lesson from the tourney.

here is the problem. the tourney is great, but it's not the end of kendo. more important thing is not to win the tourney, but to show graceful kendo during promotion test. apparently, one of sempai failed nidan test because he didn't have crisp cut dring the shimsa. i need to remember that. also from what i heard, he allowed the aite to control the match. i need to work on crisp cut, and making sure i'm the one in control at all time. out of all the matches that i have seen, one that impressed me most was my sensei's matches. he is just totally in control. nothing seems to shake him. and when he see the opening, he is there. very solid, very simple, very beautiful, and graceful.. something that is light years ahead of where i am. need to keep that picture in my head so i can have good role model. all these jumping around might look good and exciting, but the true kendo is supposed to be calm and solid. if i can not do that, then i'm already lost. 平常心. that's our dojo motto.. and i need to keep that in mind.

2006 fall SEUSKF tourney.

ok, i entered, and got eliminated on first round. well, people say kendo isn't about winning, but it still sucks. yoonmi took some video of my matches, and i had time to analyse it. the form wasn't all that bad. but i'm too slow. and i'm leading with my knee. need to fix leading with knee, but slowness.. hmm.. not sure how to fix that one. i could do some speed drill, but not sure if that will help. strenghth work out on the machine might help.. but not sure about that either.
all in all, the tourney was very enjoyable, and educational. i have seen some great matches, and had time to spend with my teachers. drinking, as always, was great.