pregnancy and kendo

[phoenixgrl]

My husband and I practice Kendo together. We are planning on having our first child in about a year and a half (meaning, it would be born a year and a half from now. I would be pregnant earlier). I know this might sound weird, but what worries me the most about being pregnant and having a child is how it will affect my kendo. Obviously, I won't be able to go all out in keiko like i do now, and shouldn't let people hit me in the abdomen; there will be limitations to practicing, but i don't want to stop practicing. I am wondering if anyone has been through this and knows sort of what I could do and what I couldn't do while being pregnant. The more details, the better. Also, how many of you have children and practice kendo still? It might be wrong, but it seems like it would be harder for women with children to get away and practice kendo than it would be for men that have children. thanks!

[Anime12478]

I'll take a bite at this.

If I were in your situation, I would probably decide to stop as soon as I found out I got pregnant. Even just doing the basics and danger of receiving stray strikes could put the unborn child in danger. The only thing Kendo related that I would do would be Kata (and you know we all need to practice that more!)

In closing, I wish you guys luck with getting the baby and all. I wonder if you are planning on giving a Kendo related gift for the first birthday to start off early :).

I'll let the doctors and females who have been in this situation give more insight. Me being a single male and not a doctor doesn't give me any experience in this kind of thing.

[Pan-Chan]

(EARLY)CONGRADULATIONS!

If I were a pregnant--or soon to be pregnant--kenshi, I would talk to a doctor about what sorts of exercises are okay to do while pregnant.

I know there are certain exercises that pregnant women can't do, at least not at first, but other than running and using heavy weights I'm not sure. I would think that kata, footwork, suburi, and even light uchikomi practice would be okay, though.

Fumikomi-ashi might not be a real great idea...

I would just talk to my doctor; explain the ins and outs of my normal keiko, and see what they say is okay to do out of it.

I hope your plans work out well!

[nikozamo]

yeah .. talk with the doctor, i have a friend pregnant in kendo too, but she make kendo (without bogu), when her belly started to grow, she just stopped, my medical experience is almost nothing, but i think during the 3 firts months its ok, after that depending the person the next step (keep practicing or not)

[kumaken]

My wife and I just had a baby in August, so I'll give you her experience.
She never practiced once after the day she found out (two-three weeks since conception??) Although I've heard of ladies continuing with suburi, maybe kata well into the second-third trimester, strapping on bogu is not something any doctor would recommend at any stage of pregnancy (don't take my word for it though).
However, about one month after birth, she returned to practice about once a week to prepare for shiai.
One thing she did during pregnancywas to come with me to practice. This gave her a chance to watch and at least keep kendo in the mind, and I think the baby got used to the sound of shouting and shinai, because when we take her (the baby) to the dojo now, she only cries before and after practice.
My wife had asked other female sensei about the decision-giving up practice for up to three, maybe more years (considering term, recovery after birth, early childraising)-unless you're going to be a national team member or something like that, you will ultimately have to make the sacrifice (something you will have to get used to!)
Everybody has a different experience with pregnancy, but your priorities must always lay in the little life growing inside you.

[h2o]

There was an article about a swedish female kendoka who got pregnant posted on our federations website some time ago. (http://www.budo.se/nytt2005/gravid_kampsport.shtml)
It is in swedish, but I'll give the main points:
She practiced until 8 months. But she stopped receiving do-strikes, and had to be "easier on the feet" since she was heavier than before. She did ji-geiko, but only after informing the opponent.
However, this article says that the baby is really quite secure inside the abdomen and that most women would benefit from exercise while being pregnant.

A bit unstructured, but I hope it helped.

I really think you should continue practicing as long as it is possible.

[SmellsLikeBogu]

you could keep practicing without bogu, that means you only get to hit others while they are not allowed to hit you :p
use that time to improve on your katas! I think katas are a quite safe exercise for pregnant woman. and although some people think it doesnt, it can help your kendo, in terms of seme, pressure, zanshin, ma-ai, ... when you're doing the 7th make sure you are sidachi ;) its the only one with a do strike in it.

btw, hakama must be the perfect pregnacy clothing :D and its just so damn comfy :)

[Solinde]

The woman that h2o was referring to has written an article herself, about her own experiences and views on practising during pregnancy. You can find it at http://www.naraforaldrar.se/gravidtraning.htm, but since that one too is in Swedish I'll translate the interesting parts for you.

Kendo betyder Svärdets Väg och är en fysiskt krävande kampsport, men i och med att inga kast eller liknande ingår, räcker det med att modifiera träningen för att kunna fortsätta under graviditeten."Kendo, the Way of the Sword, is a physically demanding martial art, but since there are no throws, or anything like that, the training only has to be modified for one to be able to keep practising during pregnancy."

