2024.10　KENDOJIDAI Photography: Nishiguchi Kunihiko, Sugino ShinsukeTranslation: Sato Mariko, Pepijn Boomgaard Kamei Sensei emphasizes, “If your left foot becomes loose, you cannot execute techniques accurately.” To develop proper body movement where the left foot is always functional, it is essential to consistently focus on your left foot during Suburi, Uchikomi, and Kirikaeshi. We asked Kamei Sensei about what he keeps in mind and what he teaches during his instruction. Kamei Toru, 8th Dan Hanshi Born in Kumamoto Prefecture in 1954. After graduating from Kyushu Gakuin High School and Meiji University, he joined the Kumamoto Prefectural Police. His major achievements include: 2nd place in the All Japan Kendo Championship, participation in the World Kendo Championships, participation in the All Japan Prefectural Kendo Championship, participation in the All Japan East West Tournament, 1st place in the first division of the National Police Tournament, 1st place in the National Sports Festival, 2nd and 3rd place in the All Japan invitational 8th Dan Championship, 1st place in the All Japan Invitational 7th Dan Kendo Championship in honor of Marume Nagayoshi and winning the Iwate Prefecture 7th Dan Governor’s Cup 3 times. The judges are watching your left foot and fist. As noted in the All … Continue reading The Left Foot is the Foundation of Kendo (Kamei Toru)