[qwerty1]

Since the holidays are coming up many dojos close their doors for a couple of days and I'm wondering what everyone else here is gonna do on those days.

My dojo has a pretty long holiday break (3 weeks) so I'm setting up a training plan for myself so I don't get out of shape. I was thinking of going to the gym to do some aerobics classes for cardio but I also wanna do 300 large men uchi every second day.

I'm still a beginner (1 year) so I don't want to do any other technical stuff, I doubt I'd do it right, but I know some points I need to improve on men-uchi so that's at least something I can practice. And of course I can do haya-suburi etc. Luckily I have high ceilings and no down-stairs neighbours

I normally only practice kata at home because I train three times a week (twice kendo and once a drill-session with my personal trainer at the gym) so it would only be to replace the kendo (especially uchikomigeiko or kakarigeiko, you know the stuff where you have to push through). Maybe I should go running?

What is everyone else gonna do during the time their dojo is closed (if it is closed)? Do you have a set training plan or do you just take some time off and relax and stuff yourself full with turkey and mash? Or are you one of the lucky ones who has an open dojo? I'm also interested to hear about your training plan for holidays if you have one, this also goes for summer holidays for example.

[RSAccountssy]

This has actually been a thought that's been in my head ever since winter break has started looming in the background. My main goal for the break is to up my stamina and make my cuts straighter. Since I'm going back home for winter break I won't be very close to any dojo so at most I may be able to go once or twice during the whole break.

I've been searching on youtube and on Kendo-World for exercises. I'm planning to follow the various waza regimens I found here and do overall conditioning. I want to do sprints and squats and turn this undefined mound into abs of steel. (Don't hold your breath :P)

Main issue is sticking to it. I am going to write up all the waza I want to do and make sure that I reach at least that baseline every day. I was also going to make sure I take into consideration my regular practice and try to figure out how much a regular practice would consist of so I don't fall too far behind over break

I was going to do this on the ride home but I think I might put some more thought into it now This break could actually help my Kendo if I'm self-critical and push myself consistently.

This is a really cool thread and am looking forward to seeing what other people's takes are on how they are going to use their breaks. Thanks Raindrop!

[Civilrecordzz]

we dont have breaks in my dojo (kenwakai, madrid)... so best plan is, pack your gear and come to our training. we always welcome visitors with plenty suburi

[Duseshoug]

Why not train at a different dojo for a couple of times? I did that last summer with Iaido and it out great. Just send them an e-mail you never know the answer (nee heb je, ja kan je krijgen).

[ZwHRoTTn]

we dont have breaks in my dojo (kenwakai, madrid)... so best plan is, pack your gear and come to our training. we always welcome visitors with plenty suburi

hehe, thanks for the offer but last-minute flights to spain aren't really in my holiday budget ^_^.

Maybe it's an idea, I know some of my sempai sometimes train at other dojos, maybe I can ask them to let me tag along if those other dojos still have practice. I'm just not sure if the input of another sensei might confuse my noob-self too much.

[nerrttrw]

hehe, thanks for the offer but last-minute flights to spain aren't really in my holiday budget ^_^.

Maybe it's an idea, I know some of my sempai sometimes train at other dojos, maybe I can ask them to let me tag along if those other dojos still have practice. I'm just not sure if the input of another sensei might confuse my noob-self too much.

From my experience, differnet sensei's have different ways of teaching and hence, they may have differing opinions. What they are to say if they are offering advice is (this is how I were to do it). It is up to you whether you want to use that advice, or continue the way that you're doing it (unless you are doing something entirely wrong). Although, it is best to try the way they suggest just out of respect for the sensei. Who knows, you might like that way, or you might not. Remember, it is your kendo.

As for training at home, footwork! This is the basics of kendo, everything follows your footwork. Do suriash on your floors (not carpet if you don't want carpet burn). Seme-suriash (step like your seme-ing them). Your left calf should be burning if you're doing that one right. Suburi is good also, but noting really beats training at the dojo.

[ElegeExcest]

The only way to get to a dojo where I live back home is by train so I may be able to go once or twice but I don't have the budget right now to go regularly *sigh*

But good point Exia00! I really need to work on footwork too. Break = Straighter cuts, better footworkm, and stamina. YAY! :S

[c2siOlIk]

I'm in the "What Holiday break?" category.

[AutoCadPhotoSHOP]

Last practice for us is Dec 23rd and back on jan 6th so two weeks off not too bad I wil go running and do my stretching during the break so I dont snap in half when I try to sit in seiza when I get back

E