[MarythePuppy6]

I was very glad to be reasonably fit when I began Kendo. Like Jakob, I cycle a lot (and always have), and I think the benefits are many-fold. Obviously it makes the physical side of Kendo easier if you arent struggling after 10 mins, but more than that, I'm with Jakob in thinking that a lot of keiko is anaerobic by nature (or at very least, well into the lactic zone). If you are experienced in how anaerobic exercise feels (ie pretty nasty), I think you are better prepared for when you "feel the burn" in Kendo. Whats more, your body is better at disposing of the lactic acid build up, so the pain is less debilatating.

I'm not super-fit by any means, but have always pushed hard on the bike, so on the odd occasions I feel the burn in Kendo (I'm non-bogu remember) I just plough on through.

I'm guessing that if you do regular Kendo you get fit anyway, but doing other stuff must speed the process. You never see many fat kendoka, do you...?



Dave