https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html Updates from Kendo-Guide.Com. The site provides writings, videos and podcasts on Japanese martial art of kendo, aka samurai swordsmanship. en-us kendo guide and instructions Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:33:40 -0400 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:33:40 -0400 kendo-guide.com nokendo,Japanese,martial,arts,budo,samurai,samurai,swordsmanship,Japanese,culture,katana,the,way,of,the,swordKendo Podcast with Hiro Imafuji from Kendo-Guide.Com. This podcast is about kendo that is Japanese martial arts and Hiro talks many aspects of kendo through its concept, “to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (sword)”. Kendo carries not only Japanese cultural and historical values but also it helps us to deal with our daily lives.Kendo Podcast https://www.kendo-guide.com/us-nito-kendo-seminar-2026.html64900c13cfc62b00096cd1649845c819Reflections on the 14th US Nitō Kendo Seminar, the rising level of nitō, the Toda Cup, and what ittō practitioners can learn from two-sword kendo.
Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:03:18 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Module-4---Lesson-3-Improving-Ki-Ken-Tai-Icchi-A-Guide-to-Synchronizing-Small-Strikes-and-Footwork331d5ff4c05b331760f80478b036b7bfWant reliable Ki‑Ken‑Tai‑Icchi with small Men? I recommend focusing on straightening your right knee at fumikomi and using the solar‑plexus small‑strike drill to sync sword, step, and center—sharpened my timing. Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Essential-Mechanics-Transitioning-to-the-Compact-Kendo-Strikec705129d20715a7a9d137b9119baee63I sharpened my timing and power after compressing the big men into a compact strike, keep your centre, high elbows, chest-level wind-up and a snapping grip-to-solar-plexus finish; indispensable for serious jigeiko practice. Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Lesson-Notes-May-18-2026---Sword-Control-in-Kiri-Kaeshiddd880ccc7f9334f1068c16512257979Good footwork changes the quality of everything that follows. I want to share this because it gives you practical points for improving timing, distance, and cleaner striking in daily practice. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Module-4-Bridging-the-Gap---From-Beginner-to-Intermediateae3b8c1772f24ea2222cf36cb5a398e4The way you use your hands can make your kendo feel more stable, centered, and sharp. This is worth reading if you want clearer control without adding unnecessary tension. Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#What-a-Weekend-Seminar-and-Tournament8e6a6139e341382143d71977b10a80f4This weekend's seminar and shiai reminded me to refocus on the simple, crucial goal of not getting hit—practical pointers on timing, controlling your opponent, and mindset that any serious kendoka can put to work immediately. Wed, 3 Jun 2026 05:15:00 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Lesson-Notes-May-18-2026---Sword-Control-in-Kiri-Kaeshiddd880ccc7f9334f1068c16512257979-cpLearn how to use the sword with less unnecessary tension and connect that control to kiri-kaeshi practice. This post explains relaxed shoulders, stable core movement, receiving footwork, and use of the shinogi so your practice becomes more precise and purposeful. Tue, 2 Jun 2026 04:55:00 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Module-4-Bridging-the-Gap---From-Beginner-to-Intermediateae3b8c1772f24ea2222cf36cb5a398e4-cpThis lesson helps you connect grip, footwork, and striking into a more refined kendo practice. Learn how to keep the left hand centered, use both hands correctly, and build a smoother, sharper men strike before adding armor. Mon, 1 Jun 2026 21:01:00 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Nihon-Kendo-Kata-No3-Tsuki-Nayashi-Tsuki160716641731aaf96707d1f8d8fdc849Nihon Kendo Kata No.3 — Tsuki Nayashi Tsuki (also called Tsuki Kaeshi Tsuki). Both start in gedan, and shitachi must show mercy without losing intensity, because uchitachi can attack at any moment. This detailed breakdown covers the technique, timing, and meaning behind the kata. Sat, 16 May 2026 17:30:00 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/advice-for-goals-in-kendo-at-56-years-of-age-as-a-restarter.htmlf0df900a6d1de27005dd3850893a1dd4Dear Imafuji-San, First of all thanks a lot for your great website and the may helpful Videos. Keep on that way! I kindly ask you about an personal advice Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:40:32 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Bokut%C5%8D-vs-Shinai-Grip-Are-You-Holding-Them-Differently-%EF%B8%8F574dfd85c218a2dacf25cb59c45684bcGrip your Bokutō differently from your Shinai? This question came from Ivan, one of our Patreon members. When I went back to the Dōjō to analyse my own movements, I discovered that I do change my grip — and you should too! Find out why keeping your Kensaki slightly higher makes a big difference in Kata, both for yourself and your partner. Sat, 11 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#How-to-Fix-Your-Kote-Strike-so-You-will-Strike-It-Properlyca218cbd30c89065ef5434b31f052dddIn this lesson, Hiro shows you what goes wrong with a kote strike and how to correct it. You'll find out the key adjustments that let you hit kote cleanly and with proper technique. Fri, 3 