Takahashi Kentaro Style: Building a Body for Kendo

Following on from last time, we will once again be learning about the training required for kendo from Kentaro Takahashi, a training coach for the Japanese national kendo team. This time, in our sixth installment, we will be learning about shoulder training methods.

Pull-down

Takahashi:Now it's time for the shoulders. Start with this shape. Then, raise your arms up."

Takahashi:So, 1, 2, etc. Lower your elbows so that they are at shoulder height. Then raise them again. Push them up and lower them again. Okay."

Takahashi: ThatAnd at that time, make sure your elbows are to the side so they don't come forward. Always to the side. Keep them to the side. Do 10 times like that. 1, 1 as you lower them. 2, 3, 10. Okay, that's it."

Lat Pulldown Back

Takahashi:This time, move it a little further back, as if you're pulling your shoulder blades together."

Takahashi:Now lower your elbows down to this point. When you do this, imagine your shoulder blades coming together.

Takahashi: And, raise it up to your shoulders, and then lower it down to your shoulders. We were doing it here earlier, but now we want to go a little lower.

Takahashi:It reaches your shoulders. At that point, stick your chest out firmly.

Takahashi:Okay, here we go. This is also 10 reps. 1, 2, yes. This is what's commonly known as a lat pulldown back. Okay, here we go. 1, 2, 10."

Next time, train your legs

This time we will be explaining how to train your shoulders.

I don't usually raise my arms high, so stretching them straight up next to my ears felt both painful and pleasant.

Also, for modern people who tend to hunch over and lean forward while using smartphones and other devices, I thought this movement of bringing the shoulder blades together was a great exercise that allowed them to move the chest, shoulders, and back, which tend to become stiff.

In the next episode, I will be teaching you how to train your legs. Please look forward to it!

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"The Japanese Kendo National Team Coach Teaches You What Kind of Training (Muscle Training) is Necessary for Kendo" [Kentaro Takahashi] Total of 10 Parts