Another quote that can describe our training. Through training we can develop a quiet confidence. No ego needed. This quiet confidence helps us to both avoid conflict when we can, and deal with it when we need to. It can also apply to physical practice. For example yesterday we were practicing displacing our partner with the jo. If I tried using force my partner could easily resist and would not be moved. If however, I use a soft touch with proper structure I displaced my partner with very little effort. I didn't give them anything to resist or oush back on. The softer i was, the better it worked. Curious to hear your thoughts and comments.

Hi Sensei. I noticed with partner drills, particularly when trying to slowly displace someone with a cut they feel me lean. It is subtle and honestly I don't notice it doing solo work. Any suggestions on solo practice that will help me recognize that or is it strictly partner training to resolve. I am happy to hear from anyone who has same issue and found way to resolve it. Thanks.

"The hardest to learn was the least complicated " Just happen to think about this lyric and how it relates to our training. We tend to want to do more and complicate things when relaxing and doing less is what will allow the technique to work. I guess that isn't just a lesson for kenjutsu but also life.🙂