The layout of a Dojo

First, and in order of importance, we have what is commonly known in the West as shomen, but it is also equivalent to the term “shinzen“. This has to be located at the opposite end of the entrance door of the dojo. Here is where,if the case, the “ kamidana ” or Shinto shrine is to be placed. It is the spot of greatest excellence or supremacy in the dojo. If we see vintage Japanese films, orjidaigeki, we would see that this is where the Tonosama is placed. Bringing this concept to kendo, in the case of events or championships, here stands the Royal Box, among other members of the royal or imperial family will be seated.

On the other hand, we find the kamiza (or “jouseki“). In this regard we will point out for those who may have certain Japanese language notions that the term kamizahas nothing to do with kamisama or “divinity”, but the characters that compose this word mean literally “seat up”. It is a term also used in the Japanese daily life, and it refers to where the “higher grade” person has to be sit. In Japanese daily life there is a complex system about where exactly this place is situated, depending on the type of room or location and the surrounding elements (of what I hope to talk in some offtopic article). Applied to Kendo, and as most of you will have guessed, this is the place where the sensei sits, and it usually refers to right side of the shomen, where the highest grade is located closest to it, and the rest of them are positioned so that the lower grade is in the furthest place from the shomen.

An interesting point, in case anyone has also wondered: “Why do the senseis do not sit on the side of shomen?”. The answer is that if so, it would be entirely disrespectful to show one’s back to the divinity, and equally it would be wrong to turn away from the guests of honor.

Finally, and in contrast to this concept of kamiza is the “shimoza”, which is the place where the person with the lesser degree at that time shall situate, and it corresponds to the farthest spot from the shomen.

This would be roughly the distribution of a dojo, but these general rules can vary to suit the situation and characteristics of each place. As always, what is important is to adapt to the rules existing in each place, and in no case want to impose what we believe is right.

Shinai parts

Kendo Kata

立切 尾形 茂

The idea of it is that you stop thinking and reacting with your body and ego (mind) after the point of exhaustion and cut with "no-mind" which is an ideal that kenshi are trying to reach through practise. Also it's just an incredible character and friendship building feat on it's own. I don't think I would last through it, this guy is extremely impressive as he did it in jodan which is more tiring in the first place. Comment done by andyrogers79 in youtube

An Obituary printed in the London Times - Interesting and sadly rather true.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing

Es usted médico?

Una señora, con su hijito de 4 años, está comiendo en un restaurante.

En un descuido, el chico mete una moneda en la boca y se atraganta.

La madre intenta hacerle escupir la moneda golpeándole la espalda, dándole palmadas en el cuello, sacudiéndolo, sin éxito.

El chico ya comienza a dar muestras de asfixia y la madre, desesperada, comienza a gritar pidiendo auxilio.

Un señor se levanta de una mesa cercana, y con pasmosa tranquilidad sin decir palabra alguna, le baja los pantalones a la criatura, toma sus pequeños testículos, los aprieta con fuerza, y tira hacia bajo violentamente.

Al mismo tiempo, le mete el dedo mayor en el culo en seco.

Automáticamente, el niño -ante el dolor irresistible- escupe la moneda, y el señor, con la misma pasmosa tranquilidad con la que se acercó, regresa a su mesa sin decir palabra.

Al rato, la señora, ya tranquilizada, se acerca para agradecerle que haya salvado la vida a su hijo, y le pregunta:

- ¿Usted es médico?

- No señora, soy funcionario de la Agencia Tributaria.. .

Xmas' season