I came across an interesting technique while reading the book The Art of Learning – An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance by Josh Waitzkin [Waitzkin]. According to the bio, Continue reading “Programming the Opponent – To Adopt Short-Term Conditioned Responses”
Author: kiai
On Fire in Shiai – An Anecdote on the Power of Music
An old memory came to mind while watching some of the snowboarding events in the recent 2018 Winter Olympics. I noticed how some of the athletes would rhythmically Continue reading “On Fire in Shiai – An Anecdote on the Power of Music”
Additional Quotes on Managing Habits
As mentioned in “Resources on Habits – to Change or Acquire Them,” whether aware or unaware of them, acquired habits of behaviors, actions and thoughts influence one’s Continue reading “Additional Quotes on Managing Habits”
Kyudo and Kendo – “How Can They Be Identical?”
This is a story of a learning experience I had, among many, thanks to a professor and teacher, Yokoyama Naoya (横山直也) sensei, years ago when I was a student in Japan. Continue reading “Kyudo and Kendo – “How Can They Be Identical?””
Resources on Habits – To Manage Them
In kendo and life, we develop and acquire habits – automated and ingrained patterns of behaviors, actions and thoughts. It can be a challenge to modify them or adopt new Continue reading “Resources on Habits – To Manage Them”
The Chassé for Strengthening the Hikitsuke – A Tribute to John Yamamoto Sensei
This article has a twofold purpose. It describes a ballet technique, known as the chassé, which can serve as an exercise to strengthen one’s hikitsuke (the fast follow-up of the Continue reading “The Chassé for Strengthening the Hikitsuke – A Tribute to John Yamamoto Sensei”
Quotes on Mushin, Flow and Open-Focus – Overview
Here’s an overview of quotes on the related topics of Mushin-no-shin 無心の心 (Mind of No Mind), the flow-state and Open-Focus (and the related area of Open Monitoring Meditation). The quotes are organized as follows: Continue reading “Quotes on Mushin, Flow and Open-Focus – Overview”
Resources on Mushin-no-shin (the Mind of No Mind)
In the desire to improve in kendo and free the mind from limiting thoughts, I enjoy the practice of developing the mind and heart. Here’s a compilation of some resources Continue reading “Resources on Mushin-no-shin (the Mind of No Mind)”
Tips for Beginners and Common Issues
Here’s some tips for the beginners at the dojo where I practice in two parts on: 1) Mindset and Self-care and 2) The Mechanics of Kendo. They are based on commonly Continue reading “Tips for Beginners and Common Issues”
Kendo-related Quotes
Here’s a collection of kendo-related quotes on or from: Continue reading “Kendo-related Quotes”