This article highlights some pointers and videos on a fundamental component of fumikomi known as hikitsuke (引付) – courtesy of a number of sensei’s. An experimental Continue reading “Hikitsuke (the Quick Follow-up of the Rear Foot) in Fumikomi – Some Pointers and Videos”
Category: Mechanics
Walking as if Kissing the Earth – for a Shinkansen-like Fumikomi and Seme
A member of the dojo where I practice at asked me to teach her a particular form of fumikomi and seme that I sometimes use. Where my right foot and body inches forward Continue reading “Walking as if Kissing the Earth – for a Shinkansen-like Fumikomi and Seme”
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”
Relative Grip Strengths – Between the Hands and Digits (Overview)
A lecture video by Takumi Chikamoto (Kyoshi 7th dan) [Chikamoto Lecture], forwarded to me by a sensei, prompted this article. I found the video very informative and helpful Continue reading “Relative Grip Strengths – Between the Hands and Digits (Overview)”
Relative Grip Strength – Why Emphasize the Left Hand? (Part 1)
A common pitfall in kendo is the under-use of the left hand and over-use of the right hand [KendoInfo LeftHand] [KendoInfo RightHand]. You may have heard many sensei‘s Continue reading “Relative Grip Strength – Why Emphasize the Left Hand? (Part 1)”
Relative Grip Strengths – in Brief (Part 2)
This is a brief summary of teachings and recommendations on the relative grip strengths for the hands and digits. Continue reading “Relative Grip Strengths – in Brief (Part 2)”
Relative Grip Strengths – in Detail (Part 3)
This is a detailed survey of teachings on the relative grip strengths of the hands and digits. A measurement analysis of grip pressure over time during a strike by a kenshi is Continue reading “Relative Grip Strengths – in Detail (Part 3)”
Relative Grip Strengths – Exercises to Improve Shinai Control (Part 4)
I list a few exercises below to help improve shinai control – focusing on the left hand and digits. A firm understanding of the ideal grips described in Part 2 (in brief) and Continue reading “Relative Grip Strengths – Exercises to Improve Shinai Control (Part 4)”