Then she talks a whole lot about the general health benefits of training while pregnant, before she comes back to the topic of kendo.

Inom kendo kan man till exempel fortsätta träna nästan som vanligt, men låta bli att stampa hårt, inte ta emot do-hugg (mot sidan av magen) och inte utsätta sig för hårda stötar. Keiko eller "fri träning" är okej om man för varje match säger till sin partner att inte hugga do och undvika hårda taiatari. Tävlingsmomentet ska man undvika mot slutet av graviditeten - det är lätt hänt att adrenalinet flödar, att motståndaren inte tar hänsyn eller att man glömmer bort att lyssna på kroppen.
"In kendo one can practise almost like usual, but avoiding hard stomping, not receiving do strikes and not taking hard pushes. Keiko [she's referring to jigeiko, really, this is a common misnomer among Swedish kendoka] is okay if you before each time tell your partner to avoid do and hard taiatari. Competition should be avoided towards the end of the pregnancy, there's a lot of adrenaline and your opponent might not be careful or you forget to listen to your body."

Then whe writes about the increased need of taking care of your body and keeping contact with the doctor, just in case, as well as what you shouldn't do (like diving) while pregnant.

Till att börja med fortsatte jag med kendo tre gånger i veckan, efter sjunde månaden minskade jag till ett kendopass och tränade kondition hemma med min ministepper två gånger per vecka i stället. Mot slutet av graviditeten kände jag att det var omgivningen som undrade om jag inte skulle lägga av snart snarare än jag själv. Självklart var jag tyngre i åttonde månaden, men främsta anledningen att jag upphörde med kendon var att jag ville ha mer lugn och ro. Under min andra graviditet slutade jag med kendon i slutet av sjunde månaden, jag blev förkyld sista veckan och valde att fortsätta med annan träning efter det.
"At first I continued practising kendo three times a week, after the seventh month I cut down to one practice and did cardio training at home with my ministepper twice a week instead. Towards the end of pregnancy I felt that the people around me, rather than myself, was wondering when I would stop. Of course I was heavier after eight months, but the main reason for stopping was that I wanted more peace and quiet. During my second pregnancy I stopped at the end of the seventh month, I got a cold the last week and then chose to do other training."

That's the main (kendo-related) parts of the article, hope it helps.

[Neil Gendzwill]

If I were in your situation, I would probably decide to stop as soon as I found out I got pregnant.She plans on being pregnant, not sick. Within reason, she can do most of the things she is doing now. I'd say to avoid taiatari, and to listen to your body as far as how hard you can push it. After around 6 months, balance can be affected so take that into consideration. Of course, consult with your doctor because on these matters most of us are a bunch of uninformed idiots. There are some pregnancies where you must take it easy, but most as far as I understand it most women can be very active in the first two trimesters. Many run, ski, etc.

[bullet08]

don't know about being pregnant. but, one of sempai, takeyama-san, always brought her little one to the dojo. she and her husband, who does not practice kendo, drove about an hour every sat. morning to our practice, and her husband kept the boy busy.

my wife worked out at least 30 min everyday on treadmil while she was with our sons. she doesn't care too much for work out, being 5' 2" and less then 100 lbs all her life, she didn't feel the need, but was told by the docs that regular workout during the pregmancy will actually help with delivery and things.

pete

[ReKru]

don't know about being pregnant. but, one of sempai, takeyama-san, always brought her little one to the dojo. she and her husband, who does not practice kendo, drove about an hour every sat. morning to our practice, and her husband kept the boy busy.


My sensei and his wife both do Kendo and they have a daughter that basically 'grew up' in the dojo, so it's possible to do.
You maybe need to figure out who does 100% training and who watches the baby while your child is young.

I take my daughter (who's turning 6 now) to training with me every now and then since she's about 3 or so, to give her mum a bit of time on her own, and since then, she's pretty much 'low maintenance', so I can focus on the training and not watch over her so much.

Having my sensei's daughter around helps to keep them both busy and enjoying the time. It'd probably be more difficult if there where no kids around and she'd had to sit around bored.

Go and motivate more people in your dojo to have kids, so your child will have company. :D

[Seiza_Seizure]

She plans on being pregnant, not sick. Within reason, she can do most of the things she is doing now. I'd say to avoid taiatari, and to listen to your body as far as how hard you can push it. After around 6 months, balance can be affected so take that into consideration. Of course, consult with your doctor because on these matters most of us are a bunch of uninformed idiots. There are some pregnancies where you must take it easy, but most as far as I understand it most women can be very active in the first two trimesters. Many run, ski, etc.

