Tough love.

I now feel like a real kendoka (someone who practices kendo) because…

...I finally got blisters on my feet. I read that blisters happen in kendo due to the footwork (suri-ashi) and it is hard to deal with. I’m hoping it will soon turn to calluses and my feet will become immune to the sliding on the wooden floor. However, for now it is painful. Some of my other classmates are getting blisters on their feet and hands but it’s pretty amazing how we just push through the pain.

 

The footwork training is grueling but I’ve been practicing to make sure that my footwork doesn’t change while I do suburi (repeated swinging of a sword against an imaginary target).

Since I lack any type of martial arts training and I lack arm strength, my suburi has been pretty awful.  My “cuts” have not been straight and I’m still working on my footwork. Initially, I felt discouraged but seeing the other kendokas really motivates me.  I just had to remember to be tough and that I love kendo. 

Hajime.

Yesterday I began my first Kendo class.  I was nervous to see who else would be in my class.  When I arrived I saw that everyone in my class were male students except for me (I was a little disappointed but I’m used to being the only female in a group)

My instructor, Kim sensei, was giving us basic training, but mainly focused on the terminology.  All kendo terminology is in Japanese so I’m really learning another language. 

Respect is very important in kendo and one of the first things you learn is to bow (rei). The etiquette is to bow when entering and leaving the dojo, to bow to your sensei, and to bow to your opponent. 

The sensei will also call out basic commands such as hajime (begin), yame (stop), seiretsu (line up).
In addition, the equipment and armor are also called by its Japanese names.

I am utterly fascinated by the customs and etiquette of kendo.  I feel that in today’s world, there is very little structure and things like manners and respect are slowing becoming part of the past.  Kendo teaches not only about the sword, but also about showing respect, slowing down and mediating, conquering fears, and being determined.