I'm always looking for new stuff on the web that is related to fencing and martial arts. Sometimes I get inspired to make searches from the reading that I do and sometimes I just get lucky and find things in related searches. Anyway, I came across this video (I think I may have found it on the Kendo World Site, but I can't remember!) and thought it was pretty cool.
There are people in the world of kendo that are beginning to regret, or even mourn, the loss of the "practical" side. That is to say, it has become more and more a form of sport and less of a martial art. The techniques that were once used and were practical are now considered illegal in the sport. Because of this, many of them are not being taught anymore and the fear is that they will get lost to history. This has already happened to a large extent in the West. Have you ever wondered why western fencers hold one arm behind? It's not because of balance nor is it because they are trying to make themselves as small of a target as possible. It's because it has become useless in the sport of fencing! There was a time when when you would hold your sword in one hand and use your other to do your deflecting, grabbing, or hitting. There are a few out there that are trying to preserve the old ways, and more that are doing extensive scholarly work to try and resurrect them. If I can find more information on those, I'll be sure to post it all here.
For now, enjoy this video of Taisha ryu Kenjutsu, where their old ways are still being preserved.
(No. I have no clue as to what he is saying, but you can learn a lot from his actions!)
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