May 13th, 2008

The 3rd annual Matsukai Gasshuku just finished (May 9th-11th). Amelia and Debbie could not attend, which brought a void to our group. Alas, the new members brought a whole new aura to Matsukai, which was an interesting experience to embrace for those three days. I could feel the low energy from most of the members due to upcoming exams, crappy weather, etc, but overall, the Gasshuku was another pleasant success. We were even given a generous compliment by the new cook, stating we were the best group he had ever encountered. The compliment was unsolicited, which made its meaning even more heartful.

 

In general, I wanted more practices. I did not feel the intensity I wanted. Nonetheless, I did improve on a few flaws that have been provoking me the last few practices prior to the Gasshuku:

 

1) I learned how to properly tie my men (hah, sounds so wrong to the non-kendoka reader)

2) Althought I have not perfected it, I am beginning to cut with more intention

3) Speeding up after a cut during keiko

4) Muai

5) Do cut

 

The rest is just the usual points Sensei constantly reminds us about that we always seem to forget once we practice...or maybe it is just me.

 

I am disappointed with my keiko. I never realized how slow I was. This would explain the many hits to the head I receive during my time with the seniors.

 

I don't know the cause, but I have been getting random headaches now. During the Gasshuku, those headaches were constant during practice. I only hope I am not getting stupider. Durrr.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed kata practice and I learned bundles. I always had trouble for kata seven and I had that clarified with Sensei. During our second kata practice we were grouped with one Senior member who would guide us through our kata. I was grouped with Danny along with Jennifer, Andrew, and Victor. We practice kata one to seven. Danny was observant. He picked up on details I failed to spot for Victor and Andrew. He also helped me through kata four (for uchitachi) and my cuts for the other kata. Some points I should remember:

 

1) Cut with intention

2) Kata three: when you block, actually block. Try to snap the other shinai away

3) Kata four (uchitachi): Step back before you thrust

4) Keep the connection with your opponent, even when your swords are not touching

5) Push with your feet- do not pull

6) Keep yourself up on the balls of your feet

7) Kata one: straight up- my sword is slightly to the right

 

 

I hope I did not forget anything else. Kata practice became increasingly more difficult. I actually forgot kata three at one point and kept mixing up the blocks with kata seven. I was at a kata overload. The enbu did not fair so well. Jennifer and I were placed as shitachi. It was interesting. I was proud of myself because I performed my kata without any apparent screw ups.

 

We won the melee. w00t.

 

November 25, 2006

I didn't pass.

 

Things to work on:

-basics (kikentainoichi, tenouchi, big cuts, full cuts, etc)

-grip

-kikentainoichi

-kirikayashi (bigger cuts, shinai kept sliding, cut like you mean it, too weak)

-kata (sucks)

-I'm too stiff

-Cut like you mean it

-I was aggressive, but by doing that, I forgot everything else (my techinque, being big, and I was scared s***less)

 

On the other hand:

I completed my goal for the grading: be aggressive

 

I feel a sad ironic moment happening....I should have just focused on what I leanred rather than being a savage wild beast...

 

Marou-sensei (sp?) has really good eyes. He saw my stiffness and my attempt to impress the judges by going crazy in my keiko.

 

Asaoka-sensei (sp?) said my basics needed work, but he passed me. I'm happy to know I'm on the right track. If they had all failed me...then I'd feel utterly useless and loss on my path up the mountain in kendo...I'd feel like I had fallen in a ditch and can't climb out....

 

I'm just glad to know by June, I'll be exceptional enough to kick ass...hopefully...

 

Well, a lot of Sensei's also said I just need more practice.

 

Taguchi-sensei is so nice. He offered us to come practice at his dojo. Osaka-sensei told me to go to other dojos to practice to see for myself what I'm doing wrong, etc etc etc. I'm happy with some of their pointers.

 

What all of them told me was something I already knew I needed to work on. I'm not surprised... I'm just...

 

August 2, 2006

Kendo today was like a really yummy popsicle that dropped on the floor. Poo :(

 

But that's okay. I still ate the popsicle anyways. Yum.

 

Thank you Woojin! You were a big help today with my keiko and I'm pleased with my slow yet steady progression. Thank you! :)

 

July 27, 2006

Kendo today was like a sandwich: At first, it was bad, after it was great, and the end was just heart breaking...shattering really.

 

My heart weeps :(

 

Boo...

 

July 25, 2006

A couple of practices ago (during Saturday probably), I really improved my harai, so I r happy :)

Today's practice: :(

Poo. Not really in the mood to talk about it. I was just poo.

 

July 6, 2006

Kendo was enjoyable today! I feel as if I've moved from my depression and I'm glad about it. I hate hormones >:@ Screw adolescent life. It makes me go crazy. Anyways, I could feel that Sensei was quite happy with me today. I'm happy too so all is good. I improved on my kitikaiyashi near the end of practice. Bigger cuts are a good thing...it just makes me sad that I'm only starting to really understand it now. Oh well. Just glad I'm learning. Rei really helped me on some minor details so I'm pleased with that. Sensei obviously worked on me as well. No matter how many times I try, my harai (sp?) is always crappy in the end. It's starting to frustrate me a bit...

 

July 5, 2006

I was toban today for the first part. I kind of liked it. Mainly a beginners practice, but oh well. Kind of enjoyed the relaxing aura, yet intense seme. I'm down down down down dowwwwwwwn. My iaido made me want to... well...you know --> (:(

...

 

July 2, 2006 (note: this is around...1 in the morning)

Gaaaaargaaaaaagghaaaaaaah, I H......GAAARAAAAGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH. ....I am fine. No kendo today, but I wish there was.

 

June 29, 2006

Sensei says anyone who has taken part in the gasshuku has improved tremendously. When he said that, I was in real shock...but I can't deny I don't feel a change. I love gasshukus. They always help me ever so much :) But other than that, I'm really happy to know we may get a Saturday practice fitted in this summer. More practice is a good thing...sigh...

 

June 27, 2006

 

I should be sleeping soon..but I just want to say...: Although I still think I R suck lots and I hate myself and I'm beginning to hate life because I always screw up with everything...I'm also sick and tired of thinking that so I'm going to stop. Laugh it out Justine...you have a prosperous future ahead of you. No more complaining...everyone can only stand you for so long. Glad I went to Renfrew dojo. Although I didn't get any of my questions answered, I've found a resolution. Let us put it to use shall we?