Some Old Videos of Kendo in the 1800's!

I came across these videos of kendo taken around the year 1897 on the YouTube site Olden Days. Both have been restored and colorized for maximize viewing quality. This is one of those times when you don't even have to be a practitioner of the sword arts, you can just be a fan of history to get a lot out of them!

The first appears to be an Ona-ha Itto-Ryu demonstration. 

The second is a clip of students during a kendo practice.

Enjoy!

Tennen-rishin-ryu Gekiken from BudoJapan

 I found this on BudoJapan's Youtube Channel and thought it was worth a repost. Tennen-rishin ryu (style) is a form of gekiken (historical fencing) that predates modern kendo. This is much of where its roots come, and I am glad there are those who continue to practice it. 

Man, there are moves in here that I wish we still practiced!

Enjoy!

All Japan Kendo Federation Basic Kata For Iaido

ZNKR Iaido (Seitei) kata with Noboru Ogura Sensei (8th Dan Kyoshi). 

 For those who don't know, the seitei were created for those who practice kendo. So, regardless of which iai ryu you might study, there would be a base set for all kendo practioners to learn to establish a foundation in iaido.

I am not going to lie. This is a long video, but well worth the watch. 

Enjoy!

Doug Marcaida Using a Baseball Cap as a Weapon!

Here is a short video of Doug Marcaida (of "Forged in Fire" fame) talking about weapons of opportunity. In this particular video, he talks about using a baseball cap as a weapon!

Enjoy!

Forging a Sharp KATANA Sword with Leather Handle out of rusty Trash.

So, I came across this video of a guy who crafts a katana type sword out of an old leaf spring. It may not be perfect, but it's good to know how to do, you know ... for all your post-apocalyptic needs!

Enjoy!

The Challenge Craze!

There have been a lot of challenges out there since this "stay at home" business started. One was the suburi challenge, where people would record themselves doing anywhere from 100 to 1000 practice strikes, all in an effort to keep up some sort of practice while dojos are closed.

Then there are these guys, who had a little bit of fun doing the Aikido 31 jo kata, and then passing it on to the next practitioner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhqIxzdX0dI&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2aI6d9R3ukeKnNdxO6gE4RE_7yh8ViqTl6cR0J-6J4qFmNXYWCqg1B-OM

It is important to note that while everyone in that video is sensei rank, they do have subtle differences in how they execute the kata. (It makes me want to find my jo and relearn the kata! - But I guess that is the point right? To get motivated!)

Then there are guys like this who who did the pass the punch challenge! (Note: These are pro stuntmen/women! Do not attempt anything you see in the video!)

https://youtu.be/EnDODJwBgEQ

The point is, whatever your style of art might be, keep practicing! 

Strange Times ....

It's been a while since I have posted anything. I don't know why. I have a dozen open tabs of things I want to post, but none of it gets to the site.
       This whole COVID-19 business has thrown everything out the window. I haven't been to a kendo practice in so long, I hope I can remember which way to hold a shinai when I do go. Or how to put on my uniform. Or bogu.
       There have been some virtual practices that have been held, but it's not the same. I don't have the space at home to swing a shinai, not to mention the fact that you lose the concept of distance and timing in a virtual setting. So, I guess I am stuck just watching videos. Here is one from Andy Fisher from KendoStar. I know, it's two months old, but maybe it'll help.
       Enjoy!

Ippon Reel - 2020 Tokyo Prefecture Kendo Tournament!

I came across this originally over on KendoStar's website. There's some really good kendo in it, but you have to watch (and listen!) carefully to catch some of the points (ippon) made.

Enjoy!

How to use Dual Kama against the Katana

This is coming form GekkikenORG YouTube page. I thought it was pretty cool, so I thought I'd post it. It has been said that to be the best at using a sword, you need to also know how it can be beaten.

Enjoy!