Short Kendo Film

A short kendo film about kendo, made by Hungarian film maker George Perrin, starring mambers from Budapest Fonix Kendo Club. The trailer is very well made that touches me as a kendo practitioner who is going through these stages of training.

Accept criticism to become a better person

My mind had been a little weak lately, in both work and kendo. Yesterday I went to Taipei Kendokan as usual on a Friday for a major fix-up. I got what I wished for - 1.5 hr of focused mind, and a reminder of what determination means.

My body was really tired after my first jigeiko with Ho Sensei. Then Yung-Tien Liao was the second. I knew I had to try my best to attack, because it gets on his nerves if his opponent is moving backwards a lot, and he would really show that he loose interest. The result was good. I tried my best, though still he was much faster, I was able to make the best out of the 3mins of fighting with him. A little note about him is that, he often corrects promptly on my ettiquette at the dojo. At first, it is almost irritating. But then I had realised that it was good for me, and he meant well. So everytime when he corrects me, I accept and appreciate his criticism. And everytime when I can truly accept my mistake, I feel like a better person. So thank you, Yung-Tien!

Ho Sensei commented:

• During my seme, I want to occupy the centerline, but the movement is too big, such that my kenzen is too off-center.
• I missed a lot of striking chances. I should use my eyes better and hit accurately.

Ryuzo-kun came for a short 2-days trip in Taipei this Sunday - how wonderful to see my brother friend here in Taiwan, after so many talks in Paris about Taiwan, its culture, and people over bottles of beer and wine! It feels strange to meet up finally here, no? Ryuzo?

Two things about kendo I learned during his visit:

• When doing fumigomi, the left knee bends a little immediately after pushing the body forwards. The purpose is to drop the body weight fast at the same time drawing the left foot to the right one. The result is a much sharper stomping sound. I noticed in particular when Ryuzo do it, because it sounds very different.
• When I seme my upper body leans a little forwards. I should keep it up-straight, and as Ryuzo mentioned it, like someone is pulling my hair up.

I hope we will meet again soon - whereever!

No one will remember me if...

Yesterday I went to the Hsin-Chu Kendokan. Not so many people turned up, and I wonder if it was due to the rainy and cold weather..?

Peng Sensei told me after the training that I was not confident and motivated enough, which was why I lost in the competition. I need to try harder and attack more, he said. "Otherwise no one will remember you, which is a pity because you are still young." I think I hesitate too much. This problem pops up every now and then. Can I get rid of this parasitic problem once for all?