Episode 7: Kendo Training: Techniques for Beginners

This episode discusses the importance of treating the bamboo sword (shinai) like a real sword (katana), thus influencing handling rules and etiquette, such as proper sword draw and posture. Much of the discussion focuses on proper grip technique, comparing it to holding an ice cream cone or a relaxed handshake, and proper body movement during the swing (suburi), emphasizing the sequence of movements involving the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Training methods are also provided for foot coordination (ashisabaki), such as using pieces of paper under the feet to feel the slide, and for the forward leaping motion (kumikomi), which is often difficult for students. Finally, it illustrates how to evaluate the correctness of a strike (men) and how to train for the piccolo men technique while maintaining the cutting motion.