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**mazabotman** · 06-13-2006, 07:00 AM

Here's some things to think of that really helped me to improve my technique.

1) The action of the left hand is like pulling a bell-rope - almost vertical

2) So as not to swing too far back on your upswing, think of "spiking the sky/ceiling" with your shinai.

3) When you deliver the men cut (with a little squeeze - you dont need a big twist), think of using the shinai to ring a bell - not knock it across the dojo.

This last one has done wonders for me. (thanks supernils (I think)). Also, I learnt that if as you raise the shinai, you involve the shoulders, the natural release of this tension helps bring the shinai down quickly - but it is just that, a release, not the muscling down that most beginners do.

Hope this helps

Dave

06-13-2006, 07:00 AM	#3
mazabotman Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 487 Senior Member	Here's some things to think of that really helped me to improve my technique. 1) The action of the left hand is like pulling a bell-rope - almost vertical 2) So as not to swing too far back on your upswing, think of "spiking the sky/ceiling" with your shinai. 3) When you deliver the men cut (with a little squeeze - you dont need a big twist), think of using the shinai to ring a bell - not knock it across the dojo. This last one has done wonders for me. (thanks supernils (I think)). Also, I learnt that if as you raise the shinai, you involve the shoulders, the natural release of this tension helps bring the shinai down quickly - but it is just that, a release, not the muscling down that most beginners do. Hope this helps Dave
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