I Want To Learn Kendo
<div class="IPBDescription">The Japananese way of the sword</div> Any kendoists on these forums??? I want to learn Kendo for several reasons, 1) I want to connect with my past asian culture by learning the way of bushido and sword fighting, hopefully preparing my mind in a beneficial way so I can become one with my mind. 2) I need physical activity and this particular activity attracts me to it.
So, any thoughts?
EDIT: BTW, feel free to talk about any other martial art as long as you brush up on what I ask.
So, any thoughts?
EDIT: BTW, feel free to talk about any other martial art as long as you brush up on what I ask.
Comments
Sorry....
But I hear public schools in Japan enforces Kendo in their school (middle school, highschool)
me, I'm a man of all swords. I know the basics of swordfighting in general, and once I get a full-time job and apartment...i'm gonna have a freakin armory of swords & spears.
So....be careful! <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
So....be careful! <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
The most practical, obvious, and sensical solution to that is: Don't be a dumbshit and use sharpened swords. <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->
Anyway... any style of martial art will teach you (along with the exercises and movements) discipline and inner balance. For me personally, I get immense pleasure out of performing katas, both prescribed and free-form; it is the practice of an art, something that's been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I feel joy in my art and in the physical exertion.
As for bushido... I'm not sure it's something you can really learn, as it's not really definable anymore, if it ever really was. ^^: It seems to be a more romanticized idea of an undefinable concept, as far as I can tell.
So, any thoughts?
EDIT: BTW, feel free to talk about any other martial art as long as you brush up on what I ask. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Not really a kendoist, but I am looking for a course in Hong Kong. I mean if they sell kendo sticks (both boken and shanai) they're bound to have a course somewhere no?
But if you really want to...well, I don't know how to explain it....but anyway
It's sort of like fencing, except it is 2-handed sword fighting instead. You can do slashes and thrusts with the sword (obviously) And during competitive play, you have to battle someone in a sort of 1-hit-KO type battle.
1 hit to the head = win
1 hit to the shoulders = win
1 hit to any part of the upper torso = win
Anything else = lose
Practically if you want to practice you might have to do it Samurai X style lol <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo--> Just don't go for the legs.
But obviously I am limited in my information....but here's where Google comes handy no?
*rushes to Google*
EDIT : YAY! I found info finally
<a href='http://www.cam.org/~hiro/skc/english/hypertext/kendo.html' target='_blank'>http://www.cam.org/~hiro/skc/english/hyper...text/kendo.html</a>
"F*@k me!"
<!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
Whether you prefer learning actual swordsmanship or Kendo (although one should flow into the other) is entirely up to you, but historically Keno was the 'lesser' of the two, if you can call being a sword toting lunatic lesser <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->
(Addendum : AFAIK, please feel free to tell me otherwise.)
- Shockwave
"F*@k me!"
<!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo--><!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I remember recently having a legthy discussion about this on IRC. The martial arts have faded because of firearms: Even a simple handgun (a weapon that is, compared to a proper rifle, quite shoddy in actual warfare due to the low accuracy of the short barrel) is a weapon that is, due to the range advantage, a dozen times deadlier than swords or other forms of close quarters weaponry.
Unarmed self-defence can be very useful if some **** thinks he's gonna lay his hands on you, not if somebody comes from nowhere and holds you at gunpoint, telling you to put your wallet on the ground and move backwards a few paces.
kida wants to learn kendo because<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->1) I want to connect with my past asian culture by learning the way of bushido and sword fighting, hopefully preparing my mind in a beneficial way so I can become one with my mind. 2) I need physical activity and this particular activity attracts me to it.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
This is something that regular practice with a gun at a shooting range cannot offer you.
