Hiro Imafuji

Kendo Basics Series: How to Bow in the Sitting Position (zarei)

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006-yoiutube-snap-sitting-bowIn this kendo instruction video, you learn how to bow in the sitting position (zarei).

If you just lower your head, you might be doing it wrong. There are certain points you should pay attention to.

For example, you should know where your hands should be placed when bowing and its reason will give you an “aha!” moment.

Some points for you to execute a good zarei

  • Keep the back straight
  • Do not go all the way down to the floor
  • Keep the butt down i.e. do not lift the butt up when bowing

Please watch the video below and join the Free Online Kendo Basics Course for more instructions.

Kendo Basics Series: Seiza and Mokuso (meditation)

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005-yoiutube-snap-how-to-mokusoOnce you sit in seiza you will meditate quietly. This meditation is called mokuso.

In mokuso, it is very important to know how you breathe. Many tell you to “empty” your mind but it is not THAT easy. Learn how to breathe first in mokuso.

Some points when performing mokuso

  • You can think about what you are going to do in the training
  • You can focus on breathing
  • You can focus on counting when breathing
  • Keep the back straight (the air stream should not be blocked)

Please watch the video below and join the Free Online Kendo Basics Course for more instructions.

 

Kendo Basics Series: How to Sit in kendo- Sitting in Seiza

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002-yoiutube-snap-how-to-sit-in-seizaWe sit in certain way that is called seiza in kendo. In this video, you are going to learn how to sit in seiza in kendo.

By the way, in kendo we sit in certainly way so please learn this properly. We call it Saza Uki (左座右起).

Some points for you when sitting in seiza

  • Have your sword in taito position
  • Do not lean forward
  • Always ready to draw out your sword

Please watch the video below and join the Free Online Kendo Basics Course for more instructions.

How to Sit in Seiza

Here is the close up of sitting in seiza

 

 

Kendo Basics Series: How to Line-up at the Dojo in Kendo

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003-yoiutube-snap-how-to-standThis is how we line up at the dojo at the beginning and end of the training. I am not sure if you have a dojo to go to or you do not have one because there is no dojo in your city.

Either case, it is very important for you to learn what happens before and after training.

Please do learn these things because etiquette is very important in kendo. Enjoy learning!

Please watch the video below and join the Free Online Kendo Basics Course for more instructions.

Introduction and how to Line up in kendo

 

Is this Ippon or not? Tell us what you think?

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First of all, please watch this video and think what you think about this men strike. This is the final match of All Japan University Championship in 2014.

Do you think this is a valid cut? If you think it is, can you explain why? If you think it is not valid cut, can you explain why? Do you need more evidence, I captured the moment of his me strike from the video above, so this might help you to judge.

umegatani-men-2014

If you just see this photo, obviously this men strike was not done with the monouchi. Just the tip of the sword is touching the men-gane. If you see only this picture, it is not a point.

But I would still give him a point on this men because he

  • has Ki Ken Tai Icchi
  • has a pressure before executing (he stepped back and his opponent came forward and then he executed men, which as a result he made his opponent come forward)
  • took his opponent off guard
  • completed his strike without disconnecting his concentration (zanshin)

This has nothing to do with the question I’m asking here, but this men strike reminds me of Takanabe senshu.

 

This is why kendo is not a “hitting” game. I am sure that his opponent also thought it was a good men strike even though it was a bit short. He knows that he was not ready for that.

What do you think?