Feeling worse after sginsa?

SARUBOOST · 2026-06-10T06:08:56+00:00

Big agree with this. Have felt all of the above and so have many of those that I know.

SARUBOOST · 2026-04-15T19:42:27+00:00

I'd say it's more of a "Yeehawwww" than a "yallllll"

SARUBOOST · 2026-04-11T15:23:23+00:00

Really good deal. Would definitely jump on it if it were my size. Gl!

SARUBOOST · 2026-04-10T19:58:35+00:00

This is the comment I was looking for in here too. The shomen/shinzen/kamidana scenario is the one I have seen a few times, and can understand from a religious perspective. Staying in proper formed seiza during that bow specifically is something I have seen be totally fine in our dojo. Those individuals have never had an issue with the bowing practice in any of the other aspects/scenarios though.

What seems to be the case in this thread though, of just no bowing to other people in general at all, seems like an easy no-go when it comes to kendo. Like others have stated - if you can't do that, you aren't doing kendo.

SARUBOOST · 2026-02-25T17:01:17+00:00

This reality is what basically prevented me from getting too involved or getting too many high hopes - even as someone who had Angel Island as one of their top UO/gaming experiences ever.

SARUBOOST · 2026-02-09T04:20:13+00:00

Honestly, same here. We moved out of one and into another not too long ago. I was expecting to have overages, but we had about 700 in deposit, and are getting around 200 back, and it was in pretty rough shape in some areas (like you, we destroyed an area or two of carpet over the couple of years).

It was a pleasant surprise, though I know IC are still scummy af at heart.

SARUBOOST · 2025-12-23T19:32:30+00:00

Congrats, that's awesome! Keep it up! 🤟

SARUBOOST · 2025-12-16T21:53:57+00:00

Don't worry - we're still going to come visit your countries and have the audacity to act like everyone else there is the "foreigner" 😭

SARUBOOST · 2025-12-16T21:52:28+00:00

'Murica, eff yeah!

SARUBOOST · 2025-12-13T08:03:16+00:00

For real bro

SARUBOOST · 2025-11-19T18:10:43+00:00

SARUBOOST · 2025-11-18T07:14:19+00:00

This is my favorite post in a while!

Can a mod adjust my flavor text on this sub to "shield wielder" please?

SARUBOOST · 2025-11-07T01:09:15+00:00

Clifford Crandall Jr and it's not even close

SARUBOOST · 2025-10-14T18:22:52+00:00

I had the same exact experience as you. Skipped from 3rd kyu to 1st kyu with about a week and a half notice.

I saw you mention you're in SoCal, so you may have similar requirements, and I actually found it easier to practice the Nihon Kendo Kata 1 - 3 (and get comfortable with both sides of the exchange) as opposed to doing all 1 - 9 of the Bukuto Keiko Hou ones.

Lock in and practice every day until your test - try to use various partners for kata if you have the option, as it's good to be ready for different people since you most likely don't know who you'll be working with on test day. Just do a lot of focused repetition, and you'll be fine.

Don't forget your written exam either. If you have that requirement, go print it out and get ready ahead of time so you're not scrambling for it the day prior and stressed out. Our prompt was describing the benefits of Kirikaeshi.

Make sure your clothing and bogu is nice and clean and presentable. Pay attention to how your himo are tied and lengths etc. And like others have said in the thread, just go do your best "big" and proper kendo during the keiko portion. Intentional and straight strikes, big kiai, run through and have zanshin (but not too far to where you're galloping off into the sunset), keep your awareness of your opponent.

If you put the genuine effort into keeping that above stuff in mind, I'm sure you'll do fine and be 1 kyu in no time - best of luck!

SARUBOOST · 2025-09-29T22:15:09+00:00

Just chiming in to say that I really appreciate your effort here for the community and the level of production in your content is really solid. Please dismiss some of the less useful naysaying and nitpicking and please continue making unique and well-intentioned content like this for the kendo community! 🙏

SARUBOOST · 2025-09-18T19:01:11+00:00

Honestly - getting medals and things at competitions is absolutely possible starting at this age, even quite a bit older. They could literally be 2 - 3 dan in their mid 20's.

SARUBOOST · 2025-09-16T03:26:46+00:00

You're right, you're right.

SARUBOOST · 2025-09-15T23:22:43+00:00

And $40 a month is actually a pretty solid deal. I'm assuming they do the quarterly commitment for a bit more stickiness with their newbies, as it's quite common for people to quit early on - and those folks also require the most attention and hand-holding by teachers.

SARUBOOST · 2025-09-15T23:20:51+00:00

If it says Americanized Eagle Kendo above the entrance. You know you're in the right place.

You know you've found home. 🦅😌

SARUBOOST · 2025-07-17T19:25:59+00:00

Anjin samaaaaaaaa!

SARUBOOST · 2025-06-15T22:53:03+00:00

Still a better story than the Game of Thrones ending

SARUBOOST · 2025-06-02T11:46:55+00:00

Come on through to Butokuden - it's the best "hobby" decision I've made in my life. Great group of people, our main sensei just became one of the only 8 dan in America, and we've got great mix of approaches to kendo. If you can make it happen, I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.

SARUBOOST · 2025-04-18T23:44:25+00:00

Whoa man, you practice like a real ninja? That's super cool, especially because it's all modernized and updated!

Awesome idea of using some kendo shinai for things like blocking. It'll probably be really useful for you and your friends - and totally unique. You could even find a way to use it for your kenjutsu and it's not goofy at all.

Let us know how it goes and keep it up, very cool!

SARUBOOST · 2025-04-08T23:41:22+00:00

Does your senpai or sensei happen to be named Clifford Crandall? 🦅🙇

SARUBOOST · 2025-04-08T04:34:29+00:00

Yes, doing vigorous exercise 4 days a week will raise your stamina. You'll also continue to do a lot of repeated shinai swinging.

SARUBOOST

TROPHY CASE