Kendo World 6.4

Content in this issue:


Editorial
By Michael Ishimatsu-Prime
In the editorial, Michael Ishimatsu-Prime reflects on visiting the 109th Kyoto Embu Taikai in May and discusses some of the highlights, most notably the participation of the last two Hanshi 7-dan sensei who are 99 and 90 years old, and also the bout between Sakud Masao-sensei and Hamasaki Mitsuru-sensei which was the epitome of "katte-utsu" - "win and then strike". The upcoming Sport Accord Combat Games that will be held in St. Petersburg, Russia, is also discussed along with Olympic kendo.

Kiwada Daisuke Interview
By Blake Bennett
KENDO WORLD EXCLUSIVE!! Staff writer Blake Bennett visited the Osaka Police training centre to interview the current All Japan Champion, Kiwada Daisuke. Kiwada discusses his motivations, difficulties and aims in kendo.

Hanshi Says
Hanshi Says is a popular series in which Japan's top Hanshi teachers give hints of what they are looking for in grading examinations based on wisdom accumulated through decades of training. This issue features Aoki Hikoto-sensei from Oita prefecture who passed the 8-dan examination in 1987, and was awarded the title of Hanshi in 1995. He talks about the importance of cultivating one's overall capacity and using seme effectively.

Nuts n' Bolts of Kendo: Effective Training Methods - Kirikaeshi
By Nakano Yasoji (Hanshi 9-dan)
In this article, Nakano-sensei discusses the importance of kirikaeshi and points to consider for both the kakarite and motodachi.

sWords of Wisdom: "Remember, then forget"
By Alex Bennett
Hzin In'ei was a Buddhist monk at the Kfuku-ji temple in Nara who founded a prominent school of sjutsu (spearmanship) known as the Hzin-ry. This article discusses In'ei's encounter with another renowned warrior of the Warring States period called Kani Saiz, and a valuable lesson that he taught him.

Reidan Jichi: Kihon Dsa - Part 4
By ya Minoru (Kendo Kyshi 7-dan)
Kihon-dsa, or basic movements, refers to kamae, footwork and manipulation of the shinai. In other words, it entails all of the principles behind the striking and thrusting movements for scoring yk-datosu (valid attacks) in kendo. This article examines striking basics and the theory behind striking motion.

Unlocking Japan Part 24: Gaijin Style
By Lockie Jackson
Lockie Jackson's column continues as he ruminates on the image of foreign men in Japan.

The 43rd Kanagawa-ken Yonsha Taik Kendo Taikai
By Michael Ishimatsu-Prime
On Sunday February 17, 2013, Michael Ishimatsu-Prime visited the Kangawa Prefectural Budokan in Yokohama to report on the 43rd Kanagawa-ken Yonsha Taik Kendo Taikai (The 43rd Kanagawa Prefecture Four Team Kendo Competition). This exciting competition pits 15-member teams of the prefecture's strongest police, teachers, company workers and students against each other in a league.

The Kendo Coach: Sports Psychology in Kendo: Part 9 - Aggression in Kendo - part 4
By Blake Bennett
Blake Bennett's continuing series of articles on aggre...