Ichiba sensei is leaving

I’m sad. One of my first senseis, Takeshi Ichiba, renshi 6th dan is returning to Japan.

I will always remember him for his attention to basic technique and importance of details and form. He always had a compliment before the constructive criticism.

I will miss him but hope to see him again someday.

image

image

image

image

Tying tsuru to sakigawa

last practice i noticed the leather on the tip of my shinai was wearing out…most likely due to hitting the mengane.IMAG1013

so i had to learn how to replace the sakigawa and tsuru.

i studied this diagram:

from kenshi247.

and this video:

starts about 2:49.

Kendo watercolor

two weeks ago butokuden had their annual xmas party and tournament and i was fortunate enough to win one of the divisions that i was participating in (adult kyu).

191267_10151571855707802_2125893995_o

part of the 1st prize package (the perpetual trophy, 1st place certificate and the 3G tozan bag from ebogu.com…our house tournaments are the best) included a watercolor print by Okazaki sensei. you can find his artwork @ galleryhiro.com.