Kamon Symbols of Japan

I came across this and thought I'd like to share it. I don't know why, but I have a bit of a fascination with family crests. Not just Japanese either. There is something that is intriguing about summing up history and/or traditions with just a few symbols!

Anyway, if you are into samurai culture, you should check this out:

Kamon Symbols of Japan - Encyclopedia of Japan

Chinese Stick Fighting - Skills and Methods

This is a brief video on the Chinese Short stick. I thought it was pretty cool to see some of the similarities to sword movement. The author of the video is also the Shifu in the video. Shifu Jonathan Bluestein remarks to one of the comments that "Some of these are purely stick techniques, and some are influenced by the sword. However, all weapons at the length of a knife to something which is your own height, have much crossover in their methods." 

I couldn't agree more.

Enjoy!

Kendo Championship Finals! (2017)

Okay, I'll admit it. I have been slack lately in getting to post new content here. I know I have to try better!!

That said, here are a couple of videos from this year's Kendo Chapionshipps in Tokyo:

All Japan Kankocho (government administration office) Team Kendo Championships final!
Yamanouchi (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department) vs Nonaka (Kita-Kumamoto Self Defence Forces).


I know. I hate the judge was in a bad position so that he blocked the view of the hit, but you can still tell where red got in a nice kote.

And then there is this one:
All Japan Kankocho (government administration office) Team Kendo Championships final!
Taisho match: Handa (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department) vs Nonaka (Kita-Kumamoto Self Defence Forces).


Both of these were originally posted on All Japan Budogu Co., Ltd. Facebook Page. Feel free to wander over and take a look see at what all they have to offer.

In case you were wondering, this year's Champion is  Nishimura Hidehisa (from Kumamoto). This is his second time winning the event.

Enjoy!