Sensei often say "...you never stop learning in Kendo..." Do you feel this applies to the physical / technical aspects of Kendo? Or mental / philosophical? Or both?

Recently, I became more curious about these points, especially because I feel I have to have to keep learning the mental aspects of Kendo to acquire survival skills in my life.

Can you describe your ideal session of Kendo practice? What would you work on? Why?

Uchikomi -- It is really hard, but at the same time, I can enhance my motivation through such tough practice, both mentally and physically.

Do you have any moments of regret related to Kendo?

Yes, Kendo is not as popular as baseball or soccer in Japan, and when I was a child, I often felt I should play sports that everyone was more familiar with.

Have you ever had any moments in life, outside of the dojo, when you had an epiphany and thought, "Ah-ha! This is a Kendo lesson!"?

Whenever I encounter some difficulty and have to overcome it, I always feel my patience was cultivated through Kendo experiences, and thanks to that, i have more survival skills.

Do you have a favorite waza?

Yes, I do. it is Harai-kote. It is really interesting to create my own process to get the target and negotiate mentally with my opponents.

Have you learned any import life-lessons from Kendo?

Teamwork, friendship, and to be thoughtful to others.

KOIZUMI, TOMOHIRO
小泉友博
4 DAN

1979

Tomohiro (Travis) was born in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

Travis started in Kendo his native Japan at the age of six (6) because of his interest in a cartoon called Musashi no Ken.

Travis currently practices at Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo (CMKD) and holds the rank of 4 Dan.