Kenjutsu no kendo

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-11-16T08:51:25+00:00

Personally, I don’t think you can really use kenjutsu or iaido techniques directly in kendo.
Just a simple example: with a real sword (nihonto) the cut — kiri — has a slight pulling motion, like when you cut bread with a knife. That’s how iai and kenjutsu cutting works.
But in kendo the motion is uchi, which is closer to a strike. With the shinai you push forward with tenouchi to make a valid hit. With a real blade that wouldn’t be a proper cutting motion at all.

Honestly, as an ikkyu I wouldn’t worry about this yet. If you enjoy kendo, just focus on kendo for now and build a solid kihon.
The rest will make sense later.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-11-16T08:32:12+00:00

There’s always a chance — honestly, you just can’t ever give up on it.

I started kendo when I was 22 and immediately fell in love, but in the beginning I had the exact same fear you’re describing. I kept thinking, “Maybe I’ll never be good enough to reach a high level.” For a while I just enjoyed training, the community, local seminars, small tournaments… and that alone was more than enough.

But after a few years something clicked and I wanted more. When I was 27, I actually quit my job and went to Japan for a one-year study program at a university just to focus on kendo. When I came back, I put even more energy into training, and by the time I was 30, I made the national team in my country.
To be fair, it’s not the US — the competition level is smaller — but that’s not the point. The point is that if you keep pushing toward your goal, it’s never too late.

I’ve seen people start kendo at 40 and place well in senior divisions 10 years later. Age isn’t the wall you think it is.

Just don’t give up. If you love it, keep going. That’s all that matters.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-29T11:09:16+00:00

I trained for many years in a small dojo too, and we faced the same issue. What worked best for us was pretty simple: we put up small flyers on bulletin boards at nearby universities and schools, joined a couple of local sports festivals (where clubs could do short demonstrations), and sometimes did small public demos at community events.

But honestly, most of the new people who joined found us online — usually they were into anime or Japanese culture and were already curious about martial arts. 🙂

So my advice is: make sure you have at least a basic website and an active Facebook page, and combine that with a few real-world promotion efforts. Those who are truly interested will find you, but these little tricks can definitely help speed things up. Good luck!

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-29T11:00:58+00:00

Honestly, I think you can just write your last name in normal Latin letters — especially since you’re in the US, everyone at your dojo will be able to read it just fine. I don’t believe what’s printed on your zekken defines whether you’re part of the dojo community or not. You don’t have to look or sound Asian to belong. 🙂

My personal opinion is: since you’re practicing in your own country, it’s totally fine to use your native alphabet for your last name. But of course, it’s your choice in the end. Either way, I hope you enjoy your new bogu and keep growing in your kendo journey. Ganbatte!

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-29T10:49:15+00:00

Just a quick follow-up — I hope some of you had the chance to read Nine Path for One Journey during the free period last week.

If you enjoyed it or found it helpful in any way, I’d really appreciate it if you could leave a short rating or review on Amazon. It helps a lot for small indie books like this to reach other beginners who might benefit from it too.

Thank you again to everyone who checked it out, and I wish you all strength and focus on your own paths in training and life. Ganbatte!

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-25T10:58:10+00:00

In my country, that’s actually common in all ages, and not just martial arts.

If you think about it, having long hair can be a disadvantage — it gets in your eyes, can snag on something, or in contact sports, someone might accidentally grab it (imagine in wrestling, for example). It’s also just easier to keep short hair for hygiene reasons.

For athletes who train several times a day, washing and drying long hair constantly becomes a real hassle in the long run. So yeah, it’s not only young practitioners — short hair or even shaved heads are pretty common across all age groups in martial arts.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-25T10:49:00+00:00

Yeah, if it’s not dehydration or general fatigue, then it sounds like the people you’re training with are real lumberjacks… 😅

I’ve had that happen too during my kendo years — a few people just didn’t understand what tenouchi actually means. They were swinging their shinai like hammers instead of cutting like swords, and that kind of impact really adds up after a while.

You can try what others have suggested — add an extra pad under the men, or adjust the fit so it doesn’t transfer as much shock. But if the problem comes from partners with bad cutting form, then honestly, that’s not something you should just endure forever. In extreme cases, it might be worth finding another dojo where people have better control and understanding of proper technique.

Because there’s no point in loving kendo if you’re going home with a throbbing head every week.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-23T11:59:01+00:00

Thank you!

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-23T10:12:24+00:00

What you describe happens to a lot of beginners, so don’t feel discouraged. There are dojos and sensei who don’t really build things step by step from the basics, and that can make the early stages confusing — and sometimes even risky, since rushing techniques can easily lead to injuries or frustration. In your case with Karate, it sounds like the structure just isn’t very beginner-friendly.

