Oh Kendo - you bring so many moments of joy.

After watching my entire federation compete in my Tournament - I was very happy to serve as Shimpan, but also a bit envious of the competitors. So, after the Shinsa the following day, we had Godogeiko. My opportunity to fight with the Sensei.

Facing and Nanadan is no easy feat. They usually obliterate you with your Kendo. They pick you apart, find your flaw, then use your own Kendo against you...over and over. 

I have been trying to become immune to seme. I’m trying to hold my mind steady and not “react” to movements. Often times I get hit, over and over. But when I do get hit, I see the moment of opportunity, the moment of chance. 

Fighting this Nanadan, I held my kamae, he charged in and I did not allow my kamae to break, I did  minor footwork and extended to tsuki. He ran into it. Spot on. 

The Nanadan stopped. (At first I thought I was going to get grilled for attempting Tsuki against him) -- but he  looked me straight in the eye and nodded with just the slightest “hmmm!”. WOW!