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Post by Admin Kendo on May 13, 2009 11:28:38 GMT 7
Local grading is coming up pretty soon so here are some tips to get you through.
1) It's grading - nothing to be nervous about. Try to remember what sensei has told you during your training. It's not do or die, just pass or fail. Each attempt at grading is a learning experience, so if you don't pass no worries, you can always grade again in 6 months.
2) Learn your kata. Sunday morning 0900 sharp. Ikkyu must know kata 1 - 3; shodan 1 - 5; nidan and above 1 - 7 (I could be mistaken about nidan)
3) Keiko is very simply - NICE BIG CUTS. Practice doing big cuts during all your keiko sessions with sensei (I suggest practicing with Hamada-sensei). Get into this habit because any bad habits you learn now you will bring to grading. If you can do a lot of ai-men with your grading partner, you will do just fine.
4) For beginners, just remember NICE BIG CUTS. If you can prove that you are capable of making nice cuts, then you are that much closer to getting into bogu.
5) For ikkyu and above - be aggressive but be smart. Kendo comprises maai, seme, zanshin, and kikentaichi. Understand from what distance you can cut, be aggressive but cut from the right distance, your state of alertness, and your footwork, kiai, and cut must be as one. And NO PUSHING.
6) Know how to properly do Kirikaeshi (cutting and receiving).
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