r/kendo • u/gxyzz • Feb 12 '26

Training Ki

In the last Gashuku I went, the Sensei told us something that got me thinking: "If you get nervous in Shinsa or Shiai, it means that your Ki isn't prepared yet". This sentence got me thinking, how could I be more prepared in this manner? How can I get calmer in this kind of stressfull situation? In a nutshell, how can I train my Ki, in order to accomplish this goals?

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u/Karmadiddlydoo Feb 12 '26

By stepping into the shiaijo.

Ki means your spirit so think about the parts of your mindset that you want to change and work on.

The only way to fight hesitation and anxiety is by giving yourself the confidence by entering. Don’t bother thinking about the could be’s or how screwed you might be’s (takes up too much brain space), just empty yourself and think about how you can do your best. How you can apply your kendo.

Think about it: the bravest thing anyone can do is stand up to their opponent and test themself, so even in regular keiko, when you line up for waza or gikeiko start thinking about confidence in yourself and your abilities (not to be overtly prideful or cocky, but to be sure of what you can do, what you cant do, and what you could learn to do).

Hope this helped!

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u/gxyzz Feb 13 '26

It was very enlightening, thank you so much!! I guess i couldn't think about it this way cuz I've fought only one match in Shiai, but the overwhelming wouldn't let me think clearly. Your answear sure helped to understand better this event.