#kendo test

[kendopath]

New Path.

My life has is beyond complicated. The schedule I keep is a fractured timeline. I have 5 major international projects under production. The waza to keep everything running is a feat.

Kendo has taught me how to face my adversities head on, with a calm mind.

It has forged in my soul a self motivation that I have not yet fully comprehended.

But that's what the path of the future sorts out....

It's not an echo. It has yet to be focused through.....

[kendopath]

Sensei input.

I listen to all sensei feedback sessions after Shinsa. I passed 4.dan 2 years ago. I sat on the shinsa panel for kyu ranks. I went over and listened to the Dan panel feedback. I had to, as an instructor. I need to know what they want, what they seek, what they SEE. I think I'm going to make all of my Kyu ranks listen to the Dan feedback from now on. The sensei noticed me. One sensei locked eyes with me and spoke to me....while addressing the group. He knew why I was there.....

Your presence is recognized. Your presence is appreciated.

--- Stop thinking it doesn't relate to you. It does.

[kendopath]

Success

Over the past few days, after completing the hosting of a Team Taikai that gathered together nearly 100 people, 20 teams and numerous sensei. I had the opportunity to truly listen to sensei evaluate me in my leadership, the event and my students. 

They gave me excellent feedback and glowing recommendations for our event and our hospitality, and the secrets of being a sensei - I trust these Sensei to tell me the unreserved truth. They would flat our tell me if I screwed up. Of course I could not have done this by myself, the volunteers and family sacrifices made it all possible. 

I passed.

[kendopath]

Shinsa: All pass

It’s a great feeling to know all of your students passed shinsa. I thanked them for their efforts and dedication to themselves. We will have a wonderfully full Menjo ceremony in the future

[kendopath]

Shinsa Preparation

Wow, Its been a while since I posted --

I am still a few years away from my GoDan test. But I am preparing some of my students for their first test, and three of them for their 1.Kyu test. 

A few tips of advice I have given them, that were passed down to me for Shinsa.

1. Stay present in the moment - don’t distract your mind with idle chatter and conversations the day of your test. Have those conversations afterwards, allow your mind to be free of clutter, don’t diffuse your Ki with random thoughts and inane, insignificant conversations. Observe every test before and after you. Evaluate and observer their performances, especially the ones before you. Watch for the precision strikes and ippon points. Encapsulate this, use it. 

2.Don’t practice in front of the judges. Practice is for the Dojo. Warm up before the judges arrive, once they arrive, stop, build focus. Don’t allow them to watch your mistakes over and over before you test. 

3. Use YOUR Kendo You have 2 minutes to prove your level. Don’t do waza that is outside of your practical toolbelt. Only show your best. Try to maintain your Maai, not your opponents. Make them do your Kendo -- apply seme so they need to fall into place for your techniques. 

4. Trigger invitation with Seme, Tame. -- Set up strikes, pressure, seme, Tame release attack with everything you have. Release seme to trigger invitations --  to attack for waza application. (opposite of waiting) 

5. Be positive in your mind Don’t discount yourself. Don’t Judge yourself--that is why you have sensei judge your performance. During the Keiko, your only focus is your opponent. All else should be cast away. 

6. DO NOT BLOCK Quit blocking. ATTACK. if they have won the point let them have it. Focus on attacking. Blocking to prevent being hit is poor kendo. We strive to do clean, beautiful Kendo. 

[kendopath]

Here is the link to my 4.dan shinsa pass. Tumblr and Vimeo aren't working together very well. Hopefully this works well, otherwise I will download and try to convert it again ?

[kendopath]

I enter on the left, nearest the camera at around 4min.

[kendopath]

SanDan Success

Testing doesn't get easier. I was happy that I passed SanDan on my first attempt. I still need to set up the opportunity and win before striking. I had a bit of trouble with my ankle that weekend, but pushed through the pain. Now the cliffclimb to YonDan. I have 3 years - three short years to develop my kendo to a new level. I think I will try to save up the money and join my Sensei back in Japan and test for YonDan in Kitahiroshima Hokkaido. It will be a grand adventure - my first journey to Japan, and given three years it will allow me to save up the money!  Overall I am pleased with my test. I will post my Kata also.