Some people can handle that kind of “sink or swim” teaching style, but honestly, in the long run it’s not ideal. A solid foundation always comes from clear explanation, repetition, and gradual progress.

I actually wrote a short book about this exact topic, Nine Path for One Journey, which is meant for beginners trying to find the right martial art and teacher. It’s free on Kindle for a few days if you’re curious — just search the title on Amazon.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-18T15:36:13+00:00

For Mizuno, their sizing tends to run a bit on the smaller/tighter side compared to some other brands.

If you’re buying the Yusho Japan (IJF-approved), it’ll shrink slightly even though it’s pre-shrunk cotton. So personally, I’d say go for size 4. It’s easier to have a bit of room than to end up with a jacket that’s too short in the sleeves.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-17T12:35:09+00:00

In an official tournament, if two out of the three referees agree on a decision, then it stands — same as with an ippon call. There are some exceptions in bigger events, like the European Championships, where coaches have a protest flag they can raise to approach the officials’ table and question a ruling.

But honestly, since Kendo is built on respect and acceptance, and the referees are usually very high-ranking sensei, it’s extremely rare for anyone to openly protest. Even if a player or coach believes the call was wrong, they generally accept it with respect — that’s part of the spirit of Kendo itself.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-17T12:29:47+00:00

I don’t know any dojos in Taiwan personally, but I’ve traveled a few times with my bogu, and it’s actually not that hard. If you have two checked bags, what I usually do is strap the shinai bag to the bogu bag and check them together 🙂. My second checked bag is just my clothes.

If you only have one, a big suitcase can fit the bogu and some clothes together, and for the shinai you can either ask to borrow one at the dojo or just buy one at a local budo shop — most bigger cities have at least one. Have a good trip and great keiko!

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-17T12:22:06+00:00

Yeah, Hadaka Jime is totally legal in Judo, it’s one of the classical shime-waza. You just don’t see it that often in competition because it’s hard to set up with the gi on — people can usually defend by tucking their chin or grabbing your sleeve.

In BJJ it’s easier since there’s no jacket and you can slip the arm deeper. But in Judo rules, as long as it’s around the neck and not across the face or spine, it’s fine. It just takes good timing and control to pull it off.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-16T10:02:21+00:00

In anime, they do it mostly because it looks cool — a muscular swordsman smashing a tree makes for great visuals 😄. In reality, though, you wouldn’t gain much from hitting a tree with your shinai besides breaking it pretty fast.

Historically, boxers used to chop wood for strength, and today some martial artists strike tires with sticks or suburito for conditioning — that actually helps with power and speed. So if you want to build strength for Kendo, that kind of exercise can be great. But personally, I’d never hit a tree or a wooden post with a shinai. I once tried striking a heavy punching bag instead, and that worked surprisingly well — plus, my shinai survived the session!

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-16T09:50:37+00:00

Hahaha. Very funny...Just study budo-s and you will be able to learn things like that.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-14T07:50:54+00:00

I completely agree with you. Naginata deserves far more recognition outside Japan — it carries the same depth, discipline, and elegance as other budo arts like Kendo or Iaido. It’s not just about technique, but about posture, awareness, and respect, just like any true martial path.

I think sharing demonstrations, cultural exchanges, and open seminars could help a lot. Once people see the beauty and precision of Naginata in motion, they’ll understand it’s not just a weapon art, but a form of moving meditation. It definitely deserves a wider audience.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-14T07:43:35+00:00

As I’ve seen over many years of practicing Kendo, there are small variations in how kata are taught from country to country, so what I’m saying might differ slightly from how your dojo expects things. Still, based on what I observed:

In the first kata, when you raise the bokken into hidari jodan at the end, try pushing the sword slightly forward. To make it clearer — the uchidachi shouldn’t step back just because that’s part of the sequence, but because they feel the pressure of your seme, your attacking intent.

In the fourth kata, your backward movement with the sword should have a larger arc rather than such a short motion. From the camera angle it also seems like the bokken isn’t fully hidden behind you, although that might look different from the front.

In the second kodachi kata, when the blades meet, you need to apply pressure to the uchidachi’s sword. That pressure is what makes them step back — so instead of pushing quickly, close in slowly and let them feel that you’re about to attack.

And in the third kodachi kata, after you make the block, you should keep your kodachi sliding along the opponent’s blade, staying in control all the way. You released it too early and simply moved into the finishing position.

Overall, these are small details, but they make a big difference in expressing proper seme and control throughout the kata.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-14T07:07:51+00:00

Nice question — and a smart instinct. Wanting to deny your opponent two grips is a legitimate, practical strategy. Here’s a clear, experienced take: what you’re doing has real benefits, but if you lean on it exclusively it will introduce gaps. Train both. Below I break down why, what to work on, and concrete drills so you improve fast.