Just curious: what martial art would you recommend to someone who's interested in learning one, is in a moderate state of fitness, but hasn't had any previous martial arts training? I'm thinking of taking one up next year as a hobby/sport/pasttime/whatever.
when learning the way of the sword use something heavy (i was taught with a sheathed kuawso), or if u would prefer there are a fine selection of wooden 1's available at most martial arts stores. if staff fighting is more your thing i too suggest that this be learnt with a heavy (wood, not bamboo) 3/4 staff...
the reason for having a heavy weap is simple, while training with this you become stronger and faster with more strain on your body. as a result your kiai (tension of muscles that causes bursts of uber strength that can repell all sorts of body attacks) will be at a high level. when you use the fighting weapons (katana 2ft 6in, tan bamboo 6ft) you'll find that your speed and strength will be unbeatable...
p.s. dont buy a full length gi, they are revealing <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->
"F*@k me!"
<!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
If you are taking martial arts training for the purposes of either self defense or attacking others, you are doing something wrong. Fortunately, the people with those attitudes aren't going to learn much, because they won't have the dedication.
Besides, learning kendo doesn't mean you run around carrying your sword or practice weapons. Heck, you might get arrested, depending on how goofy you were acting.
So, any thoughts?
EDIT: BTW, feel free to talk about any other martial art as long as you brush up on what I ask. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
If you want to become "one with your mind" I'd personally recommend meditation and things such as that. Worked for me <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
So, any thoughts?
EDIT: BTW, feel free to talk about any other martial art as long as you brush up on what I ask. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If you want to become "one with your mind" I'd personally recommend meditation and things such as that. Worked for me <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
yep... i tried that before a clan match once to see if it had the same effect as when i entered a karate tournament. worked quite well... all you have to do is not to try and think of nothing but to concentrate on emptyness.
in short think of yourself standing in a black endless room where the light is emitted from yourself and that every breath draws in energy from the planet
There was a tournament coming up, and I didn't take the things off at practice until the day before... I was decently fast before, but with the weights off, I almost broke a few noses because I just wasn't used to how fast my limbs were moving, it really does make a difference.
I practice fencing now, and while not being the battle-art that Kendo is, or having the mental and physical preparation of a martial art, it does teach you how to quickly and efficiently analyse defenses, and strike at them as fast as possible. It's fun, and if you keep at it, it keeps you in shape.
BUt I remember a discusion about Kendo, and that it was more akin to Modenr day fencing then a combat tool (aka more for competition, not for any 'practicle' use)
Then again, knowing how to bield a sword that big aint practicle no matter what <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
I ahve studied Jeet Kun Do (JKD) For a few years now (I am outa practice b/c there are no MA schools any where near me atm)
For a quick run donw on JKD:
Developed by Bruce Lee (Yes this is what alot of Way Of the Dragon is bassed on <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->)
Basic concept was to teach people how to meld a fighting style unique to themself.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->absorb what is useful, to reject what is useless and to add what is specifically your own<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I like it due to it containing alot less 'form' (katas are rare where I trained). Respect and focus and such are still important (respect is obviously a key for training with others), however the classes and the school are much less formal (our outfit consists of a school T-Shirt and preferably dark sweats/shorts/workout pants <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->). I have learned things from a large range of schools:
Kali, a Philipino MA. Alot of it is focused on weapons handeling (we train with a fake knife and baboo sticks, that could simulate anything, be it clud or sword). It is also focused ALOT of floaw and controll of body movement (Kali- Katawan Li hook(Sp is wrong) lit translated as Body Movement). Its a truely amazing/beautiful/scary thing to watch. It was origianly a War Form (not an MA), designed for moving through a battle. It was also ussed by Philipinos in Vietnam (I have trained under a family that was active in vietnam as scouts and such).
Muy Thai (aka Thai Kick Boxing), A very gruling MA, If you ever get a chance to watch a ThaiBoxing match do so, its.. intereesting <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
JUN FAN TRAPPING: a modification of Wing Chung. Trapping and in fighting. Good knowledge to have (again an amazing flow to watch <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->)
As well as many others.
So, for any one who thinks that some one taking MA for Selfdeffence is in it for the wrong reason, I got news for you <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
MA IS a good idea if you are worried about personal saftey, especialy b/c if you ever ask and instructer "What should I do if they pull a gun on me?" Most good ones will tell you to do what ever the guy with the gun tells you to. Same goes for a knife (untill you have either trained with or have seen first hand what a knife can do, Don't scoff at it. They are SCARY!)
