Progress...

Progress...

The two guys who visited VZ with me impressed everyone there. Now the question is how do they climb up to the next level? In the case of H, after about 5-6 months of painful progress his body finally seems to adapt and remember. His footwork has improved considerably in the past couple of months, and his exam in VZ showed he finally reached the appropriate level. His back foot still is dragging somewhat but a whole lot less thab before. Also, as he gets tired he quickly goes back to his old habit (slow and limping back leg). Trouble still lies in his tenouchi and ki-ken-tai, but I'm very satisfied with the recent progress. Perhaps it is time for him to wear the bogu.

Jr now needs to develop a better sense of seme, as well as start learning and applying more of a variety of oji/shikake waza. Otherwise, his footwork and kihon (except a horrible Do) are excellent, all he really needs is more exposure to higher level Kendo. Not sure to what extent he practiced enough with higher grades as opposed to the kyu in VZ but I am concerned he will judge himself based on the poor kendo he saw then, not the higher end that some display (Ariel, Ebihara,...).