Lack of Stamina

[BridKendo]

Hi,

I have just moved on to the Kendo Advance class. After 15 minutes of warm up, kiragaeshi, I am always running out of stamina to continue to the end of the class. Can someone please advice how to increase my strength and stamina? In addition, after 10 minutes of training, my tenugui is always loose. Does anyone has any ideas how to avoid this issue?

Thanks.

[Newbie]

I have the same problem - the stamina one. I'd be really interested to get some help with this.

[MikeW]

Well I'd say do more cardiovascular training. There are a plethora of ways to do that... jogging, swimming, hayashi suburi, stepper machine, treadmill, stop smoking if you smoke. Any low impact exercise that gets your heart rate up at least twice what is normal for you. There is a decent general article on the web concerning how to go about getting a cardiovascular training regimen at:

http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspart.../gf_guide1.htm

There are probably a lot more around if you cruise the web also. It doesn't really have to be something that is related to kendo or martial arts as you are just trying to increase your stamina and are not actually working on any type of technique. Here's the rub.. it takes work and commitment on your part.

[slidercrank]

Try some cardiovascular exercises. Running, biking or swimming can all increase your aerobic fitness and should improve your stamina during kendo practice.

Also, this might be obvious, but don't forget to breathe properly. Loud kiais from your belly (not throat) during warm-up suburi and kirikeishi help you breathe, reduce upper-body muscle tension, and in general help you not get fatigued too easily.

Tenegui thing: best to ask a sensei or sempai to observe you while you put it on.

[joekc6nlx]

Kendo is very demanding on the cardiovascular system. Just as you wouldn't expect to be able to run a marathon the first time you put on running shoes, you should expect to be able to do kendo at a sustained high level until your stamina builds.

You haven't said how long you've been studying, or how old you are, or your current physical condition (thin, overweight, morbidly obese....)

As the others have stated before, any exercise that increases your heart rate up to the target level (220 - your age and then 80% of that) and held for 20 minutes 3 times a week is good. As with any exercise program, check with your physician to ensure that you won't keel over during practice.


Have patience with your body, it will adapt to whatever demand you place on it.

[Paburo]

this stamina issue has been treated a couple times before... you can try and search for the older threads for some info.

about the tenugui, there are several ways and methods of wrapping tenugui around your head. ask your sensei to teach you a different method if the current isn't working too well for you.

then stick to what's more comfortable and safe for you from all the variations.

[sainueng]

One addition I would like to make is that kendo probably uses your arms more than you're used to. Some of the cardiovascular suggestions, like running, don't force you to vigorously move your arms. I would try some of the elliptical machines to work your arms, or suburi.

[joekc6nlx]

One addition I would like to make is that kendo probably uses your arms more than you're used to. Some of the cardiovascular suggestions, like running, don't force you to vigorously move your arms. I would try some of the elliptical machines to work your arms, or suburi.

True, but stamina is a systemic conditioning, not just one particular area. The idea is to make your body use oxygen efficiently and prevent the buildup of lactic acid in the muscle tissues, which contributes to fatigue and the soreness associated with exercise.

Running doesn't necessarily build up the legs, although it certainly doesn't hurt them (except the knees). Swimming doesn't necessarily build up the arms, although it certainly is aerobic. Suburi will help with, surprise, suburi. I don't think that using the elliptical machines is going to help with his suburi, nor will it really do that much for his arms. Most of the work on an elliptical machine is done by the large muscles in the legs, which, because they demand higher quantities of oxygen, force the heart and lungs to work harder to satisfy those demands. You could get the same demand by riding a bicycle, jumping rope, anything that makes those large leg muscles work.

[Paikea]

Hi,

I have just moved on to the Kendo Advance class. After 15 minutes of warm up, kiragaeshi, I am always running out of stamina to continue to the end of the class. Can someone please advice how to increase my strength and stamina? In addition, after 10 minutes of training, my tenugui is always loose. Does anyone has any ideas how to avoid this issue?

Thanks.

Double post, whoops.

[Paikea]

Hi,

I have just moved on to the Kendo Advance class. After 15 minutes of warm up, kiragaeshi, I am always running out of stamina to continue to the end of the class. Can someone please advice how to increase my strength and stamina? In addition, after 10 minutes of training, my tenugui is always loose. Does anyone has any ideas how to avoid this issue?

Thanks.

1) <Freddie Mercury Voice>Bicycle...bicycle</Freddy>
2) Number 1 clippers all over the head and a tight wrap. It gets better as your men breaks in.

[Dr. Hellsing]

i found walking to ur dojo helps if you don't feel like running. but thats cuz my dojo's close (about 20 blocks).

[Naginatagirl]

my 2 cents: Keep practicing and don't give up. It'll come with time and practice, so just keep pushing yourself. Both the stamina and the tenegui.

[Dr. Hellsing]

you know, singing might help to control the kiai. that way u won't run out of breath as fast. i should try it out XD

[Kitsune]

ok, maybe is because I'm from Chile an d we don't use the word but... what's stamina? For me sounds like a part of a battery.

[Dr. Hellsing]

Physical or moral strength to resist or withstand illness, fatigue, or hardship; endurance