About this blog..

This is a blog that I started in April 2006, just after I first put on my bogu (kendo armour). It collects the advices given by more experienced kendo practitioners as well as those from my own experiences. Both technical and the mental aspects of kendo are written in the blog. I hope someone will find them useful or interesting at least!

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

JP vs TW kendoka


I found this video clip from 2007 when a Japanese delegation visited I-Shin Kendojo in Taipei, led by Masanori Shiroishi Sensei (8th Dan Hanshi) including the winner of 54th All Japan Kendo Championship, Satoru Harada, and other Japanese national team members. The first section of the clip shows Harada (staring on the right) fighting with Mr. Liao (starting on the left), who told me to strike with kihon when I trained at the Taipei Kendokan (click). Here you can see what I meant when I praised his kendo. Just look at that sharpness when he strikes men! And that takes only ten years?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi i am reading your blog all the time. Its real good input for my thoughts about Kendo, thanks for sharing.
In this command you are writing that both sensei starting from the right side a little confusing for me.

greetings from Jena

Falk Nitzsche

Unknown said...

Hi Falk thanks for pointing out the mistake! I've corrected it.

Toronto Kendo Club said...

Hi,
I discovered your blog by accident and really enjoy it. I've also learned a lot from you. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that you met my Sensei - Kimura Sensei at the Quebec Kendo Kai dojo. If you're ever in Toronto you're most welcome to practice with us. Btw, I'm Taiwanese-Canadian...born in Tainan. I'm looking forward to your blogging on Taiwan Kendo.

Cheers,

Jeanne

Unknown said...

Hi Jeanne, I'm glad that you like my blog. I've also learned a lot by noting down these thoughts from times to time, and the advices from all the great sensei and senpais. Usually I have a terrible memory, but when it comes to kendo, I just remember every single advice that was given to me, the situation and how it happened. These continue to bug my mind until I've written them down :-).

I remember Kimura Sensei very well too, and the hard training with him. However, he was ever so encouraging. Even though I always felt like a piece of rubber at the end of jigeiko with him, he made me feel that I was doing the best kendo by giving it all. Once he struck my shinai out of my hand, it fell down and, magcally, bounced back into my hand. Having no time to loose, I didn't pause for any second and continued to strike. It was rather funny when I think of it now.

Please send my regards to him (from Liu who met him in QC). I hope he remembers me.

For sure I will continue to write in Taiwan (will be there next month!). When you come to Taiwan, please drop me an email!!

Stan said...

Dear Ivan,

I am trying to visit to Tainan, Taiwan. Do you know any kendo dojo over there? I need to contact them prior my visit. I am only 2-dan from US. Like to keiko while i am there. Any help, would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Stan