A very good explanation about "going back". I had a relatively good success in a number of international naginata competitions, but despite this, I am not happy with my technique, as most of my ippons were scored by me doing a retreat from close distance while attacking the shins (sune - a valid datotsu in naginata). While this is a good and acceptable technique, I feel as if I am not doing my best naginata, as this technique is sort of my "default" choice of action, and it makes me go too often into close distance and then retreat. This is not how I see the top level of naginata. I would very much like to improve my abilities to strike good ippons from uchi ma - like the best Japanese practitioners. Anyway - a very good question and a very good answer. Thank you Andy.

Another great rant episode! THanks.

Oppa kansai style. *hops away*

Hi Andy, love the rant videos. Learning more about kendo every day. Some of my best gear comes from Kendostar, so thanks for that as well. Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'd like to know your opinion: What is your opinion of the waiting time between being able to grade? I see it as a valid point that people need to practice a lot between grades, but does that not leave people who have been practising, but not as lucky with grading opportunities behind? If grading is really important for improving in kendo, why stagnate those who show kendo above their apparent grade?

I am now varying the video speed and am getting to experience slow mode and super fast Andy.

Really enjoy your videos but I was kind of taken aback when the commenter said that 50 was old. I'm 48 and I'm very active some of the younger guys have a hard time keeping up with me in real life not in Kendo. So is it typical for people over 50 in Kendo to be slow and out of shape? That really confuse me