This is a interesting subject and will cause some debate I'm sure. At our club a pregnant member continued to do Iaido well into her pregnancy which was amazing. This may sound terrible so please excuse my thoughts. If a pregnant woman suited up in bogu asking me to train, I would feel extremely uncomfortable and resist. I would however bend for Kata but any form of physical training in bogu would send a shiver up my spine. Sorry to be a softee. Call it insecurity, call it what you want. I could not live with myself if something negative was too occur. Life being something so cherished and precious I find it difficult to understand. It may be deemed as selfish on the expectant mothers part. Yes, the decision lies with them but for me in this type of situation I would have to be the "selfish" one and exclude my training with them. I am interested in how other people feel on this subject. There are so many angles to look at this subject and I value everyones say here on the forum.

[ReKru]

I am interested in how other people feel on this subject. There are so many angles to look at this subject and I value everyones say here on the forum.

I feel like you.

I wouldn't feel too good to practice with a pregnant women in bogu and I wouldn't feel too good to let my significant other (who doesn't do Kendo anyway) practice in Bogu while she's pregnant.

Suburi, maybe - kihon is already pushing it - any form of keiko, rather not at all.

Being active during pregnancy is one thing, but the unpredictable dynamics of Kendo keiko, even between two experienced practictioners, would be too much of a risk for me personally.

[Seiza_Seizure]

She plans on being pregnant, not sick. Within reason, she can do most of the things she is doing now. I'd say to avoid taiatari, and to listen to your body as far as how hard you can push it. After around 6 months, balance can be affected so take that into consideration. Of course, consult with your doctor because on these matters most of us are a bunch of uninformed idiots. There are some pregnancies where you must take it easy, but most as far as I understand it most women can be very active in the first two trimesters. Many run, ski, etc.

This is such an interesting subject and will cause some debate I'm sure. At our club a pregnant member continued to do Iaido well into her pregnancy which was amazing. This may sound terrible so please excuse my thoughts. If a pregnant woman suited up in bogu asking me to train, I would feel extremely uncomfortable and want to resist. I would however bend for Kata but any form of physical training in bogu would send a shiver up my spine. Sorry to be a softee. Call it insecurity, call it what you want. I could not live with myself if something negative was too occur. Life being something so cherished and precious I find it difficult to understand as I feel there are some risks. It may be deemed as selfish on the expectant mothers part. Yes, the decision lies with them but for me in this type of situation I would have to be the "selfish" one and exclude my training with them. I am interested in how other people feel on this subject. There are so many angles to look at this subject and I value everyones say here on the forum. By the way, my partner and I are expecting a bub so this may be why I feel this way. I have opened a can here. Any takers? Once again, if I have offended anyone, I apologize.

[Neil Gendzwill]

Pregnant women are tougher than you think. They are, as Pete said, now advised by their doctors to keep active rather than lay in bed like in the old days. I'm sure you can manage to keep yourself from being too rough with a pregnant aite. They, in turn, can manage themselves and with their doctors how hard they wish to train.

[Seiza_Seizure]

From what my Mrs tells me, Pelvic Floor excerices are enough. Maybe she is a softee like me.

[Knicky]

A local kendoka I know was pregnant not to long ago with her second child.

She kept practicing and went to a seminar, practiced all day but then she had to go to the hospital that night. Her doctor told her to stop.. ( she wasn't showing at all during this time )

Every woman I imagine is a little different though.

[phoenixgrl]

thank you all so much! I am definitely planning on talking to a doctor of course, but since there are relatively few doctors around here that actually know what kendo is, I thought that having the opinion of kendo people would be extremely valuable. And it is. Also, to the person who translated that swedish article, thank you, thank you, thank you! Your english is superb! :) I study linguistics and work with many people who speak english as a second language here in the states, so I know how challenging learning a second language is. Us english speakers are lucky to recieve such informed opinions, all because you took the time and effort to learn english. So thanks again!

Sorry, language is an easy way to pull me off the subject. As I began to think about starting a family, I realized that so many women give up EVERYTHING, for their kids. And people sort of expect it. I think you can be an individual and continue to cultivate your inner self and still be a terrific mom. That being said, kendo is a huge part of myself, and I have no intention of EVER stopping kendo. I was really thinking and hoping, especially after reading all of your responses, that this would be the perfect time to practice a lot of basics, like kihon footwork (like you guys/gals were saying, the fumi sounds a little hard for pregnant people, but then again, if women run while they're pregnant...?), suburi, basic uchi-komi, and of course I could stand to work quite a bit on kata and iai. In my dojo, we do TONS of kata, and I've found it very applicable in keiko and in learning kendo. Im sort of wondering how the basic komae works for pregnant women. Does your belly get in the way? :) Also, I noticed that some of you said you went running while pregnant; how intense was your workout?

thanks again!

