“I’d rather be a could-be if I cannot be an are; because a could-be is a maybe who is reaching for a star.
I’d rather be a has-been than a might-have-been, by far; for a might-have-been has never been, but a has was once an are.”

– Milton Berle

There are times in our lives when all the signs seem to be pointing us in a particular direction. Our thoughts and dreams are echoed in the songs and stories we hear and the media we see. Maybe the message we are getting from the universe doesn’t even make sense in the “real” world, but somewhere inside, these urges feel right. Maybe you feel you are being told to move to a new city although your life where you are is just fine. Or maybe you feel the desire to pursue a new direction in your career when it never really interested you before. When we spend time getting in touch with our higher selves, our intuition sends us directives to lead us to become our best and most fulfilled selves. And when we are open and listening, the next step is to take action and go for it.

Once we make the decision to pursue our inner urgings, the universe sets into motion the means for all sorts of details to fall into place. A sense of peace will come over us, because we know that any questions will no longer make us wonder if our dreams are possible, but how to make them happen. Instead of deterring us from our goal, these questions only serve to clarify our focus to move us forward. We need not throw caution to the wind to follow our dream. The positive shift in our energy affects everything around us. Like a rush of water, it goes ahead to clear debris from our path so that we can go forward. Our new attitude also attracts likeminded people. Sometimes even the most unlikely angels arrive to help us along our way with the information and support we need.

Wherever your dreams are pointing you today, take a step. Take action and manifest your inner urges and soul whisperings.

All the best
Mark J. Speranza
www.MartialArtNy.com
info@MartialArtNy.com

]]> http://martialartacademy.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/thought-for-the-day-november-23-2009/ Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:41:24 +0000 martialartacademy http://martialartacademy.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/thought-for-the-day-november-23-2009/

<b><h3>"It is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us
rich."</b></h3><i>
-- Henry Ward Beecher</i>

ost of us express our distinctiveness in many ways throughout our lives. Although, as we proudly share our offbeat traits and preferences with the world, we take great pains to downplay those eccentricities we ourselves deem odd. Instead of living lives colored by these quirky impulses, we seek out socially acceptable outlets for our peculiarities. We may not realize that we are editing ourselves in this way because our individual societal awareness is unintentionally attuned to the attitudes of the people we encounter each day. Over time, we have learned to suppress some of the most fun aspects of individuality. To rediscover and embrace these buried traits, we need only ask ourselves what we would do if we knew for certain that no one would judge our choices.

Visualizing this day without judgment can help you better understand the idiosyncrasies that are an important part of who you are but seldom manifest themselves in your existence. Perhaps you secretly dream of replacing grown-up, conservative clothing in favor of a changing array of costumes. You may envision yourself painting your car electric-green, hugging the trees in a crowded local park, singing joyous songs as you skip through your community, or taking up an exciting hobby like fire spinning. Try not to be surprised, however, if your imagination takes you in unexpectedly simple directions. In your musings, you may see yourself doing things such as breaking out in dance or dying your hair a fun color. Regardless of the nature of your suppressed peculiarities, ask yourself what is really stopping you from making them a part of your life, and then resolve to incorporate at least one into your everyday existence.

Life as we know it is so short. Making the most of years we are granted is a matter of being ourselves even though we know that we will inevitably encounter people who disapprove of our choices. When you shake your tail feathers like no one is watching, you will discover that there are many others who appreciate you because you are willing to let go of any inhibition. By doing this you help others know it is okay. No one else in the world is precisely like you and, each time you revel in this simple fact, you rededicate yourself to the celebration of individuality.

<b><h3>

All the best

Mark J. Speranza

www.MartialArtNy.com
info@MartialArtNy.com

]]> http://kendonellemarche.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/quando-a-fine-allenamento-siete-stanchi/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:34:26 +0000 aletrevor http://kendonellemarche.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/quando-a-fine-allenamento-siete-stanchi/

venite a vedervi quest’articolo!

Si tratta di Mr Henry Smalls, un ragazzo che, senza gambe ma con un enorme determinazione, pratica il Kendo oltre ad altre arte arti marziali con ottimi risultati!

 

 

 

 

 

Qui lo si può vedere in azione durante uno shiai

Henry Small, un esempio per tutti.

Nessuno escluso.

 

]]> http://martialartacademy.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/thought-for-the-day-november-202009vember/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:44:46 +0000 martialartacademy http://martialartacademy.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/thought-for-the-day-november-202009vember/

“Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness.”

In our youth-oriented culture, the process of aging is not honored as it once was. There have been societies that looked to those who were older for leadership, understanding that their life experiences must have brought some wisdom with them. Our society tends to put more value on looking youthful, so when the time comes that we don’t look, move, or feel the way we once did, this causes a sudden jolt to our perception of ourselves. We can look at this shift as a crisis and fight against change, or we can take the opportunity to transition smoothly to a new phase of life.

