by Mark Kawabe | Jan 30, 2017 | Uncategorized
I call it the R-word. Seriously. It seems like a dirty word or at least an impossible feat to achieve for some kendoka. “How can I relax when someone’s swinging a shinai at my head?” I don’t know how to make someone relax. I just know that if...
by Mark Kawabe | Jan 1, 2017 | Uncategorized
We wrapped up our 2nd Annual Toshikoshi Keiko around 1:30 a.m. ET. To my knowledge, we’ve held the first kendo practice in Canada two years in a row. Here’s hoping for a third 🙂 Highlights: Exploding Kittens (the card game). Food – lots of it –...
by Mark Kawabe | Dec 12, 2016 | Uncategorized
I remember growing up hearing this term. My rough translation of it is “to do something to the utmost of your ability”. What a wonderful phrase to apply to kendo, and to one’s life. Walking the path of issho-kenmei is not easy. It requires focus,...
by Mark Kawabe | Nov 23, 2016 | Uncategorized
We all know what a naysayer is. A yeasayer* is the opposite. Positive. Encouraging. Looking for ways to make things better. We all have a yeasayer and naysayer in us. They’re like muscles. The one that gets more exercise is more dominant. As with most things,...
by Mark Kawabe | Nov 22, 2016 | Uncategorized
Kendo is not just about one’s physical ability. Here are 10 ways you can make your kendo better that don’t rely on physical talent. Showing up to class on time Being physically and mentally prepared for class A good attitude Proper etiquette in the dojo...
