Hi all; here is the second last summary for the beginner’s course this term. Well done to all who were at the grading and competition! I hope that you enjoyed yourself. There is little left to talk about that has not been covered previously, so this summary will be mainly consist of a few tips and pointers.
Kotate suburi. (Single-handed suburi) This is a more advanced and difficult suburi, but is very rewarding when practiced often. However, it is also possible to injure yourself if done incorrectly. Kotate suburi swings can be made to kote or men height, either just going forwards, or forwards and backwards. The benefits are in learning to cut with the left hand, relaxing the wrist at the end of the cut, and improved tenouchi. Ensure that the left wrist is turned in such that the “V” between the thumb and forefinger is on the top of the shinai (much like holding a tennis racket) so that the correct tendons and muscles are used. If the wrist is turned out, the tendons on the inside of the forearm will become strained. Additionally, one should build up the strength in the left forearm slowly, until it is accustomed to the strain of weight of the shinai. If it is too heavy, move the hand up from holding it at the end of the shinai towards the tsuba (crossguard). As the wrist becomes stronger, the hand can be slowly moved back to holding it at the end of the shinai.
A few points noted when receiving kirikaeshi:
1. Remember to extend left arm, elbow and wrist at the end of the cuts. This is essential for hitting the top of the men and doing good tenouchi. This applies to all cuts, of course, not just in the kirikaeshi.
2. Start cuts from further away. Extending the arms means that the cutting distance is drastically increased, meaning that cuts should be started from further away. This works the other way too: arms and wrists will have to be extended to make the distance for the cuts. Remember not to lean the body forwards to try and make the distance, but instead push forwards from the hips, keeping the upper body upright.
3. Always aim to cut the correct part of the men, whether or not motodachi is blocking; do not become focussed on hitting the shinai. Motodachi may allow you to practice this or remind you by not blocking for a few strokes; in this case continue the exercise and make sure the shinai is striking the correct part of the men, and attempt to continue cutting in the same way until the end.
Uchikomigeiko is an exercise involving a series of cuts following each other. This sequence may or may not be determined beforehand. On Monday and at the grading, it was a pre-set “Men, Kote, Kote-Men, Men”. There are two main aims to this exercise:
Continuous cuts and readiness: the cuts should be made as soon after each other as possible while maintaining correct cutting, posture and zanshin. This does not mean the cuts need to be fast; just that there is no break in between them. Motodachi will move to a position after receiving each cut such that you will be able to cut immediately: be sure to do so. This teaches one to maintain zanshin after the cut, and good recovery after a cut. It is difficult to do cuts continuously if one is out of position.
Spirit/Will training: As members becomes more experienced, the sequence of cuts may either become longer or be undefined. However, the exercise will rarely last for more than 15 seconds. This means that in this time, one should put in all effort; the time for recovery is after the exercise ends. Attempt to make all the cuts within as few breaths as possible, and push your limits. Of course, if you feel any pain or unusual discomfort, be sure to stop and avoid injury.
Well done again for sticking with the course; see you all on Monday evening for the final session and the results of the grading! We will continue training through the vacation, with the exception of about a week between Christmas and New Year when the sports centre will be closed, if you are in Oxford at any time.
No comments:
Post a Comment