We spend our youth learning who we are and what we are capable of accomplishing. As we set and reach our goals, it is easy to identify ourselves by our roles. At some point we may feel very comfortable in the idea that we have a complete understanding of ourselves. This is, inevitably, when things change and we get to see ourselves from a new perspective. Those who have reached their goals may wonder where to go from there, feeling uncomfortable with the new choice of parts to play. Others may have to let go of an identity that was built around a goal that was not reached and decide from what foundation to rebuild. Although it can be challenging to shift into a new expression of self, we may find that we’re better suited for this fresh path of self-discovery and the new perspective it brings.

Whether we find ourselves facing a midlife crisis or any life transition, we can take the time to get in touch with our inner selves. From the unchanging spirit within us, we can accept and embrace the changes that come with the human experience. Examining where we’ve been and what we’ve learned can point in the direction of all that we would like to do now and in the future. When we anchor our identity in our spiritual nature, we understand that physical change does not change who we are, but only offers another perspective from which to experience, understand, and celebrate life.

All the best
Mark J. Speranza
www.MartialArtNy.com
info@MartialArtNy.com

]]> http://bloguldekendo.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/de-alegeri/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:17:55 +0000 iulianacerchez http://bloguldekendo.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/de-alegeri/

Pentru că unităţile de învăţământ la care facem antrenamente se pregătesc cu drag şi spor pentru alegerile de duminică, nicio sală nu va fi disponibilă nici astăzi, aşa cum nu a fost nici ieri. Îmi pare rău că nu am apucat să pun anunţul şi aici după ce a trimis sensei Crăciunel mesajul.

Probabil că ne vom confrunta cu o situaţie similară şi înainte de turul al doilea al prezindenţialelor. De data aceasta sper să fiu mai pe fază şi să anunţ şi eu pe blog mai din timp.

Baftă!

]]> http://koi8.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/kendokumdo/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:15:32 +0000 koi8 http://koi8.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/kendokumdo/

]]> http://romanticantihero.com/2009/11/19/jumping-off-the-bench/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:18 +0000 Monty Maxwell http://romanticantihero.com/2009/11/19/jumping-off-the-bench/ http://fonziegames.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/fonselots-dark-stories-vii/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:32:07 +0000 The Fonz http://fonziegames.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/fonselots-dark-stories-vii/

<NOS FUIMOS PA’ MADRID>

Amigos de la Nave del Misterio, hoy ha sido un día desconcertante, inquietante, y, ¿por qué no decirlo?, acojonante.

Todo ha empezado cuando me he despertado rememorando el sueño que estaba teniendo:

Resulta que estábamos -Al- y yo en el autobús de la Sepulvedana rumbo a mi pueblo (aquél lugar de la Mancha de cuyo nombre no quiero acordarme), pero vestidos de perro, al estilo de Kenta Mushasino (el profesor de Kendo de Shin Chan), uno de rosa y el otro de azul, no recuerdo bien quién iba de cada color…

Pues bien, por un motivo que no recuerdo, nos bajamos los dos del autobús, y de repente éste arranca, dejándonos allí en la cuneta. Pero justo cuando se iba aparece el autobús que viene a Madrid, conducido por un chico de mi curro (que sólo conozco de vista), que nos recoge y da la vuelta al autobús, rumbo a mi pueblo.

Del resto no recuerdo nada, sólo la paranoia de que mi maleta iba en el otro autobús… (si alguien sabe qué puede significar este sueño, que me lo diga, y lo más importante, ¿por qué con todas las chicas que había en la facultad y en el curro sólo veo hombres conocidos?)…

Y claro, con un despertar así, el resto del día ha sido bastante extraño, ya que el mexicano me ha secuestrado, pero hemos acabado hablando del doblaje de los dibujos animados después de que me rescataran, y bueno, los líos de faldas ya son un capítulo aparte, y aún mucho más inquietante, pero bueno, como dice la

Regla 32 de Zombieland: Enjoy the little things

]]> http://martialartacademy.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/thought-for-the-day-november-18-2009/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:22:53 +0000 martialartacademy http://martialartacademy.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/thought-for-the-day-november-18-2009/

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”

Our individual journeys take us into many unexpected situations where we encounter a wide variety of people—some quite like ourselves and some very different. We cannot anticipate these meetings, but we can make the most of them when they take place. When we are courteous as a matter of course and open-minded in our assessment of the individuals whose lives briefly touch our own, we are more apt to stumble upon surprising gems of wisdom that open our eyes to new worlds of possibility. Every person we meet can affect us profoundly, just as every situation we find ourselves in can teach us something new.

