Kendo Dummy redux

So I practiced some more with the kendo dummy tonight, since no one else showed up to practice. I actually appreciated the chance to practice with the dummy though. Gave me a chance to really focus on my 二刀流 (nito ryuu) basics without feeling bad that I'm just pounding on an opponent and not giving him a chance to practice, lol. :-D

I was pleasantly surprised by how well the dummy worked for 引き技 (hiki waza; techniques while moving backwards). Then again, what dummies have problems with usually is allowing the practitioner to go through after the hit. They usually don't have problems if the person is moving away from them. So it's not a huge surprise or plus that my dummy works for 引き技. :-p

I think my 二刀流の引き技 has improved after tonight. It's still a very basic strike though. Very big. But at least it's straight and strong, with much better 手のうち (tenouchi). I was having problems with the 手のうち because it was more difficult to control the 竹刀 (shinai) when holding it with my left hand all the way next to the 鍔 (tsuba). Then again, when I started 二刀流, I told myself that I would only do it if I approached it as if I am once again a beginner. If I am to do 二刀流, I would approach it from the basics and develop sound fundamentals. So it's probably the right stage anyways...