Saturday, 28th November 2009.

What can I say besides “I think I died two and a half times today evening but it was all goooood” =P Due to the recent changes to MKA’s training schedule, I managed to convince my parents to allow me to stay up until the end of the senior’s session and since I get there early enough, I get to have a little taste of the nonbogu session at 4pm before I get all suited up. Ahh~ ^__^ Just my luck, eh? But hey, if the senseis and the others seniors tell me that more basic practice is good for my “oh-so-screwed-up” Kendo, I’d gladly plunge my head into it even though it meant more sore muscles, new blisters and most importantly, MORE brutally truthful criticism. They all come in a nice package wrapped in coloured paper with a pretty little ribbon on the top (Haha!).

I almost forgot how it felt like after the warming up during the basic’s session since I’ve been missing those due to Federal’s infamous traffic jams… But not today! I was early this time *evil laugh* and off I went suriashi-ing around the dojo floor along with the rest ^.^ The constant pin-pricking feeling at the bottom of the arch of my left foot after that was absolutely annoying and no matter how much I stretch it before keiko, it’s still like that. Hmm… Like I was telling Nelson over MSN, it seemed as if I hit a nice jackpot that evening (LOL) and the prize being blisters, bruised heel, and a split skin on the ball of my right foot. Hahaha~! But anyhow, the following are the advices I got (and also some things that noticed in my own Kendo) during the whole of today’s keiko.

Basics (Non-bogu) Session.
• The execution of a big men cut has to be done by swinging the shinai in a full semi-circle.
• Shinai must be kept centred during the upswing motion.
• Tenouchi – Force from the right hand is only applied at the very last minute with a slight inward twist by both hands.
• The angle of the shinai (during men cut) should be increased by further raising the left hand – increases the distance between motodachi and reach.
• Zanshin.

Junior Bogu Session.
• Kirikaeshi – footwork during attacking. Blocking while receiving.
• 7 points before executing a cut (Which I cannot seem to remember them all >.< I am always missing a few)
• Sashi men (small men) – Kasahara-san told me that for future uses (perhaps, in the far future), I shouldn’t take one step in first and then start raising my shinai. Instead, I should do it all in one step ^^ Just for the heck of it, I tried it on the next round. Wooo~ VERY far future (haha).
• Doh uchi – Must go in straight and not diagonally.
• Aiuchi men – MUST HIT! Don’t just go through…
• Uchikomigeiko – Distance is important.

Kata Session.
• Similarly to the last entry.
• All hits MUST reach the target otherwise it will end up being a “Stick dance” as how Toyoda-sensei would put it ^__^
• The ‘break’ off from the opponent – Bokuto has to be ‘opened’ more towards the right. “Like flipping a page.” (Quote: Christopher Wong) =P
• Must maintain the 9 step distance from the opponent. Using ‘landmarks’ may help.

Senior Bogu Session (Jigeiko).
With Chris.
• Every cut that was made has to hit the opponent regardless of whether or not if the opponent hits me first.
• No hesitation.
• Distance – too near.
• More wrist work required for small cuts – not strong enough.
• Kiai must be stronger.
With Vincent.
• Distance again (Too near) – especially for hiki men.
• Reaction to openings! – I successfully got one off him!

It felt as if I was getting one step closer to overcoming my ‘freezing’ problem ^^|| Then again, I only managed to react to one in a rather decent speed I suppose. My training today officially ended with Chris and Vincent both teasing me till no end for being a “deer in headlights”. I didn’t know if I should be laughing or be worried but I guess doing both won’t kill me just yet ^^