To fully embrace this fact, it is essential that we acknowledge that everyone is valuable in their own way and capable of expanding our horizons. Since we never know when we will happen upon those individuals who will unveil truths before us, we should extend to all people the same generous level of kindness, care, compassion, and understanding. When we assume everyone we meet is special and treat them as such, we can develop a strong rapport quickly. By making an effort to adopt a positive attitude toward others at all times, we ensure that our emotions do not blind us to wisdom that may be lurking in difficult or distressing situations. We are accordingly receptive to knowledge that comes to us in the form of examples, advice, and direct teaching.

These brief relationships ultimately have the potential to enrich our lives in a very concrete way. But the wisdom we gain is proportional to the attention we pay to the world around us. The responsibility is on us to maintain a state of awareness that allows us to recognize when we are in the presence of someone consciously or unconsciously in possession of knowledge that will change us significantly. When we are cognizant of the potential for unexpected enlightenment, we make a habit of turning strangers into friends, thus ensuring that we are never without a font of wisdom from which to draw.

All the best
Mark J. Speranza
www.MartialArtNy.com
info@MartialArtNy.com

]]> http://tranmaingoc.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/wah-kendo/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:32:41 +0000 nekokama http://tranmaingoc.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/wah-kendo/

So, I always heard that the seniors can be “rough” towards the juniors in kendo — today was my first taste. I guess Matsueda sensei really wasn’t trying to kill us intentionally — he just wanted us to improve our stamina. But HELL — I need to figure out how to breath and relax between those strikes, otherwise I’m DOOMED.

Need some kind of cross training for breathing and core strength (my stomach muscle has always been horrible) — aka: yoga + swimming. Perhaps should try swimming first — that’s a bit easier to manage (although the swimming pool here is rather small and chloride-intense). General cardio workout is needed too — overall I’ll just need to figure out a block of time to go to the gym — perhaps between class Tuesday / Thursday 2pm-3pm for instance. Although might be better to avoid the kendo days. Maybe Thursday 2pm-3pm (since Thursday practice is not as intense) and Saturday after going shopping or something (and before 1pm – so maybe Saturday 12pm-1pm). Work out aims:

- stamina: running

- core strength

- Morning kendo practices: TO WORK ON:

+ correct wrist and arm actions

+ jogesuburi

+ breathing pattern

+ keep arm up high after the “go through” men strike

- DURING FREE PRACTICE, TO WORK ON:

+ breathing pattern

+ relaxing after striking

+ quick, efficient feet movement (comes with stamina)

Start from this week. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

]]> http://romanticantihero.com/2009/11/17/21st-annual-midwest-kendo-federation-taikai-shinsa/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:32:34 +0000 Monty Maxwell http://romanticantihero.com/2009/11/17/21st-annual-midwest-kendo-federation-taikai-shinsa/ http://genovakendo.com/2009/11/17/sportilia-2009-kyusha-kendo/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:30:31 +0000 GiOVANNi http://genovakendo.com/2009/11/17/sportilia-2009-kyusha-kendo/

Una nuova e breve rubrica viene inaugurata su questo spazio.

Torneremo indietro di qualche mese a Sportilia 2009 e la vedremo con gli occhi dei nostri kyusha, con gli appunti che hanno preso.

Pubblichiamo questa rubrica perchè confidiamo possa essere un aiuto ai kyusha del nostro stivale per addentrarsi un poco alla volta alla pratica del kendo.

Si, la foto non centra un tubo, serve per spezzare il testo…

Il Kendo, la dimensione spirituale

Il Kendo deve essere corretto non solo dal punto di vista tecnico ma anche per cià che riguarda il suo scopo ultimo.

Nel 1971 sono stati deviniti gli scopi del Kendo che sono la formazione della personalità dell’individuo la sua realizzazione a livelo sociale. Importante è dunque l’impostazione spirituale, che è fondamentale per il modo di condurre gli allenamenti.

Nell’allenamento del Kendo esistono tre punti principali:

1. TO: ovvero, come adoperare la Katana
2. SHIMPO1: l’apprendimento somatico che interessa l’uso del corpo
3. SHIMPO2: l’apprendimento di cuore.

Questi tre punti devono fondersi.

Altro aspetto importante del Kendo è che dobbiamo fare ciò che deve essere fatto. La pratica autentica si fonda sull’impegno autentico rivolto anche all’ottenimento della pace nel mondo.

Il kendo può quindi essere riassunto in sudore e pace nel mondo

Il Kendo, come hanno vouto farci capire i Maestri allo stage, è un dialogo fra due persone che sinceramente cercano la crescita morale/spirituale in ogni ambito, e che nel Kendo trovano una solida base per perseguire tale via, per questo bisogna darsi completamente alla pratica senza riserve o remore.

