If you’ve been interested in learning the Japanese sword, now is the time to start training! For a limited time, the price of training in the sword arts of Kendo, Iaido, and Chanbara has been reduced to $60.00 per month. Get in touch today and take your first step on the road to Black Belt. Included in the first month is a wooden training sword to get you started.
Also new in 2011, starting later this month we will be adding a kids’ class. If you have a younger one interested in the martial arts, let us know. Your child is more than welcome to try a few introductory lessons. The schedule is still being finalized, so please check back frequently, contact us, or check our Facebook page for updates.
The video that follows is from a television show that aired in the 1950′s. This particular episode probably aired in 1950 or 1951 and was likely the very first time many Americans had a chance to witness Kendo. Considering a how Kendo has undergone various changes in the past half century, it’s interesting to watch an older video in the evolution of Kendo. Of particular note is the way the kenshi are using foot sweeps and leg trapping maneuvers to trip and off balance each other. It would be interesting to see older footage of a shiai (kendo fight) in a regulation size court where the fighters don’t have to worry about destroying a small TV studio. I’d like to see more of those takedowns, and how they were followed up on. Enjoy.
Recently in the Kendo class, we started out with a breathing practice called metronome breathing. For this exercise, a metronome is set and you time your breathing to the beats. There are a few benefits to metronome breathing for fitness and mindfulness in general, and a few for Kendo in specific. Before we continue, here are some key points to note:
- Breathe deeply into the belly. This engages the diaphragm and pulls air deeper into the lungs. Imagine breathing to a point about 2 inches lower than your navel.
- Breathe in through the nose, and out through the mouth.
- If nasal breathing is obstructed due to a cold or other reason, do not breathe through the nose.
- Exhale almost completely while drawing your navel in towards your spine at the end of the exhale. This will squeeze more air out of the lungs, and keep you from having stale air in your lungs.
Get Ready to Fight!
So, what can we learn about fear, and taking action, from participation in combat sports? Here are a few lessons that are learned in the frenzy of a fight, that you can take with you in your daily affairs.
First, and this is the big one that sets the stage for the other lessons.
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