by Mark Kawabe | Jan 30, 2017 | Uncategorized
I call it the R-word. Seriously. It seems like a dirty word or at least an impossible feat to achieve for some kendoka. “How can I relax when someone’s swinging a shinai at my head?” I don’t know how to make someone relax. I just know that if...
by Mark Kawabe | Jan 1, 2017 | Uncategorized
We wrapped up our 2nd Annual Toshikoshi Keiko around 1:30 a.m. ET. To my knowledge, we’ve held the first kendo practice in Canada two years in a row. Here’s hoping for a third 🙂 Highlights: Exploding Kittens (the card game). Food – lots of it –...
by Mark Kawabe | Dec 12, 2016 | Uncategorized
I remember growing up hearing this term. My rough translation of it is “to do something to the utmost of your ability”. What a wonderful phrase to apply to kendo, and to one’s life. Walking the path of issho-kenmei is not easy. It requires focus,...
by Mark Kawabe | Nov 23, 2016 | Uncategorized
We all know what a naysayer is. A yeasayer* is the opposite. Positive. Encouraging. Looking for ways to make things better. We all have a yeasayer and naysayer in us. They’re like muscles. The one that gets more exercise is more dominant. As with most things,...
by Mark Kawabe | Nov 22, 2016 | Uncategorized
Kendo is not just about one’s physical ability. Here are 10 ways you can make your kendo better that don’t rely on physical talent. Showing up to class on time Being physically and mentally prepared for class A good attitude Proper etiquette in the dojo...
by Mark Kawabe | Nov 21, 2016 | Uncategorized
I am quite pleased to report that all of my students were successful in their grading attempts. Congratulations to you all! Alas, I was not successful in my own grading challenge, but I received some very positive feedback and good advice to incorporate into my...
by Mark Kawabe | Oct 18, 2016 | Uncategorized
Do babies learn to walk without falling? Do we tell children to not speak until their words come out fully formed? Mistakes are learning opportunities. Everyone makes them. They are a part of learning. Cherish your mistakes. Learn from them. That’s part of your...
by Mark Kawabe | Sep 29, 2016 | Uncategorized
The term “sutemi” means to throw yourself 100% into your attack without fear of the consequence. It’s an important concept in kendo. I think it’s just as important for life. How often we hold ourselves back because of fear of potential...
by Mark Kawabe | Sep 26, 2016 | Uncategorized
Over the years, I’ve been asked many times why we named the club the Hayakawa Kendo Club. Most kendo clubs are geographically named after the city they’re located in. Using this method, the club would have been called the Welland Kendo Club. Nothing wrong...
by Mark Kawabe | Aug 30, 2016 | Uncategorized
I’ve been away from the dojo for several weeks on vacation and work trips. While I was away, I received a phone call from Sensei Gill from the St. Catharines Kendo Club. He informed me that due to health reasons, he was closing the St. Catharines Kendo Club....