Durante il keiko bisogna capire le lacune dell’avversario ed evidenziarle, con sincerità di intenti, senza orgoglio o superbia, vincendo le nostre paure e remore senza pensare all’esito del combattimento, grati all’avversario sia che ci abbia permesso di mostrargli le sue debolezze, o che ci abbia mostrato le nostre, e così si cresce entrambi in ogni aspetto sociale.

Per questo i Maestri hanno detto, non importa se si vince o se si perde, ma come si vince o si perde. Diventa inutile dutante la pratica parate solo per parare, affrontare l’avversario con violenza e prepotenza, e cercare con tutti i mezzi di vincere, è come nascondere a noi stessi quello che veramente siamo.

Bisogna fare il miglior Kendo di cui siamo capaci, sincero al 200% senza remore e senza riserve o paure, non lasciando dietro niente di noi stessi quando si attacca, solo così si cresce interiormente e si assapora appieno la pratica del Kendo.

—

E voi?

Se siete stati a Sportilia quest’anno avrete assistito agli stessi discorsi.

Cosa ne pensate?

]]> http://menkote.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/one-more-tiny-step/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:27:31 +0000 luxfan http://menkote.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/one-more-tiny-step/

The longer I practice Kendo the more I grow to understand and appreciate the fact that the art mimics life in many ways.  I suspect it is probably true in other martial arts as well.  However since I don’t have much experience in other arts I have to use what I know, even at the risk of sounding like a zealot.

I have to admit failing Nidan last year was a very difficult thing to overcome.  I questioned my desire and drive to continue, and once I overcame that I still had to overcome why I had failed.  While I did get good feedback on what I needed to improve, I struggled with getting it to fit and really understanding it.  D Sensei talks about it like a puzzle,  we are given pieces at a time and sometimes we don’t have a clear enough picture in order to fit the piece in.  So we set it aside and then one day the picture comes into focus and we know where that piece now fits.  I really can not say for sure if I had enough pieces put into place to pass yesterday or not.  I can say however that while warming up for the tournament on Saturday K Sensei was giving me some instruction on continuing to move more from my hara.  Something he has probably shown me and taught a hundred different times,  I already had the piece  he just clarified the picture and turned it to give me a different perspective!  It was still rolling around in my head by the time the individual matches began.  I had the luxury of K Sensei being one of the shimpan (judges) for my court.  After losing a very tough match in the second round he was there to give me even more advise on being even more purposeful in moving from my hara as well as always moving forward and using seme.  Again things I knew but I didn’t (and still don’t totally) grasp until that moment.  It was truly an ah-ha! moment for me.  I had the chance to apply and work on putting the new piece into place during the team matches with some success and felt very positive after the tournament.  This carried over to the the test on Sunday.  While I had some nervousness it was not near as bad in the past and I felt confident.

I will admit I would have had some disappointment had I not passed, however it was more important in the long term development of my Kendo to have that picture become just a bit more clear.  Nidan while important for me is just another small step.  Having that bit of clarity not only will help my Kendo grow today, but will seed further growth for the future, laying a foundation for more pieces to be given and placed in the tapestry of my Kendo path.

Passing was just icing on the cake.

I can’t begin to thank D Sensei and K Sensei for having the patience and willingness to give me the pieces and guiding me when I try to put them in upside down.  Also to all the other Sempai and Kohai in the club as well for encouraging and pushing me.  You are all like family.

Gambatte!

]]> http://romakendo.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/cambiano-in-giappone-le-regole-per-lo-tsubazeriai-nelle-competizioni-di-kendo-delle-scuole-medie/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:58:19 +0000 romakendo http://romakendo.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/cambiano-in-giappone-le-regole-per-lo-tsubazeriai-nelle-competizioni-di-kendo-delle-scuole-medie/

Le seguenti modifiche al regolamento con ogni probabilità non influenzeranno nell’immediato futuro il vostro modo di allenarvi. Tuttavia l’applicazione di queste nuove regole nelle competizioni giovanili giapponesi fa chiaramente supporre che ci sarà un approccio differente in coloro che diverranno le figure di riferimento del kendō del futuro, e lascia inoltre altrettanto chiaramente intendere cosa le figure di riferimento del kendō moderno ritengono essere cattiva forma.

Queste modifiche sono già state largamente discusse e sperimentate per un certo periodo di tempo qui in Giappone (la messa in vigore è stata decisa a maggio 2009 ed ho personalmente già veduto le nuove regole applicate nello shiai), ma è solamente a partire da questo mese (ottobre 2009), in cui i kenshi riceveranno un hansoku piuttosto che un semplice avvertimento, che le regole sono entrate definitivamente in uso.

