Category: Kendo blog series: One Step Closer
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One Step Closer #6: Showing Myself.
Competitive kendo is challenging. There are so many ways to become distracted and to lose focus on the shiaijo when we consider the aesthetic components and situations we cannot control. For example, the varying subjectivities and physical/mental/technical conditions of referees, players, coaches, managers, and competition administrators. Not to mention who is watching and what is
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#5 One Step Closer: Connecting and Communicating.
Since my last post, I have been working on connecting and communicating (aiki) with my opponents. This is difficult and of course depends on your opponent. It is easier to connect and communicate with opponents who understand the importance of aiki. It is not often taught and learnt outside of Japan early enough in one’s
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#4 One Step Closer: Connecting with Ki.
One of the things I cherish about kendo is how holistically well I can feel during and after kendo. On most days, especially when I have had a hard day, I struggle to feel excited about going to training. I have the discipline to go, like I am on autopilot. Also, I know what it
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#3 One Step Closer: Being Comfortable in Open Space.
Kendo practitioners in leadership positions can neglect their own kendo development due to their responsibilities inside and outside of kendo. I stopped competing and attending seminars for myself once I started national team coaching and organising the Oceania Women’s Seminar and Taikai. Although I was developing other skill-sets and enjoying the enriching experiences and relationships
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#2 One Step Closer: Standing Tall.
On new years eve 2024, I committed to preparing for my 7 dan exam in 2025. My pre-preparation had started a year earlier but I was still a national team coach preparing for the 19th World Kendo Championships. I am a one-track person, meaning I can only really focus on one kendo goal at a
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#1 One Step Closer: Starting Again.
In the blog series titled “One step closer,” I write about the insights I have gained though my kendo training and relevant experiences outside of kendo in preparation for my 7 dan exam. This writing is not intended to be didactic; rather, it aims to facilitate reflection and articulate what I am learning through kendo,
Kate Sylvester Perspectives 