[Neil Gendzwill]

Absolutely consult with your doctor, and get in as much practice as you can before the baby comes, because after the baby is born it will get much harder. People said to me before we had kids "nothing we can tell you can prepare you for the reality" and I scoffed, but now I know - nothing I tell you can really prepare you for what it's like. So I think you should be realistic and expect that you will not get much kendo done in the last 2 months, even if you are fabulously healthy, and that the first 6 months to 1 year it will be tough sledding to get to practice. Even so, it's worth it (http://www.kendo-sask.com/misc/emyNeil.jpg).

[Bennosuke]

If you both practice, and if you do end up having to miss practice during pregnancy, you can always make your husband pay you back, by having him watch the kid while you go to practice. :). Good luck with the pregnancy, and with kendo.

[Solinde]

Your english is superb! :)
Thank you. :cheerful:

like you guys/gals were saying, the fumi sounds a little hard for pregnant people, but then again, if women run while they're pregnant...?
After reading the article I'd say that fumi should be okay if you're not too heavy (must be careful with your knees) or have...have to look up word...DSP, it seems to be called in English (joint-loosening condition thingy).

[doraemon]

When my wife was pregnant one of the first people to know ironicaly was Sensei, as we decided not to tell many people in the first few weeks in case anything happened. We had to tell him to ask his advice about training and he said very sensibly that he had no idea as it had not happened in his club before and to ask a doctor.

My wife never did do this and decided to give up the kendo for the pregnancy just to be on the safe side (we thought alot about do, and the amount of heavy do cuts and the times people miss, having a student that people could not cut do on seemed weird and we worried about how people might feel about hitting a pregnant friend). Afterwards though was the bigger challenge the transition back to bogu while breastfeeding plus getting the time to train with a small baby was very difficult. Its only this year with our son nearly 2 that she is returning to regular training (this is due to alot of other circumstances as well.)

I might point out when my wife told Sensei she was leaving for pregnancy he said something to the effect of "Kendo will always be here, the club will always be here when you return" good advice I thought.

[bullet08]

...but since there are relatively few doctors around here that actually know what kendo is...

take 'em a copy of kendo practice dvd so they can be educated. tho.. when i suggested this to one of my doc, she didn't show any interest.

pete

[Miyu]

phoenixgrl,

First off, good luck on your pregnancy endevors. It took my husband and I about 3 months of trying before I finally got pregnant. Now I'm about 12 weeks along and wearing maternity pants (I was a sad woman when I couldn't fit into my jeans anymore, but the depression lasted only a few minutes). Both my husband and I do kendo and I had been practicing hard at kendo and didn't actually find out I was pregnant until I was 6 weeks along.

After I found out I was pregnant, I stopped tai-a-tari and jigeiko to be safe. The first trimester does carry the highest risk of miscarriage and this being my first child, I was extra cautious. Plus, my husband was constantly being cautious about how I was practicing. When talking to my doctor about it, they said to exercise, but do what felt comfortable. After the start of my 7th week I tried fumikomi and felt an ache in my abdomen. That was my indicator to stop and stomping or bouncing. You'll find that the baby knows best when you're body is doing too much. I did wear bogu up until a two weeks ago, but made sure that when I was wearing bogu and going up against a partner for dou strikes, to let them know I was pregnant. Men and kote strikes were no problem for me. The difficult part was modifying my footwork to suriashi when striking the target.

Currently, I've been doing some light practice with the beginner group who do not have any bogu on. When I have time, I do one-hand suburi to strengthen my wrists and arms and I monitor myself to make sure I'm not pushing myself too hard (some Doctors recommending keeping your heart rate below 140 when exercising to maintain blood-flow to the baby, which I try to follow but sometimes fail ^_^). When it's time for the bogu practice, I've been standing off to the side and watching. Occasionally, I'll be asked to keep an eye on the lower ranking bogu students to give them advice and make sure they're alright. I will tell you right now, it is very difficult just watching. I've had so many urges to go out there and practice hard like everyone else or jigeiko with them, but I have to remember that there's another person I have to take care of right now who isn't ready for that type of strenuous exercise.

I can still wear my hakama right now, but have been finding that as my stomach is expanding, bowing in seiza is becoming more difficult. Not sure how that will turn out in a few months. I've had no problems with kata and fully intend to come to as many practices as I can before having my baby. Basically, do what your body is comfortable with handling during practice. I think everyone handles pregnancy a little differently so your experience and the scope of what you can do maybe a little different than mine when you become pregnant.

In terms of getting back to practice after the baby is born and how to handle that . . . my husband and I still haven't figured that out. Probably won't until the baby is born. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more questions. I'm by all means not an expert since I'm just starting my 2nd trimester, but I can tell you what to expect for the first few months.