Ma leggiamo queste nuove regole:

- da una corretta posizione di tsubazeriai si hanno 10 secondi di tempo sia per tentare un colpo che per disimpegnarsi. Non agire in una di queste due maniere causerà un hansoku;

- se decidete di disimpegnarvi da tsubazeriai dovete farlo raggiungendo una distanza in cui i vostri kensaki non si tocchino;

- se pur provando a staccarvi da tsubazeriai continuiate comunque ad attaccare, a mettervi in jōdan o a fare altro che non sia semplicemente il trovare la giusta distanza, allora riceverete un hansoku.



L’importanza del concetto di “corretto tsubazeriai”

Uno dei punti principali toccati nei manuali e nei seminari di formazione riguardo la posizione di tsubazeriai è che questa deve essere assunta “correttamente”. Cioè entrambi i kenshi devono lavorare per evitare che le proprie mani non salgano troppo in alto, assicurandosi al contempo di mantenere una posizione corretta e facendo attenzione che il proprio shinai rimanga sul lato di omote (la nostra destra) dell’avversario. Uno tsubazeriai non eseguito correttamente verrà sanzionato con un hansoku.

Anche se spingere o mettere lo shinai sulla spalla dell’avversario sono situazioni non contemplate in queste nuove regole, entrambe queste azioni sono già considerate cattiva forma e conseguentemente potrebbero causarci un hansoku.



Ura tsubazeriai?

Se il vostro shinai finisce sul lato di ura (la nostra sinistra), non riceverete un hansoku fin tanto ché vi sforzerete a rimuoverlo prontamente via. Inoltre disimpegnarsi mentre il vostro shinai è ancora sul lato di ura non vi causerà generalmente alcuna penalità a meno che non sia qualcosa di continuamente reiterato da parte di uno stesso atleta.



Che cosa succede se un attacco viene effettuato nel momento stesso in cui uno dei due kenshi decide di staccarsi?

In questo caso la decisione di assegnare yūkō datotsu è lasciata agli shinpan. Tuttavia l’attacco deve grossomodo iniziare almeno dal punto dove i kote dei due kenshi si possono toccare. Se invece un attacco viene lanciato quando uno dei due kenshi già si è spostato indietro, allora è previsto l’hansoku.



Perché sono stati fatti questi cambiamenti?

Questa è una domanda a cui è relativamente facile rispondere: nel kendō viene di solito preferito uno stile propositivo, sempre in avanti, specie quanto più giovani si è. Tuttavia recentemente molte competizioni giovanili hanno veduto uno stupefacente incremento nella quantità di hikiwaza portati a segno, a volte finanche in numero ben maggiore del normale men-uchi. Ci sono alcuni problemi legati a ciò:

- cattivo kendō: molti kenshi semplicemente si limitano a bloccare (a volte entrambi i contendenti allo stesso tempo) e a chiudere in tsubazeriai, e questo è contrario a quell’attitudine propositiva/sempre in avanti preferita nel kendō. Questo modo di combattere viene perciò visto in maniera assolutamente negativa (arriverei addirittura al punto di dire che è brutto) ed ha attirato critiche da tutte le parti;

- evidente perdita di tempo: è oramai assodato che molti atleti chiudono deliberatamente in tsubazeriai nel tentativo di guadagnare tempo lasciando correre il cronometro. Con la nuova regola dei 10 secondi, combinata col fatto che se un atleta decide di staccarsi allora l’altro non può rifiutare di fare altrettanto rimanendo fermo, il tempo che si potrà rubare alla gara si troverà così ad essere drasticamente limitato;

- aumento degli specialisti di hikiwaza: non può ovviamente essere una cattiva cosa l’essere specializzati in una particolare tecnica, ma – essendo io stesso un insegnante di kendō di un club scolastico – ritengo piuttosto che sia più giusto e salutare allenare i miei allievi a preferire waza più propositivi e d’attacco diretto.



Che cosa è accaduto a “wakare”?

Se i due kenshi che sono in una posizione di corretto tsubazeriai hanno entrambi la volontà di colpire, e tuttavia non agiscono in tal senso né dimostrano di volersi staccare entro i 10 secondi, allora il chushin deve scegliere o di comminare ad entrambi un hansoku, o di chiamare wakare, sebbene sono avvisati di non ricorrere a quest’opzione in maniera troppo disinvolta.

La mia personale opinione è che verosimilmente gli shinpan si troveranno a chiamare più frequentemente wakare nelle fasi iniziali dell’incontro ma, se i due kenshi dovessero insistere a finire continuamente in tsubazeriai, l’eventualità di vedersi comminato un hansoku aumenterà esponenzialmente.



In conclusione

L’impatto che questi cambiamenti avranno diventerà più chiaro solamente col passare del tempo, ma la speranza è che finiranno per promuovere un kendō più propositivo e d’attacco, piuttosto che le lunghe competizioni tutte incentrante su tsubazeriai e hikiwaza che vediamo spessissimo oggigiorno.

