Strokes.

[Keiyoushi_Takun]

Strokes. is that what they're called? I dunno. Anyway, it's where you hold the sword forward, in a stationary postition, and you sharply move forward in a vertical attack. You're supposed to breathe out right as you do it, to control breathing. Also, you should keep on your heels. It builds strength.

My arms hurt.

Seriously.

Furthermore, do any of you have a better way to train? Any improvements? Anything?

[Kaoru]

Hi Keiyoushi takun,

Welcome to the forum!

Yeah, I do. Find a dojo with a good sensei. May we help you? Where are you located? Repeated cuts are called suburi, and no, you don't go on your heels.
Your arms hurt probably from doing things wrong. By the way, please tell me you are not using a live blade, and are using a bokuto or shinai instead...

Seriouly, we can try to help you, if we know your location.

Kaoru

[elfboy]

I am the humble Warrior. Armed with the sword that can not cut, I venture the world in search of victi...<ahem> worthy opponents, and sake....

mmm...sake...<gargle>

Reminds me of our good old anime friend, samurai gal Tsukikage Ran (http://www.wisteriafairy.com/kaze/) , who, if I'm not mistaken, loves swords and sake as well :D. Or maybe Ryoko Mitsurugi.... or that girl from that Korean drama Damo (http://news.media.daum.net/foreign/englishnews/200308/09/korherald/)

[Keiyoushi_Takun]

Conway, South Carolina. Yes, I am using a bokuto.

my trainer is ...learning under the Wado Ryu style....which he teaches me...more or less.

SAke....mmm...<gargle>

[lwegerich]

my trainer is ...learning under the Wado Ryu style....which he teaches me...more or less.

Well, did you know that Wado-Ryu is a Karate style? Trust me, I did it for 10 years.

Karate is not Kendo though the underlying concepts are quite the same. (Budo)

Go for an experienced Kendo sensei.