Kendo Basics

Kendo Basics Series: Introduction of Kendo Footwork, Ashisabaki

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Introduction of Kendo FootworkThis kendo instructional video introduces the basic kendo footwork or ashisabaki.

The ashisabaki or ashi-sabaki is performed by gliding our feet on the floor or what we call, suri-ashi. Now that is the first thing you must be able to accomplish.

By suri-ashi, there are 4 types of ashi-sabaki in kendo.

 

  • okuri-ashi,
  • tsugi-ashi,
  • ayumi-ashi,
  • hiraki-ashi.

The footwork is more important than learning how to cut in kendo. Find out why by watching the video.

Introduction of Kendo Footwork, Ashisabaki

 

Kendo Basics Series: Introduction of the Basic Feet Positions

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015-yoiutube-footworkThis kendo instructional video shows the basic feet position.This is the start of your footwork so study and keep finding the best position for you.

The positions of your feet are very important since that is the point your movement starts. So if you don’t have the right foot position, your movements will be very clumsy.

Some points for you to have a good feet positions:

  • Have your feet apart from each other so you can be well-balanced (see the video)
  • The right heel and the left toes should be on the same line or a little closer to each other (having them apart too much is not suitable for those who cannot jump far)
  • Must study where your feet should be for you to move smoothly but remember the what you should and should not do.

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

Introduction of the Basic Feet Positions

 

Kendo Basics Series: How to Take the Basic Stance of Kendo: Chudan

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In this kendo instruction video, you are learning how to take the basic stance of kendo, chudan.

Chudan means the mid level; “chu” means middle and “dan” means level.

It is considered to be the basic stance because you can attack and defend more easily compared to other stances.

Some points for you to have a good chudan:

  • Do not lift the left heel too high
  • Don’t bend the back of your left knee (the back of the knee is called hikagami in Japanese)
  • Pay attention to the centre of the gravity
  • Do not lean on your left leg (very common)
  • Do not stick out your stomach

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

How to Take the Basic Stance of Kendo:Chudan

 

 

Kendo Basics Series: Sonkyo

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In this kendo instruction video, you are learning how to sit it sonkyo. Sonkyo is unique to kendo and also sumo. It is a part of greetings so please do it right. I understand it is hard to do. But just take your time.

Some points for you to accomplish sonkyo:

 

  • Don’t lean forward when you sitting down
  • Don’t learn backward when sitting down
  • Keep the knees apart when sitting down
  • Try to sit on your heels
  • Keep the balance

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

How to Sit in Sonkyo

 

 

Kendo Basics Series: How to Draw the Sword Out- Nuketo

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012-yoiutube-nuketoIn this kendo instruction video, you are learning how to draw out your sword. The movement itself is not so complicated. It is rather easy but you must pay attention to how you draw out your sword.

If you remember it is a “sword” not a bamboo stick it will help you to do it right.

Points for you to remember:

  • Shinai has a blade side
  • The blade side should be facing up
  • When drawing out, make sure the tsuka-gashira is going toward your opponent

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

How to Draw the Sword Out – Nuketo