even from your 40s Read More
A sudden question – are you good with your stepping? Those who are skilled in their stepping make a nice “bang” sound. But even some veterans struggle with this. You should step in not from your heel but from your toes, or rather, your whole feet should come down at Read More
– Though we use iaitō, bokutō and shinai; we must never forget that these are swords – Iaido and kendo are both budō that place a strong emphasis on manners and etiquette – not only to our partners, but also the spaces within which we practice and to opponents who are Read More
Incorporating Practical Muscle Training into Kendo Practice Muscle training (amongst other forms of cross-training) has struggled to become a regular part of kendo keiko. There is a traditional mindset that thinks you need only to work diligently at regular keiko, and also the thought that in kendo you do not Read More
The core muscles are very important not only in Budo but in many sports, and training your core muscles has many benefits. In this edition I will introduce some ways of training your core muscles, including ways that are effective for Budo. The core muscles (Japanese taikan) broadly refers to Read More