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Module-2---Lesson-24-The-Wet-Tenugui-Secret-Good-vs-Bad-Tenouchief00c7c37acd78de17c6234ebef84189In this lesson, Masahiro Imafuji uses Murayama Sensei's wet tenugui demonstration to explain the difference between good and bad tenouchi. You'll see why relaxing your grip at the right moment — rather than squeezing continuously — makes your strikes sharper and more effective. Thu, 2 Apr 2026 05:25:00 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Musashi-by-Eiji-Yoshikawa-New-Translation-by-Alexander-Bennett11c15dec7d8f9a22e36b441729235fbfA brand-new, unabridged English translation of Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa is finally here — translated by Alexander Bennett, a kendo and budo scholar who personally knows the spirit of the sword. If you've ever wondered how Musashi's legendary journey of struggle, ego, and self-refinement connects to your own keiko, this is the book to read. Wed, 1 Apr 2026 05:30:00 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Toyama-Gakko-Kenjutsu-Lesson-1924-from-National-Film-Archive-of-Japan5f50baf81b00616e974e91540b1f4905This is definitely an interesting video clip from 1924, posted by the National Film Archive of Japan. When I watched this for the first time, I thought, “Wow, this is a very interesting video.” Also, the way they train still works in modern kendo. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:17:00 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/finding-real-kendo-dojo.htmlfa8ad081d34637eff0db8567e8942a7bLearn how to find a legitimate kendo dojo and avoid fake martial arts schools. Discover why KendoNearMe.com helps beginners start authentic kendo training.
Sun, 8 Mar 2026 15:18:54 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/Where_to_Buy_Kendo_Gear_My_3_Trusted_Shops.html5e8f7434ae19511d565c8837c2cb7fd3Tired of kendo gear that pinches? Discover the 3 shops I trust for perfect bogu and shinai. Stop guessing and start training with confidence!
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 21:13:44 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Kendo-Guide-2026-is-officially-launching-%EF%B8%8Faaa3581b4c69d86a9a2061be1c9fc53cAfter a short delay, the Kendo Guide 2026 course begins this Wednesday, February 18th. This program is built on years of deep research into movement mechanics and focuses on practical problem-solving for kendoka. Whether you want to master the small men strike or achieve true ki-ken-tai-icchi, this structured guide is designed to help you reach your next milestone. Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:14:00 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/document-pdf-simple-mais-complet-sur-les-10-katas-.html17da99033ea3037a527e8c51911e470cBonjour, Je recherche un document qui décrive les 7 premiers katas de Kendo avec détail et explication en français. merci Kendo-Guide.Com: Hello Chapuis Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:52:05 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#My-Mothers-Death-and-the-Lessons-Contained-in-Kendo27e1128c6b9815d662e3c6dc5387b8ccThis is not just a story about loss. It is a reflection on life, war, family, and the quiet strength we inherit from those who raised us. In this deeply personal post, I share the passing of my mother and the powerful lessons her life—and death—have revealed to me about Kendo, spirit, and what it truly means to cultivate strength in a peaceful world. Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:25:00 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/position-of-feet-for-shitachi-in-kendonokata-7.html5382d87d0c4c0f77a25faed27b0cbb1cImafuji-sensei, I hope you've been well. I was reviewing your kata videos and on kata 7 noticed a difference between the way I saw (and was previously Sun, 30 Nov 2025 16:20:37 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-dojo-in-manila-philippines.html309c0d471625e4bfea10719859831002Hello Imafuji Sensei: Congratulations for your Website! Unfortunately, it isn’t time yet, but I’m wondering if you’re teaching Kendo in Manila, Philippines? Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:31:12 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/restarting-kendo-from-childhood.html8ca132a0c1f7382d6d72f641ae8fbf22Hello I came across your website in the process of my interest in restarting Kendo. I would have to say because it's been so long, I would probably be Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:19:54 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/should-the-left-hand-position-in-chdannokamae-change-depending-on-the-opponent.html7054bc80bb33cbe06073d9f326ba3f53Hi Sensei, I have a question about chūdan-no-kamae. Should the distance between my left hand and my abdomen always stay the same, or can it vary slightly Sun, 30 Nov 2025 14:59:18 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/seme-in-kendo-kata.htmlcfe1cb04d739daf8f3c4645aed310d4bDiscover the true meaning of seme in Kendo Kata. Understand the roles of Uchitachi and Shitachi and how to bridge the gap to shinai kendo.
Sat, 29 Nov 2025 18:24:15 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/A_Call_from_the_Netherlands_Visiting_Washinkan_in_Tilburg.htmlf7e23a1586b46ffd361bd0ef3df12799A promise takes me to Tilburg’s Washinkan - first EU visit, keiko with local 4-dan+, two sessions, and practical tips for instructors on training with intent.
