I definitely agree with what you said about right hand must "Tense Up".
My sensei has pointed out to me I'm using to much Muscle and am not Relaxed. He is a very good sensei and am very proud to be taught by him.
But I can also feel my left hand is still very weak so I need to make it stronger.
Thanks Ryan
Kendo-Guide.Com: You?re very welcome. Good to be a help. Please read a comment about Chiba sensei, too. Kendo is a never ending journey, isn?t it?
Mar 09, 2009 Rating
Striking with Shinai by: John M.
Again, an interesting question, which I interpret as an issue of right hand and tenouchi.
I came across an interesting comment by a famous sensei in Japan, Chiba sensei, Hanshi 8th dan. He said something to the effect that 'let the shinai do it's thing (I'm paraphrasing), don't interfere with it, i.e., don't tense up, don't try to use strength'. Also he pointed out that the right hand should come in play i.e., tenouchi, only after the shinai makes contact with the target, not before. Isn't that interesting.
I agree with Masahiro - it takes time to 'learn' out to do this, and yes maybe several years, but that's part of kendo. Mastering these movements over time is part of developing your Kendo spirit. It never ends, I believe.
Kendo-Guide.Com:Thanks for the comment. What Chiba sensei says explains how we should do suburi, even though it is takes a long journey to get there. Many sensei says the same thing in different ways. So it is very interesting to hear what other senseis say. Thanks for sharing it!