Personaly I take MA b/c it is the BEST physical exersise you will EVER find. I don't fight, I am in fact nonviolent (sparing and such dosn't count <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->). However I am confident in the knowledge that if I ever do HAVE to defend my self from an unarmed (and possibly armed) attacker I might be able to do it <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
oh, and if you are interested in JKD, here is my schools webby: <a href='http://www.progressivemartialarts.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.progressivemartialarts.com/</a>
Great school, the instructers are great people, constantly training and bringing us back new things to learn <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
weee, havn't gone through the webby in a few, they have movies up now <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> (http://progressivemartialarts.com/multimedia.htm)
They are of the few 'forms' that we do. They are more just drills to get the motion and preasure fealings into our musle memory.
You don't think "Ok now I am gona do drill 5", you just feel that preasure on your arm in that way and automaticly react with a good comeback <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
Like me? <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->
*limps away*
Sounds totally fake if you ask me.
Sounds totally fake if you ask me. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Want me to find the article on BBC for you? (or was it yahoo)
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Probably the most useful of martial arts these days in a practical, actual defense method (rather than as a sport of exercise) will either be....
<a href='http://www.kravmaga.com/' target='_blank'>Krav Maga</a>, lethal and intended for shortest maximum takedown. Used by the Israeli Army, this <i>is not a sport.</i> It disables the opponent, as effectively as possible in the shortest space of time.
OR.. if you're feeling more traditional
<a href='http://www.martial-arts-info.com/ma_kali.php' target='_blank'>Kali</a>, which is from the Philippines and is a lot of weapon based, but around knife fighting rather than swords. Also, highly lethal.
Note : I don't go in for 'soft' arts. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->
I was about to suggest that but you beat me to it. I have not practiced fencing a lot, but the first time I tried I was immediately attracted to it. It is physically demanding, 1v1 and you dont get all the nitty gritty tossing of bodies and bruising of ribs as you do in martial arts. You do get a few red spots from rapier hits tho <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> A guy I went with to a fencing school to try it, afterwards told me "It was like Quake Deathmatch. Except for no rocket launchers." He meant that the thrill gotten from the 1v1 duels were up there with action games.
Fencing is very fun. Dont discount that if you can't find any kendo school nearby.
I can see why someone would be attracted to this inner spirit/swordsman combination that bushido stands for. however I am interested in it philosophically but I really prefer having my sports clearly defined and free of too much confounding thought. So fencing suits me just dandy! After christmas I am going to start practicing fencing on a regular schedule in a fencing school near Copenhagen.
Just curious: what martial art would you recommend to someone who's interested in learning one, is in a moderate state of fitness, but hasn't had any previous martial arts training? I'm thinking of taking one up next year as a hobby/sport/pasttime/whatever.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Sorry, hadn't checked forums in a few days.
I studied/taught hapkido, judo, taekwondo, and some naginata forms, and maintain contact with practicioners of other styles... if you're simply interested in learning a martial art, any will do. They don't just dump you into hardcore training.. you begin with basics and move up, just like in everything else. But if I were going to suggest one without a harsh regimen, I would say t'ai chi quan, tae kwon do, or kung fu.
Perhaps you should go to several dojos of different styles, watch the students, and see what you believe suits you best...
The best thing to do is just go around to a bunch of schhols in your area and find one that you like. Alot of schools will let you watch classes and a few have alow you to participate in a class to learn alittle.
I found my school simply b/c I was going around to all of the schools around, and I met the headinstructer/owner of the place I ussed to go to. He was a great guy, very nice, was very good at telling us about the place and made it sound interesting <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
oh and @Shockwave
Kali does not actualy focus on knives, its true focus is on the movement.
Most of what is done in kali can be done with a weapon or open handed.
The weapons also range from knife, to sword, to club (ussed basicaly the same as a sword), to staff, to whip. Sertain branches of kali do focus more on knives (Soyoc kali is one), but almost all of them can be ussed in any form <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> (Kali = teh win, its fun, its relaxing, and the flow of it just FEELS good)
I've never done Kali myself, but I'd love to. It's certainly the art which appeals to me the most.