--Miyu

[Solinde]

I can still wear my hakama right now, but have been finding that as my stomach is expanding, bowing in seiza is becoming more difficult.

You should be fine bowing standing, just like people with knee problems do.

[Kirinhale]

One of my female sensei was pregnant last year and gave birth to a girl last august, I had to practice do on her that june...ofcourse I couldn't really make the hit. Anyways, the girl seems fine :p

[BluishHue]

Pregnant women are tougher than you think. They are, as Pete said, now advised by their doctors to keep active rather than lay in bed like in the old days. I'm sure you can manage to keep yourself from being too rough with a pregnant aite. They, in turn, can manage themselves and with their doctors how hard they wish to train.

Wow, some very good insight from a guy!! As a gal that has had a kiddo, I also appreciated the first quote by Neil "pregnant, not sick"... it would take some pretty hefty kendo to do much damage, especially early in pregnancy. I can understand why one may not want to do strenuous fighting with very aggressive partners, especially during the later months of pregnancy--but to quit kendo?? I thought kendo was about much more than sparring. Think about the muscular strengthening, especially in the core and upper body that kendo helps with and how important that could be during labor and delivery! I think that the stronger and more "in shape" a woman is before the delivery the better--it can be one of the most physically demanding of a lifetime. If we as women accept the adage that women are delicate flowers when we are pregnant, then we will find it harder to become fiesty tigers when we need to be!!

sorry, my worthless 2Cents and my first post!
bluish hue

[phoenixgrl]

Not worthless two cents! Wonderful advice and help. Like I said, I have just barely considered the idea of having a child, so I know next to nothing about it. The more I learn from people who have been there, the better prepared I am to make an informed decision.

Aaahh! I have been so busy thinking about how it would affect my kendo; i forgot about the delivery! Wow it sounds scary. I can't believe women do this, all the time. Its so scary to me. As I get older, I am realizing the strength required to be a woman. Its amazing.

[Neil Gendzwill]

Everyone in the world has probably already recommended this book to you, but in case they haven't, pick up a copy of "What To Expect When You're Expecting". There is no better book for pregnant or planning moms.

[bullet08]

Everyone in the world has probably already recommended this book to you, but in case they haven't, pick up a copy of "What To Expect When You're Expecting". There is no better book for pregnant or planning moms.

great book. my wife and i went through that book countless times when she was with our kids.

pete

[Airin]

Before getting pregnant, I played football (although not in team, just with friends). As soon as I got pregnant I stopped it and I just swim.
If I got pregnant now, I would never, ever keep on doing kendo during the pregnancy: I would be always too scared. After all, a pregnancy is long just nine months.
Now I never bring my daughter with me during the training as well. I leave her with my husband or the grandmothers, because during the training session I need to be focused on what I'm doing, not on what my child is doing, if she's sitting and behaving. Plus, I think as mother I need some few hours in week for myself: at the end it's better even for the child having a more relaxed mother.

[Koori]

I had a baby boy in July of 2005. My sensei's wife told me that after 3 months along that the only thing safe was to do suburi. I used her as a guide since that was what she did with her pregnancies.
I did continue to work on kata a home throughout my term. It helped to relax me and keep my joints and muscles moving.
I have not fully returned to class yet. I went back to the first practice of this year and my body rebelled against the idea of it. It went something like "what were you thinking woman". So I will have to return slowly.

But I have a positive thing about pregnancy and kendo. 2 weeks post pardum and I was back into my pre pregnancy clothes. That is one major plus, so all the hard work I did in kendo before baby paid off after :D

It was a shock though when I told my sensei's that I was pregnant. They all looked at me very strange and were flabbergasted. I look very, very young for my age. When I first started kendo I was 26 and looked 18. My age still didn't sink in until I brought my daughter to class, who at the time was 7, then it sunk in that I was older. They were still shocked at my news of pregnancy.

But, my "Figthing Spirit" of a son, Toshio, keeps me on my toes and very busy. I look forward to starting him in kendo when he is old enough, he was after all conceived at the 2004 Midwest Kendo Tournament in Chicago :D.

~Koori

[samurai999]

My husband and I practice Kendo together. We are planning on having our first child in about a year and a half (meaning, it would be born a year and a half from now. I would be pregnant earlier). I know this might sound weird, but what worries me the most about being pregnant is having a healthy child.

fixed.... imho, i think that is more important than juggling kendo and pregnancy. Just have a healthy child. If you see things that could fit, talk to the doctor and go from there...

[phoenixgrl]

well, I agree with you (above post), but the point is that I haven't gotten pregnant yet. I have the choice before me. If I was pregnant already, the health of my child would be the most important thing to me, but as it is now, what's important is making the decision to have a child at this time in my life. I don't know if, at this point in my life, a hiatus from kendo is what I want, but its good to get all the information I can. Besides, there are a million other things to consider, but this is a kendo post, and it is very personally important to me.

