My calf muscle hasn’t fully recovered it seems and I also know that I was very dehydrated. However, practice the other day was instructive. Some key learning for me:
1. Hydration begins not before the workout but, rather, at the beginning of each day. Drinking water and tea is necessary for stamina and muscle efficiency.
2. Engaging the core. When I do that my moves are more efficient and effective. Activating my lower front and back muscles relaxes my body and lets me focus. This needs to be done always, not just in kendo. It is key.
3. My shoulders drag (but that could be related to not engaging the core) and I need to work on ki-ken-tai-itchi. One thing I can do is focus on striking and then having the foot hit the ground. This may actually help propel me forward after the strike so there is a 2-for-1 reward here!
Mondo 