In the last few weeks, we've had a lot of beginners get into bogu for the first time. As part of training, they are now (previously not) allowed to train in jigeiko. In one weekend though, I had three beginners in the space of 24 hours ask me about jigeiko.
What did they ask me? What is jigeiko? What is the purpose of jigeiko? What are you supposed to do in jigeiko?
Well, this is a blog exclusive (LOL) in the sense that I haven't written this elsewhere, though I have said the contents to the three people who asked me.
Jigeiko, as an exercise, is about training ones self. It can mean self-sparring.
So what does this actually mean?
Jigeiko is an opportunity to spar against your opponent for the sake of your own training. You are not there to benefit anyone but yourself. What should you do in jigeiko though is completely up to you. However, what you should do though is still play in a manner that allows you to be a motodachi for your opponent, ie, play seriously and not stuff around. If you stuff around, your opponent can not practice with you as their motodachi.
What does it truly mean though? You should take jigeiko as an opportunity to practice one, two, three things that you wish to work on at that point in time. I was told by my rifle coach many years ago that in anything you train, if you try to remember and work on more than three things at once, you'll forget about one of them. So, try to limit it to three or so. As a beginner, there is a lot of things you can practice. As a non beginner, it is no different. For me, at the present, I train on a few things. Right now I work on keeping center, and maai. Whatever else I do, specific waza or otherwise depends on what we do during the day.
Something though to consider during jigeiko for beginners though, is to try not to block. Seems kind of counter-intuitive but there is good reason for it. Blocking is a bad habit. If you always block, you will never learn to make cuts and attacks. If you block, you'll also possibly still retain a 'flinch' reflex which is bad since later on if someone makes a sudden attack movement, you will blink and miss the timing to either really block or counter-attack/move. Further more, if you get into the habit of blocking, later on if you do grading, you have to jigeiko in ni-kyu (2nd Kyu) and higher. If you continue to block instead of displaying your ability to attack, maai, seme etc, then you will be failed.
Blocking is a bad thing. Got it? Get rid of it. If you fear getting cut, you will never be able to succeed. If you fear getting cut, you can get around that by learning maai and stepping out of range, or keeping center so that even if they hit you, it means they impale themselves on your shinai. You will still need to overcome it later though, you must be fearless in your kamae.
So, jigeiko = self training. Work on what you believe that you need to work on. Do not fear being cut. Be resolute in your actions.
Got it?
Good.
XD
What did they ask me? What is jigeiko? What is the purpose of jigeiko? What are you supposed to do in jigeiko?
Well, this is a blog exclusive (LOL) in the sense that I haven't written this elsewhere, though I have said the contents to the three people who asked me.
Jigeiko, as an exercise, is about training ones self. It can mean self-sparring.
So what does this actually mean?
Jigeiko is an opportunity to spar against your opponent for the sake of your own training. You are not there to benefit anyone but yourself. What should you do in jigeiko though is completely up to you. However, what you should do though is still play in a manner that allows you to be a motodachi for your opponent, ie, play seriously and not stuff around. If you stuff around, your opponent can not practice with you as their motodachi.
What does it truly mean though? You should take jigeiko as an opportunity to practice one, two, three things that you wish to work on at that point in time. I was told by my rifle coach many years ago that in anything you train, if you try to remember and work on more than three things at once, you'll forget about one of them. So, try to limit it to three or so. As a beginner, there is a lot of things you can practice. As a non beginner, it is no different. For me, at the present, I train on a few things. Right now I work on keeping center, and maai. Whatever else I do, specific waza or otherwise depends on what we do during the day.
Something though to consider during jigeiko for beginners though, is to try not to block. Seems kind of counter-intuitive but there is good reason for it. Blocking is a bad habit. If you always block, you will never learn to make cuts and attacks. If you block, you'll also possibly still retain a 'flinch' reflex which is bad since later on if someone makes a sudden attack movement, you will blink and miss the timing to either really block or counter-attack/move. Further more, if you get into the habit of blocking, later on if you do grading, you have to jigeiko in ni-kyu (2nd Kyu) and higher. If you continue to block instead of displaying your ability to attack, maai, seme etc, then you will be failed.
Blocking is a bad thing. Got it? Get rid of it. If you fear getting cut, you will never be able to succeed. If you fear getting cut, you can get around that by learning maai and stepping out of range, or keeping center so that even if they hit you, it means they impale themselves on your shinai. You will still need to overcome it later though, you must be fearless in your kamae.
So, jigeiko = self training. Work on what you believe that you need to work on. Do not fear being cut. Be resolute in your actions.
Got it?
Good.
XD
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2 comments:
wow, since i probably wont (although hopefully will) ever meet you to see your physical level of kendo. your mental level is inspiring. im from Ireland and im 1st kyu. however i dont think i would come close to your level in Australia. ive lately found it hard to comit to kendo for stupid reasons, feeling like im going no where, theres so much to think about, and ive never been a good thinker. reading this blog though has inspired me to key in more during training and not just go train and forget everything, keep up the good work!!
john in ireland
Hi John,
^_^ Well, I'm not that good and nor is my mental game really, but these are just some of the thoughts and ideas we pass around in our Dojo.
I'm glad that you've found some inspiration though my words and that really gives me more motivation to continue to train and put my own learning here to share. Cheers~
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