[Neil Gendzwill]

Having a child is a big restriction on your freedom. There's a bunch of ways in which your life will be affected. So if being able to practice kendo is a consideration, perhaps you're just not ready yet.

[D'Artagnan]

I kind of aggree with Neil, however, it really depend on your circumstances...

How long have you practiced kendo for? How much will a (reletively) short time out hinder your progress?

I mean, If you have only being doing kendo for a year or two years and are still working towards your dan gradings then having a break from kendo won't kill you, it'll still be there afterwards.
But, if you are a serious player, i.e. national team member etc. then I realise that its more complicated than just taking a year off.

Apologies as I haven't read all the other posts, but how much a part of you life kendo is really depends.

[ReKru]

Having a child is a big restriction on your freedom. There's a bunch of ways in which your life will be affected.

Too true. But most people including me (and asking me that 6-7 years ago I would have declared you crazy) consider it well worth.

So if being able to practice kendo is a consideration, perhaps you're just not ready yet.

I wonder if anyone can ever be ready. Even if you have the opportunity to plan everything in advance, the first kid is probably still not like anything you have ever experienced.

But, if you are a serious player, i.e. national team member etc. then I realise that its more complicated than just taking a year off.

Kendo will still be there, and don't we always say it's about more than competitions and stuff?
If you want to have kids, I consider it better to have them as soon as you can. Lots of reasons there, really.

[D'Artagnan]

Kendo will still be there, and don't we always say it's about more than competitions and stuff...


Yes it certainly will still be there, but taking the national team example for instance, some people never get the opportunity to represent their national team, those who do must treat there kendo in a different way. It becomes more than just a 'hobby'. Taking a year out from a national team would probably see you being dropped, and then you take a large risk of never being selected again.

I only use the national team example as thats what I have experience in. And I feel that if I suddenly hung up my bougu for a year then it would probably be the end of my career in the team - which is a major aspect of my life at the moment. Thus, if I were female, and intending on having a child, a major concern of mine would be - am I ready to retire from international competition?

[ReKru]

It becomes more than just a 'hobby'.

Well, if it is important enough to influence your family planning, I agree with Neil in that one is probably not 'ready' for children at that point.

Maybe one of those discussions where I as male cannot offer much worthwhile input, since apart from getting woke up at unusual times and puked and peed at every now and then, being dad is a lot more gain than sacrifice. :)

[Miyu]

well, I agree with you (above post), but the point is that I haven't gotten pregnant yet. I have the choice before me. If I was pregnant already, the health of my child would be the most important thing to me, but as it is now, what's important is making the decision to have a child at this time in my life. I don't know if, at this point in my life, a hiatus from kendo is what I want, but its good to get all the information I can. Besides, there are a million other things to consider, but this is a kendo post, and it is very personally important to me.

It's a good thing you're planning ahead and thinking about it. For myself, I set two goals to accomplish before deciding that it was the right time to get pregnant: 1) wait until after our 1 year wedding anniversary and 2) wait until after I test and pass 3 Dan. I was able to accomplish both so I could mentally and physically get ready for having a child. Now I'm starting my 2nd trimester, which is so much easier than the 1st. No more morning sickness! ^_^

Definitely think about what time would be best for you to have a child for your home life, work and kendo. I know that getting back into kendo is probably going to be a big challenge having a baby in the house, but I'm willing to do it even if I have to limit my number of practices to once a week or less. I know that it will get frustrating at times and I'm already a little frustrated just watching jigeiko and not participating in it, but in the end I think it's all going to be worth it because I'm so ready to have a baby. Having a baby is all about when you want it, when your body wants it and when you and your spouse want it (if we're talking about a planned pregnancy). You're doing the right thing by asking questions so I think you're ahead of the game.

[Neil Gendzwill]

I wonder if anyone can ever be ready. Even if you have the opportunity to plan everything in advance, the first kid is probably still not like anything you have ever experienced.Absolutely. There really seems to be no way to convey the experience. Worth it in the end, though.

[dwez]

I'd have thought that if both you and your husband practice kendo the only honorable thing to do after the birth is that you both take it in turns to go to practice. I'm not much of Dad myself, a bit more with the Nu-nipper than our first Nipper but if my wife was doing kendo then that's the deal I would have struck. As it is I get to go once a week and she is still trying to work out what it is she wants to do as 'a night off for herself'.

The Nu-nipper is 10 months old on the 27th and still not sleeping through. It's kendo tonight and I may actually get there early for once but I can feel my energy and strength levels are so low at the moment I'm not going to benefit from the extra time and improved journey route I'm taking [because I'll be more relaxed]. Hopefully when the Nu-nipper actually sleeps my 'game' will improve.

