So, I thought that the class was at 2pm today, (even though I've been to a Sunday class) once before!- goes to show how my mind works sometimes- but anyway, I ended up arriving at 1:30. However, I still got to do a bit of class. Even though it ends at 2pm, we may have gone over a bit.

I worked on my footwork again- it seems that I like to hop. :P thats what I think got me the laughs last time. Since the Sensei's were busy instructing people, (or there was only one or two this time- and our Dojo has A LOT of people) one of the other students helped to teach me and the other new person. She came up with a neat idea to help me with the hopping- she told me to just move my feet normally as if I was walking, but instead of walking, just slide my feet on the ground. That way I could get a feel for what it's like to not lift up my right heel. It worked, it did really help when I tried to do...wahts it called... suburi?? properly. I didnt hop as much, although I did hop a little bit.

Yet again my whole body feels sore, but mysertiosly, it's not so sore during practice as it is after. I love it!! I also like Sundays better that Saturdays in general, because saturdays are the days where we work on Katas so I don't get as much of a burn. I like Saturdays alright too, but Sundays are my favorite.

After class, I watched some people fold their hakamas and...the other thing that I can't remember. OMG I am scared. I don't think I'm going to by my hakama until Sensei says something about it, and it's not just because of the price. I can't even fold my own laundry right! Usually I just stuff it in a drawer or hang it up.

I mentioned that to someone at the dojo who was folding his hakama, and he said "well, you chose the right place for that". heheh. Yeah it'll be good for me.

Also, did I mention? Yesterday someone gave me a shinai bag for free... and a ...shinai guard (which for some reason, I didn't buy/get when I got the shinai). It looks super cool. I feel super cool carrying it home on the subway. Everyone stares at me when I carry my shinai on the subway. (I guess I like attention- heh)

Anyway, I won't be blogging this upcoming weekend because I'm leaving the city for thanksgiving break- which means that I won't be going to Kendo class this upcoming weekend.

Ten Thousand things

So, I think I suck at Kendo, but thats ok. I was learning some footwork from one of the Sensei's, and apparantly I made him laugh. T_T Oh well. I keep messing up my footwork so, I'm going to really focus on that! I'm going to be an expert on footwork! I also need to work on, uuuhm, everything else: posture, holding the Shinai, etc.

I've decided that I like Sunday classes best, since they're a bit more physical. I've also discovered that I like to really put POWER into everything I do in Kendo. I have to learn to hold back a little, and to be a bit more- I don't know, softer I suppose? I really have a lot of energy and I want to use it! But I think, it seems I need to restrain myself a little, especially when I am learning something new.

It is amazing but, during the Kendo class, it doesn't feel too exhausting. I don't feel like I am going crazy with my muscles or anything. But then, when I finish Kendo, my muscles start to slowly ache. My shoulders, ankles and legs in particular start to ache. I am thinking, where does this come from? I don't feel it too much in class. Often I feel like class is a bit physically easy... but then my muscles ache after class. It's very very strange. Maybe it seems easy because I am not breathing hard or getting any aerobic excersise. I dont know. I also keep worrying, will Kendo be as physical as I hope it will be? Sometimes I think, it seems so gentle, and not too physical. Also, there are at least a couple of really...big Kendoka. How can they be so big and do Kendo? So I worry. :\ I'm partially doing this because I want to stay physically healthy and because I want to get the muscle burn. (which I am getting so far, so I am happy). Still, I don't get how some Kendoka can be so big! I guess compared to something like capoiera, it's really not going to be as physical. Then again, I injured myself in capoiera, and I am probably past my prime for that martial arts. Kempo seemed more physical too, but then again, who knows, maybe bogu will be more physical.

Either way I like it so far. Despite my worries (I worry about everything) I like it. It's challenging, both mentally and phsycially (am I out of shape??) My other worry: money. I am a student and I shouldn't be spending so much! I will probably need to buy a shinai once a month or two? OMG. :( And we're not even talking about the price of bogu! :( Well, I suppose if I really like it it's worth it. I'm so not used to being poor and budgeting my money!


So yeah, my Kendo sucks right now but I suppose that's normal when you start. I keep wondering though, (as I know I shouldn't) does it suck more than the average beginner? I've only been there for three days. Anyway it's sooo hard. So many details! What I wonder is, how do the sensei's see these details? Do they have super eyes?

Hey at least I can attempt to do the excersises in the begininng of class, where everybody does... everything at the same time. The first couple of times, I felt sooo embarressed because I had NO IDEA what to do.

Well, right now Kendo feels awkward, but I know that if i keep with it it will eventually feel more natural. My eventual goal is that, I want to be able to feel one with the sword, like it is a part of my body. I think that'd be neat.