difficult keiko

[vorcek]

Everyone, I need some ideas.... I`ve been playing kendo for almost 3 years now (since I started university) and now I have an exellent opportunity too study in Japan for about a year.

For the past month I`ve been having practice with the circle at the university ( Nanzan University in Nagoya ) and found the spirit and ability of the players to be extremely higher than I am used to at home.

In all, I really like it because it encourages me to try harder, but I have found that I don`t really know how to `practice` with people when we have such a huge gap of experience. Most of the players are polite, but because my Japanese is bad it is hard to communicate most of the time.

My question is this... Is there anything I can do during keiko that will allow me continuous improvement with little direct guidance from my senpai?

Any thoughts of any kind are appreciated.... thanxs..... ao

[Ares2907]

monkey see, monkey do.

[Kendoka]

You are so lucky.

Keep training - show your interest and determination, they'll pick you up and take you with them.

[Charlie]

It's true. And "monkey see monkey do" is a western way of describing a Japanese maxim, which was described to me as "steal the waza." That is, carefully observe players you admire and imitate them, try to figure out how they do things. Sensei and sempai will drop you clues to let you know you're on the right track.

But seriously, just work like hell to keep up. You may never match them but you WILL get better.

[Kendoboy]

Immitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and the best way to learn.

[hamish]

Hi Vorcek,

As everyone else has said, keep your eyes and ears open, and don't worry about getting hit.

BTW I trained there a number of years ago, who's the sensei now?

Hamish

[ben]

You mightn't notice any improvement until you get home, or until you train against someone familiar. Then you'll see what you've learned.

One tip (and it ain't easy): work out who the best people in the dojo are and insist on training with them. Don't take no for an answer. Don't be hurt if they tell you to piss off (in Japanese sign language it's a hand held up to their face and waved side to side). The more you persevere, the more they will open up. You know when they take you seriously, generally the beatings get more severe.
I'm sorry, now I'm scaring you aren't I?
;)
Ganbatte ne

b

[nodachi]

I am in a similar situation. I can't speak very well, but I am learning Kendo in Japan too. Kendoka's advice is very good. I have also found that the sensei are really good at teaching without even needing to talk to me. As long as they see that I am trying, then they tell me as much as they can in half japanese, half english (as best as they can). Just show them that you are putting in an effort and they will back just as much effort to help you. A little manual adjustment of your arm or leg here or there, and sometimes pulling you aside to demonstrate how to do something correctly to you. I am just amazed at how well they teach here. The language barrier is a hindrance, but it doesn't have to be a roadblock to your progress. Keep it up!!! You can do it!!!

[munenmuso]

One of the best thing about kendo is that you don't have to listen all the time but instead you have to be very vigilant with eyes good in details even in blitzkrieg moments.you might not understand what your sensei or sempais words but what they do to teach you is actually the "truth in action" (read:self evident).In some point in time their words might be in contrary with the principle they teach but once they do it nobody can argue .So language barrier is not a problem.Personally, here in our dojo,I cannot understand what my sensei tells me,its either bad english or can't hear him well with the men tightly bound around my head.But as he perform a waza,then that makes a lot of difference.
I can see what you mean. Your kendo is even below mediocre campared to an average player there.That must be frustrating at first.But Im sure that eventually you will be at par with them perhaps even better.It takes only time and effort.


Good luck!!!!!!!!!



___________________-
Do not seek to follow the footsteps of the old men; seek what they sought.

Basho