Gotta love them kids!

[bullet08]

I'd have thought that if both you and your husband practice kendo the only honorable thing to do after the birth is that you both take it in turns to go to practice. I'm not much of Dad myself, a bit more with the Nu-nipper than our first Nipper but if my wife was doing kendo then that's the deal I would have struck. As it is I get to go once a week and she is still trying to work out what it is she wants to do as 'a night off for herself'.

The Nu-nipper is 10 months old on the 27th and still not sleeping through. It's kendo tonight and I may actually get there early for once but I can feel my energy and strength levels are so low at the moment I'm not going to benefit from the extra time and improved journey route I'm taking [because I'll be more relaxed]. Hopefully when the Nu-nipper actually sleeps my 'game' will improve.

Gotta love them kids!

if i were to suggest that to my wife, she would come back and say 'i carried our daring son in me for last 9 months. it's your turn to stay home for next 9 months and for me to go and do kendo/shopping/movies'. :)

so i didn't suggested anything and just said 'i'm going to kendo, see you later!'.

and now our kids are little older she is actually saying 'you have your kendo nights, i'm going movie/shopping this and that nights'.

pete

[Seiza_Seizure]

Pregnancy and raising a child has an enormous effect on peoples live inside and outside of kendo.(Mothers and Fathers) Can any males out there please share their own experience with raising children and balancing work, Kendo. My partner and I are expecting our first child which is so exciting for the two of us, aswell as my kendo crew. I expect to be out of the dojo for some extended period and was wondering for fathers or expected fathers how long they have put a hold on kendo for. I look forward to dedicating my time to my family but hope I can also maintain my dedication to Kendo. Is this realistic? Currently I train 2-3 times per week. Would I be naive in thinking I could train once a week? Any advice or personal experience is welcome.

[Neil Gendzwill]

It really depends on you and your wife. My wife is unbelievably supportive, and so I resumed training twice/week not too long after each of our kids was born. The other thing is priorities - you now have three huge commitments that can't be ignored: work, wife and child. If she is supportive, you probably have room to work one more thing in there and you may have to decide between kendo and other activities or people in your life.

[Solinde]

I've been thinking about that whole belly-in-the-way problem. Shouldn't you be able to simply cut the tsuka length down and then put a smaller sized tsukagawa on? I know girls that have done that because they where short and wanted to use a standard size shinai.

Probably might mess up your grip though. :wink:

[yagyuu gal]

I practiced light kendo (instructing beginners), kata, and iai during pregnancy, but I thought the oddest thing was how it changed my chuushin.
My husband was preparing for shinsa so we were working on kata. He kept on complaining that I wasn't in proper chuushin. I, of course, insisted I was. The fact was that at about 7 mos, my tummy was big enough to affect my center!

[babayaga]

I'm kind of late jumping in on this thread I know, but just a few years ago I was a perinatal educator -- teaching childbirth classes and doing post-partum doula work. (Had to stop and get another job that could better contribute to family finances.)

Most doctors don't know jack about exercise and pregnancy, and they frankly don't care. They'll just cover their butts and say you shouldn't do anything but light walking, just because they don't want (or have time) to think about it. Pregnancy is a great time to practice your own critical thinking skills. I used mine during my first two pregnancies, and I asked myself, "What's the worst that can happen if I lose my balance and fall?" "What would happen if bonehead decides to prop before that oxer, and he launches me into it?"

Yes, I wasn't learning martial arts then -- oh, wait, yes I was. Combined training and horse trials are martial arts. I decided to continue riding, and I did up until the day before I gave birth to our first child. I only jumped competitively through the 4th month at novice level, when she started to grow out of the protective bowl of the pelvis and my balance started to change. I still did dressage training, and was back in the saddle within two weeks (stitches and all).

Women in days gone by did not have the luxury of reducing their activity levels during pregnancy -- there were still cows to be milked and water to be fetched and harvests to get done. While there are some sports to avoid after a certain point (rock climbing, snowboarding, etc), it helps to continue with what you reasonably believe is safe. Birth is a marathon, not a sprint, and pregnancy is long and stressful enough without separation from a pursuit that makes you feel good. Try it, and if your body complains *then* modify or find something else.

My last comment would be on suggested reading. I saw WTEWYE mentioned. Plenty of people have it, but I ran screaming from that fearmongering. There are plenty of books out there that answer all those "When does" and "Why" questions, with a positive view of pregnancy and birth. I recommend:

Pregnancy, Childbirth & The Newborn, by Simkin, Whalley & Keppler (basic reference)
The Birth Partner, by Simkin (for dad)
Birthing from Within, by England (for the emotional journey)
A Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth, by Goer (for birth planning)

Joy and safe journey to anyone expecting a baby.

