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.