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Post by Admin Kendo on Jun 11, 2009 13:02:34 GMT 7
No, it's not a joy toy nor is it for wiping your behind region.
There is a very strong emphasis on the use of the left hand in kendo. The reason is quite simple; based on the position of the kamae, it is impossible for you to hit straight unless you learn to use your left hand. This is quite difficult for many Asians because we spend most of our lives using the right hand. Therefore, a quick tip about building up your left hand strength.
Before every cut, mentally tell yourself to tighten your grip on with your left and then loosen your grip with your right. You need to tell yourself to lift the shinai with your left and begin the forward cut with your left.
Sound's difficult? Not really. just remember, jangan asal pukul aja.
Kendo is not about just hitting your aite; it is about the mental preparation to CUT your aite.
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denni
New Member
JKA
Posts: 4
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Post by denni on Jul 12, 2009 0:37:10 GMT 7
senpai, can you please explain the concept of "te no uchi" and how to exercise it .. since i'm not really sure i got right.. thanks >
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Post by Admin Kendo on Jul 28, 2009 10:20:35 GMT 7
tenouchi is quite simple really. in general terms it is a technique used to control your shinai after a cut. there is a tendency for the shinai (made of flexible bamboo) to bounce upwards after each cut. if you cannot control this "bounce" you end up with poor form post-cut (you ever see people that have their shinai above their heads instead of in front when they hit men?). it's a simple law of physics - for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction - meaning, if you do not control your shinai, it will bounce up with as much force as you used to make the cut. tenouchi is used to remedy this problem. for your purpose there are just 2 things to remember for tenouchi: 1) as you make the cut turn your wrists inwards. this has the effect of locking your elbows and thus keeping your arms in the correct position for tenouchi. do this just mm's before you hit men, not way before. 2) after you've made the cut (meaning you have made contact and you now have control of the shinai) relax your grip but maintain zanshin and your kamae. 2 very good examples of tenouchi are Shimomura-sensei and yes, Hamada-sensei. You know that extra "ouch" factor your feel when they hit you? That's an effect of tenouchi; a more solid cut (remember your arms are locked as you turn your wrists in, this also creates added downward force). Morizaki-sensei is also a good person to watch, but his cuts are so fast you won't notice it. Shimomura and Hamada senseis are slower so easier to observe. All this being said, it is always better to speak to sensei or your sempai after class for show and tell
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