Yesterday I attended my first Taikai since arriving in Japan last year.
It was actually only considered a 'small' taikai, but featured over 200 competitors and 6 Shiai-jo...
Although I have participated in many Shiai, around the World, I was still incredibly nervous as the day began. The day started with the individual tournament, which got off to a good start for me, with a 2-0 victory in the first round. However, soon after I was taught a very hard lesson about Shikai - The four sicknesses of the mind - Fear, doubt, surprise and confusion.
I found myself in the 2nd round facing off against an 18 year old boy from the well known Ritsumeikan University. I thought I would be OK, and if I stayed calm I could win, but as soon as the match began he launched forward confidently, taking me by surprise. I then became afraid of being struck and I began to doubt my ability to make a successful attack. Soon this was all I could think about and I was unable to keep a clear mind... I lost the match very quickly, to a fantastic kote-uchi and then a wonderful men strike.
I was so disappointed in myself, I haven't been beaten that quickly for a long time. I quickly analysed what had happened and began the afternoon with the lesson I had been taught in mind.
Then began the team event. I had been asked to join a team by a young 5th dan who I know, as he attends practice at the Butokuden.
When I found out our first opponents would be University students again, my heart momentarily sank. But this time I had the responsibility of my team on my shoulders, so I told myself I would do my best no matter what.
Our Senpo (a 22 year old 4th dan lady, who plays from Jodan), got us off to a flying start, with a decisive 2-0 victory. I had to carry it on, as I took the Jiho position. I quickly realised that this time my opponent was not as strong as the last one, but I was going to give it my best no matter what. I landed a Hikigote strike, after pushing him out of the Shiai-jo, but it was not judged as valid by the Shinpan. I followed shortly after with a Men-Suriage-Kote, which I though may be enough, but again, it was signalled that I had to do better. Finally my opponent over extended a strike at my Kote, and I was able to return a Men strike and take Ippon. Soon the time was up, before I could take another point, but the victory helped our team proceed to the next round.
The following round saw us meet a team from the Association of Junior High School Sports Teachers. We knew they were a strong team, and they met us with determined spirits. Our Senpo unluckily conceded two points, meaning I had to turn the tables. Before stepping on the Shiai-jo I remembered the match from the morning, and promised myself not to be affected by the Shikai again. I rose from Sonkyo and was determined to believe in myself and not be intimidated. Howevere, shortly after I conceded a wonderful Nuki-Do point (a technique I am often beaten with at the moment...), though I was determined not to let this throw my concentration. I put up, what I believe to be a tough fight, and came close to taking a couple of points. In the closing seconds I realised I needed to do something different if I had any chance of taking Ippon now, and attacked with a bold Katate-men. However, my opponent saw this coming and was able to take out the power from the strike, causing my Shinai to merely touch his Men, and he quickly followed with another attempt at my do. The whistle went for time and it was over. I had lost, though I had done my best and was not ashamed. My team mates were unable to rescue victory from that point in the match and we were out of the tournament altogether.
I will keep practicing so that next time I can be stronger.
