Bring on the Thunder!!

Coming back from my work trip in Sumatera last weekend, I made time for myself to attend Kendo practices during the weekend. Well, because there WAS a plan for the practice on Saturday to be covered by yet another TV station. However, it didn't work out in the end because the building management didn't give us shooting permission. Anyways, I think I already have 2 magazine interviews and 2 TV appearances this month for Kendo.. I think that's enough media coverage for now... I don't even care if I have used up my 15 minutes already.
There are a couple of things that stood up within my weekend Kendo practices. First was God of Thunder's decision to try the jodan kamae. Because of a recent minor left leg injury, God of Thunder decided to switch his stance so that he could continue practicing through this injury. Although, perhaps the fact that he's been watching some All Japan Kendo Championship videos might have something to do with it. The result, was surprising to say the least. He had tried it a while ago and found it to be difficult and not very effective thus decided to let it go. However, this time around, the result was rather different. His basic skills has improved and he has been getting stronger as well, even I was having some problems dealing with his first time jodan effort. God of Thunder is naturally strong, having played ice hockey a lot while he was growing up, gave him great leg and arm strength. He is also pretty tall for an Asian, but his secret weapon might be that he is actually left handed. I was actually surprised that he was already able to attempt kote-men, a 2-hit attack from jodan.
I am actually quite excited with the prospect of God of Thunder practicing jodan. Not only it gives more depth and variation to our team, but also it is good for us to practice against a jodan user from time to time. It is quite confusing and different. In fact, I am still trying to figure out how to counter his attacks. Since jodan is a one handed left hand attack, therefore all of his attacks will come from my right side. However since I am shifting my kamae to the right to protect my kote, it means my attack will sort of come from the right as well. Since jodan holds their shinai high, I am at a disadvantage, especially against a taller person, like God of Thunder. I was discussing with Dark Knight on the possibilities to counter this situation. His advice was being mobile, so that the jodan will not be able to focus on the target and have enough time to prepare. Well, perhaps I will try that...
This whole God of Thunder jodan though, it is not me being hit that worries me the most. God of Thunder, as strong and gifted as he is, isn't exactly the most committed person I know. I fear that when he hits a bump, he will start displaying his old traits again.