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Kendo lessons of Tomoi Koichiro

Working towards your ideals in solo Keiko

11/14/2022

2022.7 KENDOJIDAI

Tomoi had been active as a Tokuren member for many years, but when he left the world of competition to become an instructor, he was limited in practicing Kendo against others due to COVID-19.

Under such circumstances, he reexamined his own Kendo and renewed his desire to pursue good and beautiful Kendo.

Translation: Jouke van der Woude

Tomoi Koichiro, Kyoshi 7th Dan

Born in Kumamoto Prefecture in 1980, age 41. After graduating from Kyushu Gakuin Junior and Senior High School and Chuo University, he joined the Osaka Prefectural Police Department. He has won the first place in the first team division of the National Police Championships three times and competed individually, participated in the All Japan Kendo Championships, and competed in the National Athletic Meet. He is currently a senior teacher at the Hirano Police Station of the Osaka Prefectural Police Department. 

I was a Tokuren member for the Osaka Prefectural Police Department for over 10 years, but retired 5 years ago and am now an instructor. Compared to my days in the Tokuren, when I had to work hard to achieve good results in Shiai every few months, I now have more time to reflect on my own Kendo.

I realized some of my tendencies in Kendo anew. Although I may think I am doing it correctly, I drift away from the basics before I know it.

A Sensei who performs wonderful Kendo that anyone would admire may appear inexplicably beautiful. Such Kendo is fantastic to see, and I feel like I should live up to it every day.

However, the Osaka Prefectural Police Department is currently limiting their practice against others as a measure against COVID-19. Therefore, I am now mainly practicing alone.

The main program consists of stretching, physical training, and suburi in between working shifts. Fortunately, the police force is well-equipped with training facilities, as it is necessary to strengthen the body and mind in the course of duty, so I try to use them as I go.

I spend more time looking in the mirror, and I try to check my posture, eye contact, and the curvature of my left leg to see if there are any imbalances.

For example, a proper posture allows for correct strikes and moves without strain or waste. I am now learning by trial and error that I need to relearn such important elements one by one. Sometimes I spend a long time in front of a mirror, but I never seem to get an answer, and I am painfully aware that I still have a long way to go in my Kendo training.

The other day, I had a talk with Furukawa Kosuke Sensei (Osaka Prefectural Police Academy), who gave me some advice on Kamae and other matters. I have been reflecting on the details of my posture and Kiai.

By thinking about my own Kendo, I make new discoveries and find new challenges in Keiko.

I would like to take the COVID-19 situation as a positive thing and study for good and beautiful Kendo through training by myself. It has been five years since I left the Tokuren, and I feel that my muscular strength has been deteriorating, but I feel that I have recently gained a little strength through practicing alone in my spare time. I want to develop as much as possible and continue my studies.

Swing big and fast. Aim for a sharp Ippon.



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