Wed, 5 Nov 2025 20:44:30 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/My_Experience_at_the_13th_US_Nito_Kendo_Seminar.html7764053f28feb7b7024ed67e89460cfeThe 13th US Nito Kendo Seminar in Idaho, detailing unique two-sword techniques, invaluable lessons from sensei, and the event's camaraderie
Sat, 2 Aug 2025 18:53:43 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/The_Aroma_of_Summer_Reminded_Me_of_Kihiin_in_Kendo.html99d3d2cab7c535d8d86fce3505956cb2A casual cycling day reminded me of Mochida Sensei’s words: Kendo’s grace (kihin) is like a flower’s scent—felt deeply, not seen. Experience matters.
Mon, 7 Jul 2025 20:34:57 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/how-do-you-deal-with-someone-who-has-a-strong-center-and-tight-kamae.html5beab487e30b4ef3e06ebc0cc0a04939Hi Sensei, I'm doing kendo for more than 9 years now and at Sandan level. Sometimes I come across someone who has a very strong center and a very tense Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:39:03 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/how-long-should-i-practice-before-starting-to-attend-4kyu-tests.html1e58b1e74b3cce09a16bb65ce13ea2b1Sorry if this question is frequently asked, but how long should I practice Kendo before attending 4-kyus tests? I started praticing Kendo not long ago, Sun, 16 Mar 2025 12:26:57 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/how-long-should-i-practice-before-wearing-hakama.html064117af3986f31c89dc61ba302acb7cHow long should I practice before wearing Hakama? I just started practicing kendo, my sense said that I should not wear the hakama first because he needs Sun, 16 Mar 2025 12:17:18 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/winning.html4e7bc252b2e60b0573ecc31f846c49c2Winning tournaments is really emphasized here in Hawaii and it's really intimidating. Aren't there much more important things? I never won and because Sun, 16 Mar 2025 12:11:33 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/too-old-to-start-kendo-again.htmldfa4b2b20f523a7db523c32779e54366Hello, I was 21 when I stopped doing Kendo (did only Iaido since) and now at age 55 I think about starting again. Is it realistic and can I reach something Sun, 16 Mar 2025 12:03:49 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kata-kiai.htmlbf743ed6bd2d4d435369fd1dd31f843aHello Thank you for all the tutorials and advices you are posting on the net they really helped me progressing in my practice. I have a question that certainly Wed, 19 Jun 2024 11:57:31 -0400 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Any-Ideas-for-Patreon-Only-Contents71b9ceec44808a805e1f005ce1533ae2Hope you are having a great Sunday afternoon, evening or Monday morning! I've been thinking about giving you one or two Patreon only content. Everyone is getting ad-free videos. I'm thinking about content for Perl membership or above. Sun, 3 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#A-Samurai-Helping-Santa25e83f2f40bcb9071ddc1eced1c47e45This year, Santa asked a samurai to help him with gift delivery. This is the samurai's first time helping Santa so he hopped on Rudolph and carried all the gifts with him, not on a sleigh! Fri, 1 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#-Kendo-Blog-Improvement-is-a-Spiral-Keep-Climbing-by-Repeating-and-Refiningec4288d994e00903440b8511d89bfd5cImprovement in anything we do is like climbing a spiral staircase. We keep going up, but we come across similar points again and again, just at a higher level. This idea is very much at the heart of Kendo, but it applies to everything in life. The saying from Yagyu of Shinkage-ryu.... [Read More] Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#Santa-Claus-Getting-Ready-for-His-Journey2fabde2f431cb69fc440ad449fee7789Now Thanksgiving is over, he is getting ready for his business. Keeping your mind peaceful is one thing you can do to avoid any mistakes! Way to go Santa! The holiday card with this design is available at Zazzle. You can also download the design too. Ho, Ho, Ho! Sun, 26 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#-Kendo-Blog-Back-from-the-Back-Aggravation-CrossFit-Training-After-One-Month-of-Rest---10292023d4b27c611c202b90a0d66ce8ef3547feOne month ago, my back pains came back and since then I had not been to CrossFit. I was not confident enough to do any workouts and didn’t want to worsen it... Read More to Find Out What Happened Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#-Kendo-Podcast-Back-from-the-Back-Aggravation-CrossFit-Training-After-One-Month-of-Rest---10292023bc94907c0e64d981b859f9d84376db53Oh, my. One month of rest due to my back pain. It is going to be tough! This is a podcast version of the blog post, [ Kendo Blog: Back from the Back Aggravation: CrossFit Training After One Month of Rest - 10.29.2023 ]. Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#-Kendo-Podcast-J%C5%8DdanNit%C5%8D-When-is-the-good-time-to-learn9f99f0f74dff796d42d36b667a20d5afIn this Kendo Podcast, Hiro goes over his personal perspectives on when kendo practitioners can learn jodan/nito. Hope you like it. Sat, 18 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500 https://www.kendo-guide.com/kendo-guide-and-instructions-blog.html#JodanNito-When-is-the-good-time-to-learn53aed6d654c977eb21d4de752ef155afThis is one of the common questions frequently asked. And I am sharing some basic ideas about it in this blog. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500