Happy New Year everybody! We're already two weeks into the new year. Hard to believe, right? I've been thinking how time flies, and how important the small everyday routines and practices are for making progress in a focused direction. There's a lot of talk and discussion about discipline, but I like to emphasize the value of "routine" instead of discipline. I used to think discipline was the key, but once discipline fails, progress and mindset can weaken and fall apart. Last week's discipline can turn into this week's regrets. I've had the greatest success with progress and training when I've incorporated into my everyday routine. For example, when I'm in the kitchen getting a snack I practice classical movement, becoming light and relaxed, and moving with proper balance and alignment. I started doing that ever since I began training in Nami Ryu in 2008. Every time I'm in the kitchen, I automatically go into classical movement without thinking about it. It's like brushing my teeth before going to work or bed. What are your thoughts on discipline versus routine. For those of you who are new to the study of kenjutsu, have you started to incorporate any routines in your training?

Hello, I was wondering if color matters in a hakama and a kaiku-gi, as well as the obi belt. I was thinking about getting a tan gi, black hakima and obi belt, and the Japanese sandals. (or clogs) If anyone has an idea of what colors to wear for proper attire, I'm all ears and open minded. Thank you for listening and answering my questions. Sincerely, Gabriel Lopez.

Hi everyone. Just checking in to see how training is going. Anything in particular you are working on? I have been thinking about timing and if I don't have timing within myself i will not have much success in timing with others. If you also train in another system are you finding similarities? What are they? I have been finding some interesting similarities with my Irish stick fighting. One example is floating body, they just don't call it that. I really want to hear from people! We can all learn from each other! 🙂 Remember feel free to ask questions. As you can see from all my questions Sensei doesn't mind answering them. 😁