The leather loop in my dou for the himo has been frayed for several months. David was kind enough to buy me a replacement strap for it last summer but seeing as no one knew how to actually take apart and repair that part of the dou it's been left sitting in my bag until today, when the thing snapped for good.
Fortunately, Koyama-san was there to give me a quick patch up, but he suggested that it would only be good for one day. Since I don't have a bike anymore after the mysterious theft of it from outside my house, and no money until I get paid again, it'll have to wait until Golden Week.
I did a bit of kata practice today with Koyama-san. He really drilled me on ippon-me today, which is nice. It's good to make sure I have the early forms down to perfection. (Note: this has not yet happened). In particular, he reminded me that shidachi needs to give uchidachi a 'push' when they come together in the center. Seme is important.
I got to experience the new 60 suburi drill today and nearly died for it, but it certainly woke all my muscles up. I just hope this drill isn't going to etend into summer. I'll shrivel up like a little raisin before I even put my men on!
My body was much more cooperative today in terms of correct striking and footwork. I got a couple nice pops that I was very pleased with. Itou Sensei corrected me again on taking my zanshin way too far after a strike. At least, I think he's corrected me on that before. Different teachers give different advice on this subject I've found. Some have told me that I need to get as far away from my opponent as possible after a strike, and some have told me that if I feel I've earned the hit, to run away with it. Others advise a strict 'three step and then turn' rule. I think, like most things, it depends on the circumstance. I know that in many cases I'm guilty of putting my kendo on auto-pilot and just doing everything my habit. Need to start making myself more aware of the fights I'm in.
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