Kendo Training

Today, I have decided to do 2 remarkable things (at least in my eyes).

1. I have read the Kendo World forums about "freedom kendo." For those that don't know what that is, it is when you wear the dogi without wearing any undergarments. Some say it's more comfortable, some do it because of tradition.

As a result, I decided to give it a try. I must say, it does feel different, but not much probably because I am wearing a tetron hakama. That material isn't very breathable. I wouldn't mind doing it again, or from now on though since the air I did feel was pretty refreshing. I have yet to try it with real practice though, but I plan on doing it soon.

For those that haven't tried it, I suggest you give it a shot as well. As they always say, you never know until you try. For those that are a bit on the shy side, you can always just do it at home and make your own personal preferences there.

2. I decided to practice on my own outside today. I did 50 of each of the basic suburi and I also worked a bit on kirikaeshi and fumikomi and the small men strike (I should mention that all of these are a bit harder without a partner).

All I gotta say is that I need to do some more practicing to build up my strength after about a month of not doing Kendo. I also need to do some running or something to build up cardiovascular strength since the haya-suburi was quite difficult.

For the specifics on what I need to work on, I definately need a more stable left wrist. I did katate suburi and my shinai was all over the place. I'd count footwork, but I was on a slope in the grass so I really don't know what to say about that. I also need to relax more. Cause exhaustion comes easier when you are tense when doing suburi.

As far as joining Kendo, I couldn't go last saturday cause I just happened to have to work at that time. I guess I'll just have to try calling in again to see what I need to do. I want to join as soon as possible.

New Job plus Kendo dojo hopeful

After 2 days of orientation, I finally begin my job at Malibu Grand Prix. I will be working in the game room with the arcade machines...and the children. I wonder how this job will be once the fact that I am working starts to settle in.

Also, I went to the Georgia Kendo Alliance last night. I sat in for a while then asked one of the people there about joining. Although they told me to come back tomorrow to talk to the person who could get me in, it wasn't a total loss. Seeing people practice after weeks of downtime just got the Kendo spirit flowing in me again. I plan on going tomorrow if I don't have to work at that time. If not, then I should be able to go next week.

Quiet returns to the house

It has been an interesting end to the week. The dog is finally quiet. She'll periodically get up and start barking again, but she sounds very hoarse and she would just sit down and go to sleep a few minutes later. It's surprising how much more sweet she gets when she is quiet.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to practice Kendo today per se since the dog's barking throughout the day was nonstop. I eventually went to the Mall of Georgia to get a Cinnabon just to get out of the house and away from the barking. I also looked for some more Kendo books to buy, but haven't found any that I didn't already have. I guess the internet will have to be the best source for now.

First blog post, yay!

This is my first post on this blog. But I at least have something to write about today.

After turning in countless applications over the past month after school ended, I finally have a job! It's at Malibu Grand Prix which is an amusement place with an arcade, miniature golf, and go-carts. What is surprising is that my interview was less than 9 hours ago. Either way, I am happy to be part of the work force and getting money. I start next week.

I have also done some changes to my website. It's still up an coming and this is my first website so it isn't really much of anything at all. For now, you can access it here here. If you have any criticisms, feel free to send them my way. I can always use the advice of experiences web designers.

As far as Kendo, I still haven't been able to go down to the Georgia Kendo Alliance. I blame it on my laziness and utter lack of using an organizer of sorts. I just don't feel my life is busy enough to warrant that now. Anyways, until I join the GKA, I will practice what I know on my own and train my body so I can be better prepared for the challenges that await me.