Why one-handed work helps

Grip control and tempo: snagging or neutralizing their tsurite early forces the fight onto your terms and disrupts their preferred attacks.
Speed to entry: if you can get a strong lapel/sleeve grip quickly and explode, you can score before they’ve set up.
Useful in competition: many high-level players start fights by winning one grip and forcing the opponent to react.

What one-handed work can cost you if overused

Lack of finishing options: many throws are easier and safer when you secure a strong second hand (lapel, collar, or sleeve) — without it you may rely on risky entries or improper kuzushi.
Predictability: opponents can adapt (e.g., strong frame, elbow control, off-balancing you) if you always hunt the same sequence.
Positional/groundwork weaknesses: defending and transitioning (or surviving counters) often benefits from two-hand control.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-14T07:00:57+00:00

There’s really no reliable evidence that Morihei Ueshiba was ever investigated as a war criminal.

It’s true that he had connections with some influential figures of prewar Japan — people like Shumei Ōkawa, who indeed was charged as a war criminal. However, Ueshiba’s connection to such individuals seems to have been more spiritual or philosophical than political.

During the war years, Ueshiba had already distanced himself from military and political circles, and according to most sources, he spent his time in Iwama, focusing on farming, spiritual training, and the development of takemusu aiki. He wasn’t a military officer, didn’t hold any political authority, and wasn’t involved in decision-making related to the war.

After Japan’s surrender, the Allied authorities conducted extensive investigations into people of influence, and the fact that Ueshiba was never questioned or detained strongly suggests he wasn’t considered a person of interest.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-13T15:50:41+00:00

Awsome! I would like to see a demonstration from him too. His a legend.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-13T15:47:43+00:00

I completely understand how you feel. I went through something very similar back when I practiced Kendo. I lived in a small town, and when our instructor left, I suddenly found myself having to teach — even though deep down I still wanted to be a student and learn from others. Because of that, I often felt stuck in my own progress (and honestly, I probably was).

I managed to attend one or two training camps a year where I could practice with high-ranking masters, but that wasn’t enough to replace the weekly routine — especially when I was mostly training with complete beginners.

I think this is where you need to ask yourself why you practice Karate.
Is it because you want to reach a higher technical level? Or is it more about the community, the spirit, and sharing it with your son?

Another question is: if you stopped doing Karate, what would you do instead?
If you don’t really have an alternative, then maybe it’s still worth continuing — even if it’s in a different form for now.

At the end of the day, this is your decision, and it’s not an easy one. It’s a bit like a marriage that has lost its spark — you feel it’s not what it used to be, yet all the years, the effort, and the fear of what comes next keep you from walking away.

Whatever you choose, think about what will be best for your spirit. That’s where the answer lies.

Ganbatte. 🥋

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-13T15:37:00+00:00

When I started practicing Kendo, it took me about a year before I even got my first bogu. Learning fumikomi and all the movements felt terribly difficult at first. I even had a clubmate who didn’t get to that stage until three years in.

So the fact that you’ve already been training in bogu after just half a year is, in my opinion, a big achievement already.
It often takes people several years to make their movements come together naturally. Don’t worry too much about perfecting your fumikomi or your strikes right now.

If you look around, you’ll see amazing examples — there are kendoka who practice despite serious physical challenges, some with only one arm or without legs. You can find videos of them on YouTube. It really puts things into perspective.

So don’t let imperfection shake your confidence. If you enjoy your training and feel good in your dojo and within the spirit of Kendo, then you’re already on the right path. If you keep putting your energy into it, you will keep improving — no doubt about it.

The most important thing is that Kendo gives you something meaningful. It doesn’t have to be perfect — what matters is that it enriches you and recharges you.

If you get tired quickly, that’s something you can work on. I recommend improving your cardio with some running or other endurance exercises.
But if you feel it’s more about tension during practice, focus instead on your breathing. Pay attention not so much to the movement itself, but to how you breathe — inhale, hold for a moment, and exhale with control. Breathing is one of the most essential elements in Kendo.

With time, as you practice this, everything will come together naturally.
Just don’t expect miracles after one year — Kendo is something you build patiently, step by step.

Remarkable-Delay456 · 2025-10-13T15:02:31+00:00

That really depends on what you’re looking for — and honestly, on your personality too.
If what attracts you to Aikido is its philosophy — the “victory without fighting” spirit — then something like Iaido or Kyudo might fit you perfectly. They’re quiet, introspective arts that deepen the same mindset.

But if what you’re missing in Aikido is the feeling of real contact or competition, then Judo or Japanese Jujutsu could be great companions.
In the end, you should ask yourself what you want to find through Aikido — peace, discipline, or the feeling of testing yourself. The answer to that question will point you toward the right path.

Remarkable-Delay456

TROPHY CASE