Penso inoltre che le regole siano un po’ vaghe (ma sono le regole generali del kendō ad essere comunque così!) e potrebbe richiedere del tempo prima che un singolo shinpan vi si possa trovare a proprio agio. Nel kendō esiste una ampissima varietà di stili differenti di tsubazeriai e di metodi per attaccarsi/staccarsi da questo, ne consegue quindi che gli shinpan stessi abbiano molte differenti opinioni (finanche fissazioni!) in merito.

Ho scritto in apertura che queste nuove modifiche al regolamento non influenzeranno con ogni probabilità il vostro modo di fare kendō. Tuttavia ritengo che dalle motivazioni che hanno portato a queste modifiche si evinca chiaramente quello che deve essere considerato buon kendō, ed anche se la maggior parte dei kenshi tende a limitare l’uso di hikiwaza mano a mano che il proprio kendō matura, o almeno ad utilizzarlo in una maniera più razionale, ritengo sia proficuo tenere bene a mente questi punti mentre pratichiamo (e insegniamo) kendō, agonistico o meno che sia.



Fonti
大阪高体連審判講習会資料 (Ōsaka Kōtairen Shinpan Kōshūkai Shiryō)
第１８回全国高等学校剣道選抜大会総評 (Dai 18 Kai Zenkoku Kōtōgakkō Kendō Senbatsu Daikai Sōhyō)
剣窓, H21・5月 (Kensō, maggio 2009)



Autore: George McCall
Articolo pubblicato originariamente su: http://kenshi247.net/blog/2009/11/13/tsubazeria-rule-changes-in-high-school-kendo/
Fotografia tratta da: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kendodigital
Traduzione dall’inglese a cura della Federazione Italiana Cinghiamattanza

]]> http://kendonellemarche.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/kendo-no-kata-ippon-me-10%c2%b0dan/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:32:41 +0000 aletrevor http://kendonellemarche.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/kendo-no-kata-ippon-me-10%c2%b0dan/

Il documento in questione è in rete da parecchio tempo, quindi non è una novità, ma è sicuramente un filmato di una valore storico molto importante per il Kendo.

I due kendoka (Uchidachi – Goro SAIMURA e Shitachi Moriji MOCHIDA) sono 10°dan Hanshi, il massimo livello per una kendoka.

Possono essere tranquillamente considerate delle Guide.

Come molti di voi noteranno parte della forma è cambiata, ed anche altri punti del kata sono stati modificati, ma devo confessare che provo comunque una certa emozione nel vedere questo video…

Nei prossimi articoli faremo un pò di chiarezza nella storia di Moriji MOCHIDA.

]]> http://oroshi.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/denied/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:42:32 +0000 Richard http://oroshi.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/denied/

Some readers may be wondering why I’ve not been updating much recently. Well, the truth is this: I have been so busy with work – with overtime most days of the week, whole weekends given over to interpreting for visitors, and very recently a three-day training seminar in faraway Tokyo – that I’ve been able to do keiko only about three times in the last month. A couple of hours ago it was confirmed that I will also be unable to do keiko today, tomorrow or Wednesday, as I have to work those evenings. This means that I will have gone almost six weeks without doing kendo or iaido regularly.

This alone would be bad, but to make matters worse I will be going to Kansai this weekend (without any chance to train beforehand). On this trip, which I’ve had planned for quite some time, I will be doing keiko at several dojo and one big keikokai. Normally this would be great fun, but with a month of almost no keiko I’m concerned that my ability and basic fitness have now deteriorated to such a degree that I’m just going to embarrass myself. I’ve been looking forward to this trip for ages, and now I’m worried it’s going to be no fun at all.

With any luck, December is going to be mostly free from daily doses of overtime and working weekends. Then I can maybe start to crawl back to a state where I might actually be able to attempt nidan in the spring. With the way things are at the moment though, I’m not very optimistic.

]]> http://tranmaingoc.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/%e6%ad%a3%e4%bb%a3%e5%85%88%e7%94%9f%e3%81%ab%e4%bc%9a%e3%81%84%e3%81%be%e3%81%97%e3%81%9f/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:04:13 +0000 nekokama http://tranmaingoc.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/%e6%ad%a3%e4%bb%a3%e5%85%88%e7%94%9f%e3%81%ab%e4%bc%9a%e3%81%84%e3%81%be%e3%81%97%e3%81%9f/

A kendo seminar in moutain view – somewhat similar to other martial arts seminar I’ve been to (eg: jujitsu). This time we had the honor to get feedbacks from 正代先生, 2008 All Japan champion. He is AMAZING. Here are a few things my untrained eyes have picked up:

- In すり足, he could leap SO FAR, and his whole body was moving, not just his feet or arm. And he didn’t lift that left leg off the ground — so that’s important to keep in mind.

