Anyways, back to the main subject. I became 3rd Dan as of today. It was 2 times kirikaeshi and 3 times 3-mins jigeiko(which I think are too long). If one passes the above then comes the kata.
There are three things I concentrated on:
- Show a good Kamae, especially with a straight back. I found that only half of the examees below 4th Dan held a good kamae with the back straght. And most wiggle the shinai too often without a purpose. So having a steady kamae immediately stands out and gives the judges a good impression.
- Show the understanding of seme. Not striking relentlessly like 1st Dan and the 2nd Dan holders. Every time before launching the strike, I made sure I applied the pressure to my opponent, and showing it by inching forward with the body.
- Show a few (2 or 3) oji-waza, and kote-men strikes. Ok, in my opinion and many otehrs, kote-men is an essential technique to master in order to pass the 3rd Dan. So I have to show that I can do it regularly and fluently. And I struck also debana-kote and kaeshi-do.
Kata
Fortunately, I didn't make any major mistakes, despite being a bit last minute. I should practise it more regularly!
Where to go from now on?
Being a good 3rd Dan I need to be much stronger than I am. I need to work on:
- striking at the right moment. Meaning I have to create the striking moment. Put more effort on waza practice, and use them in jigeiko. Especially concentrate more on the seming and timing.
- Bring more explosion into my strikes. That also includes bring my whole body forwards instantaneously.
Last but not least, I really appreciate the Senseis and Sempais who have constantly helped to improve my kendo by giving good advices and pointing out my weak points. Thank you!!
