Morning,
Yesterday’s karate class was (as always!) quite an eye-opening experience. Ever since last week when our beloved sensei drilled us until exhaustion (but he didn’t break us!), my family has adored going to Wednesday classes. We view it as an Ultimate Challenge - will we survive without asking for a break? […]

Morning,
A few days ago, I experienced one of the most empowering karate sessions in months! Class size was at a minimum (6 kids plus yours truly - many parent teacher conferences), so our beloved sensei decided to drill us in hand techniques until ideally, our arms fell off.
Now, here is some background. […]

It’s amazing what the body can do when the mind is in the zone.  Virtually the entire time at karate was spent by me repeating to myself, I can DO this… I CAN do this.   It was a mental struggle for me but I overcame it.  I think I’m getting closer and closer to […]

Morning,
Yesterday’s Kendo class was beyond superb!
True, alas, the person who flattened me last week didn’t bring his armor, but hey. That’s okay; I was able to spar against other extremely talented folks as well. And also true, alas, I was rather, ahem, not exactly skillful….but! I was able to […]

Well! Today is Kendo class, my favorite martial arts weapons activity.
Last week, I was beyond utterly decimated in sparring; I was toasted past recognition. It was quite a character building experience, and I did make certain to use it to teach my kids rather valuable ideas about fear, bravery and the […]

I’m intense.
Yes indeed, I finally have accumulated enough self-knowledge to realize, I throw myself in 110% whenever attempting new and/or challenging activities…to the point one simply has to wonder about my sanity.
Take yesterday. Please. Yesterday, I took my boys to Sesame Place and let me tell you, discovered that what is easy […]

Morning,
Yesterday I finally taught myself the 8 basic cuts while my kids were riding their bikes outside.
It’s *really* annoying to see teenagers completely whip your rear during practice…so I decided enough was enough.
As taken from USA Dojo:
The main cuts or thrusts that may be delivered in kendo are limited as follows:

(1) oshomen - a […]