- In しあいけいこ：he starts from じょうだん, taking advantage of his height. He frequently uses the one-arm left wrist strike, which gives him enormous range. And his wrist has alot of power to excute this strike. The じょうだん also allows him to block めん strikes by default (but of course not こて – but he is an expert at avoiding こて strikes).

- He is good at blocking めん strikes – and the blocking method is simple: he put his しない a little forward. He does it with ease though… pretty amazing to watch!

- His opponent tends to misjudge the distance and hence miss the strike. I’m not sure if this was due to 正代先生　moving his body back, or that the opponent is misjudging. But it is clear that  じょうだんのかまえ gives several advatanges: not giving hints on the distance between you and the opponent (which also means you have to practice to get that distance right – but it is probably harder for your opponent since they are used practicing against people in　ちゅうだんのかまえ。Automatically block off the men, and the kote can be avoided easier (since moving your arms is easier than moving your head). Well ok — overall it has many advatanges. Will be interesting to practice if I have the chance (ie: the right sensei) – but for now just go with the conventional and learn all the basic techniques first.

]]> http://kendo-blog.com/2009/11/15/mundo-sin-fin-capitulo-5%c2%ba/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:23:13 +0000 Desirée http://kendo-blog.com/2009/11/15/mundo-sin-fin-capitulo-5%c2%ba/

Aunque muchos libros de introducción a las artes marciales proporcionan fotos sobre los movimientos de técnicas, no se puede aprender el “flujo del ma” (distancia, tiempo y espacio) entre cada foto. Es muy importante aprender esta distancia en las artes marciales y otras artes de representación. Solo se puede adquirir mediante la correción del maestro, revisión propia y repetidas prácticas.

Encontré un hecho interesante en la comparación del método de la práctica e instrucción del samisen (instrumento musical japonés) y el piano. Hoy, el chemise se enseña a través de nota musical (o notas propias), pero ya era costumbre mediante la instrucción verbal del maestro. Comparado con el antiguo método, es más fácil aprender samisen hoy en día; no obstante, los expertos dicen que el sonido se ha vuelto “sin alma”. En otras palabras, aunque la música es técnicamente correcta, pues es tocada según la nota adecuada, no tiene “ma” y al sonido le falta la pura esencia japonesa de “wabi-sabi”. “Sin alma” significa no tener carácter y carecer de encanto para el oyente. Aunque no es incorrecto tocar el samisen acorde a las notas tampoco es escucharlo.

Un músico de un país extranjero hizo un comentario sobre un pianista japonés diciendo:

El pianista tocó las notas perfectamente y tiene unas técnicas avanzadas. No obstante, sentí que la música era algo diferente.

Esto tiene algo  en común con el sonido “sin alma” del samisen. Desde que cada músico posee diferentes personalidades y crece en entornos diferentes, la pasión hacia la música difiere naturalmente. Estas diferencias forman las características de cada músico y la habilidad para adquirir el “ma”.

Lo que “toca” o “golpea” la mente de alguien está basado en el tipo y cantidad de entrenamiento acumulado a través de los años. Desde que no es una técnica que se pueda enseñar por alguien, se debe aprender por uno mismo.

Subimos los peldaños mediante la imitación y practicar una y otra vez, no obstante, ni maestro ni alumno tienen un criterio claro sobre cuando avanzar al siguiente nivel. El método tradicional japonés de aprendizaje y de enseñanza de técnicas consiste en no definir cada nivel, así que cada alumno marca su propia meta. En ese sentido, cada nivel en las artes marciales no es más que un áspero standard y no asegura la adquisición de técnicas. La última meta en la adquisición de técnicas consiste en sobrepasar al maestro; no obstante, no hay precedentes y no se ha encontrado. Puedes estar convencido de que has sobrepasado a tu maestro, pero nadie más lo admitirá. Las artes marciales son referidas como un “mundo sin fin” por su falta de definición de cada nivel y la evaluación. El que vive en estas edades de este “mundo sin fin”, añade más “profundidad” acorde con su proceso de aprendizaje y carácter. Algunas personas lo describen como la quinta esencia de la técnica o arte. A pesar de que cada uno posee su propio estilo de técnica de Kendo y es difícil reseñar la diferencia, cada técnica representa una belleza única y profundidad de la persona a pesar de su invisibilidad.

Últimamente no puedes repetir el mismo momento físico dos veces. No obstante, puedes alcanzarlo mediante la adquisición del “ma”, el cual necesita ser adquirido por uno mismo y no puede ser enseñado por nadie. Este es el eterno tema dentro de las artes marciales y otras artes de representación.

