My First Kendo Class
This isn’t a pic from my class, but this is one of the elements of the katas
So, I went to one of Obukan’s classes last Thursday. It was supposed to be purely for observational and informational purposes. Well, the sensei took me aside and I explained how I ended up there and why I came, and he said, “Well, I have an extra bokuto (wooden sword) here if you want to participate.” Of course I said yes.
He had me start with “suri-ashi”, which is basically moving forward or backwards in a sliding motion without one’s feet crossing each other. I did this up and down the length of a basketball court about six times. It’s a lot harder and more exertive than I thought. My calves were worked pretty hard, and my lower-back was put to work in helping me maintain both balance and posture.After that, the class split up into two groups. My group went to work on katas, which are detailed patterns of movement practiced either solo or in pairs. We started by learning much of Kendo’s rules of etiquette, such as bowing and how one positions their blade. Without going into too much detail, (because there’s a lot of fine points) I did fairly well considering how much there was to learn and remember.
Once we did all that, we actually worked on strikes and evasive movements. We paired off, and one student would play the role of the attacker while the other was the defender. We practiced these movements a great deal, and the class went on for some time. I ended up cutting it short just because I hadn’t anticipated actually participating and, as a result, had brought Byron and my brother-in-law. Byron, being a five-year old, just didn’t have the patience for it. The sensei was most understanding of my circumstances and said I had done very well for my first time out. Needless to say, I had a lot of fun and will be returning.
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Top notch. Not to be confused with top knot.
That is SWEET! Sounds like a fun way to work out. Definitely more involved than a treadmill.
Glad you had fun! So, what’s next??
Well, I’m going back again on Thursday to actually sign up. I’ll have to talk to them about whether I need to buy a bokuto of my own, or what.
Sounds awesome. When are you going again? Too bad there isn’t one between Tigard and Hillsboro, eh?
Actually, they have a location in Beaverton as well, but from what I’ve gathered the spot in SE Portland is a bit more intimate and, as such, much more conducive to learning.
Learning shmearning. It’s all about the stick action!
Give him the stick! DON’T GIVE HIM THE STICK!
When do you get to train with Charles?
I’ll beat the shit outchya WITH Charles!
Keep practicing; don’t let the hard work discourage you. Kendo is a life-time study. Join the Federation, and I’ll see see you at the taikai.