[Neil Gendzwill]

You found WTEWYE fearmongering? I admit it's been a dozen years or more since I last cracked it open but I found it to be an extremely helpful book that eased many of our concerns.

[BluishHue]

Most doctors don't know jack about exercise and pregnancy, and they frankly don't care. They'll just cover their butts and say you shouldn't do anything but light walking, just because they don't want (or have time) to think about it.


Women in days gone by did not have the luxury of reducing their activity levels during pregnancy -- there were still cows to be milked and water to be fetched and harvests to get done.

Birth is a marathon, not a sprint, and pregnancy is long and stressful enough without separation from a pursuit that makes you feel good. Try it, and if your body complains *then* modify or find something else.

I am so glad someone else on the forum agrees w/ me!!

[doraemon]

A quick update on me and my wifes training shedule for what its worth, We train one day a week each and both go on a Saturday if we can get a sypmathetic grandparent, if not we alternate the saturday each week. Our Son has just turned 2 and its taken this long to to get this routine firmly established, also the dojo is 45min drive each way so that ads limitations.

But our son can join the dojo at 4 or 5 as we have a kids program, so that will work well if he enjoys kendo.

[Kendoka_Han]

My husband and I practice Kendo together. We are planning on having our first child in about a year and a half (meaning, it would be born a year and a half from now. I would be pregnant earlier). I know this might sound weird, but what worries me the most about being pregnant and having a child is how it will affect my kendo. Obviously, I won't be able to go all out in keiko like i do now, and shouldn't let people hit me in the abdomen; there will be limitations to practicing, but i don't want to stop practicing. I am wondering if anyone has been through this and knows sort of what I could do and what I couldn't do while being pregnant. The more details, the better. Also, how many of you have children and practice kendo still? It might be wrong, but it seems like it would be harder for women with children to get away and practice kendo than it would be for men that have children. thanks!

Just do kata.

[Solinde]

Just do kata.

Wow, have you read any of the posts in this thread?

[Kendoka_Han]

Wow, have you read any of the posts in this thread?

Just the first post, and i was only replying to the first post.

She is pregnant, and wants to do kendo. That is highly risky, so the best way to keep the form in practice, is light kata at the dojo.

[h2o]

She is pregnant, and wants to do kendo. That is highly risky, so the best way to keep the form in practice, is light kata at the dojo.
Please, read the entire thread and you will see that your opinion is common but false.

[rainmaker]

If you try to quit Kendo after you find out you are pregnent, it might be too late. Most of the people miscarriage when they even didn't know.

Here are the stats.

/Almost 20% of pregnancies (http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/pregnancy-articles/337.html#) end in miscarriage, with the majority occurring during the first 12 weeks.

There is a 75% chance of miscarriage in weeks 1-2 of pregnancy (http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/pregnancy-articles/337.html#), when you do not know you are pregnant.

There is a 10% chance of miscarriage in weeks 3-6 and this number drops to 5% during weeks 6-12.

During the second trimester the chance of miscarriage drops again to 3%. After you’ve reached 20 weeks gestation, it is no longer considered a miscarriage.

For repeat miscarriage the statistic are as follows:
If you have had a miscarriage during your first pregnancy, your chances of another miscarriage are 10-13%.

If you have had one or more live births and one miscarriage your chance of another miscarriage is around 10%.

There is a 40% chance of a repeat miscarriage if you have had two pregnancies and two miscarriages.

The chance of multiple miscarriages is lower, at around 13%, if you have had one or more live births.

If you have had three pregnancies and three miscarriages there is a 60% chance you will miscarry again. /




My husband and I practice Kendo together. We are planning on having our first child in about a year and a half (meaning, it would be born a year and a half from now. I would be pregnant earlier). I know this might sound weird, but what worries me the most about being pregnant and having a child is how it will affect my kendo. Obviously, I won't be able to go all out in keiko like i do now, and shouldn't let people hit me in the abdomen; there will be limitations to practicing, but i don't want to stop practicing. I am wondering if anyone has been through this and knows sort of what I could do and what I couldn't do while being pregnant. The more details, the better. Also, how many of you have children and practice kendo still? It might be wrong, but it seems like it would be harder for women with children to get away and practice kendo than it would be for men that have children. thanks!

[Lady_Kitsune]

In my humble opinion, I think if you're healthy and the baby has no complications you should ask your doctor wich type of kendo excersises are good for you and when to stop practicing... Cos maybe with a big belly you will be to heavy to practice and the do won't fit you... But someone said I think Kendo Katas are quite alright for a pregnant woman and a good way for not stoping ptracticing kendo.

I hope everything goes fine with you and good luck and congrats (early ones)