Pese a que el entrenamiento en artes marciales u otras artes de representación está considerado como un “mundo sin fin”, el tiempo para retirarse llegará cuando notes una falta de equilibrio entre mente, técnica y cuerpo. Debes realizar tu propio juicio sobre cuándo debes retirarte.

En la próxima entrada:

• Secreto del Kendo y “la misteriosa habilidad del gato”.

Esta entrada es una traducción de un capítulo del libro Essence of Training (Keiko) in Japanese Culture: Technique (Waza) Acquirement and Secret of Kendo de Hiroshi Ozawa, 7 dan Kyoshi, profesor de la Universidad de Ciencias de Tokyo. Todo el contenido de las entradas relacionadas con este libro son propiedad de su autor.

]]> http://vachter.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/25-ob/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:00:52 +0000 shrap http://vachter.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/25-ob/ http://bailoteo.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/descargarmp3-don-omar-ft-kendo-la-mano-derecha-cheaters-official-video-preview/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:35:00 +0000 elpartyson http://bailoteo.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/descargarmp3-don-omar-ft-kendo-la-mano-derecha-cheaters-official-video-preview/

]]> http://bailoteo.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/descargarmp3-kendo-la-mano-derecha-ft-don-omar-psychos-official-preview/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:28:00 +0000 elpartyson http://bailoteo.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/descargarmp3-kendo-la-mano-derecha-ft-don-omar-psychos-official-preview/

]]> http://kendodiaries.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/iado-111309/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:19:47 +0000 revdebi http://kendodiaries.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/iado-111309/

As usual, it took great effort to get home from work and be home for a couple of hours, then make myself leave again. And as usual, I’m glad that I did. Today I practiced Ippon Me Mae along with everyone else. Once they all had moved on to other things, I continued to practice. It’s amazing how quickly you can get into bad habits, it’s almost like squashing a partially filled balloon, you press on one side to perfect it  and a bubble pops out of the other. Such is my experience of my training. as soon as I feel that I have gained a better perspective of one movement, another goes out the window.

I only stabbed myself in the webbing of my thumb a few times today. Not bad, I feel an improvement [literally]. I’m very clumsy at drawing the sword and at returning it to the saya. I’ve developed a weird habit of turning my saya over without realizing it, and then of course, trying to return my sword to a saya that is upside down. I’m in serious danger of cracking my beloved sword, so now I am trying to feel for the sageo knot with my left palm as an indicator that I have it the right way. How did this happen? It does seem that as you progress 5 things to think about become 10. 10 become 20 and so ad infinitum. You are your own worst enemy. Complacency certainly has no place in Iaido.

As promised, I looked up the specs of my Iaito. “It features a set brass Fuchi/Kashira that is nicely oxdized for the antique look with dragon theme. The blackened iron Tsuba features the lily flowers theme and the Menuki features the dragon theme. Tsuka is wrapped with purple cotton over a genuine rayskin. The saya is Kuroishime (black matte finished lacquer). A sand-casted, a bubble-free zinc/aluminum alloy blade  2.0 shaku. Approximately 630 gram without the Saya.”  What does this mean? Not much to me right now. But I have to say the proportions and weight are perfect for me. I have very small hands and often have to buy children’s sizes in gloves. It was important that it be small enough for me to grip properly, yet the tip should be just off the floor when my arm is relaxed downwards. My sensei cannot fit his hands on it properly, yet he confirmed it is a perfect size for me.

Above is a picture of the parts of the sword. Courtesy of

From : Image:Katana (shema).png (deuscht version)

Beschreibung: Bestandteile eines japanischen Schwertes (neue Version)

Autor: Jarok (eigene Zeichnung, gemeinfrei)

Part of my training today was to learn some etiquette, such as bowing and the proper way to handle the sword during beginning and ending your interaction with the sword and class. I found out that in testing 50% of the mark is given for performing the ritual etiquette correctly and with meaning. Sensei has requested that we practice this as part of our daily routine. 20 just became 100.

I have to say that Iaido is so complicated and yet so simple that it could become a philosophy of its own. You suddenly become aware that in general, you don’t move with purpose. You don’t retain awareness of your space unless someone intrudes upon it. It is great to be in an atmosphere where knowledge is shared with you for the pure task of giving you knowledge. Not for the aggrandisement of the giver, but to help you attain your goals, and to further the experience of the dojo as a whole. It’s amazing how you can feel that you are part of a group and yet have said only a few words to each other. That’s it for today, off to soak my knees.

]]> http://patolinx.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/video-wibal-y-alex-ft-varios-artistas-la-nena-del-caserio/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:33:50 +0000 patolinx http://patolinx.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/video-wibal-y-alex-ft-varios-artistas-la-nena-del-caserio/