swords

[martyn]

Does anybody no of any websites on sword stances and moves or any iaido stuff it would be a great help :D :D

[YODA]

Here you go Martyn (http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Iaido+stances+techniques&meta=)

[martyn]

thanks yoda but do you know any sites that actuly show you what to do?

[Saz]

I was going to say ask your instructor, but your style in your profile says Nunchuku's (thats not a style, its a weapon). I'm assuming you don't have an Iaido instructor. In which case, don't try and learn it! Swords are dangerous, you could end up hurting yourself.

[Shade]

Absolutely agree. I studied Iaido for two years, and there is no way you could learn it from a website, book or video.

Get to a proper class my friend and enjoy.

[Hyaku]

Originally posted by martyn
Does anybody no of any websites on sword stances and moves or any iaido stuff it would be a great help :D :D

You can check out the online manual here but you really need to find a teacher before you even buy a sword.

http://www.hyoho.com

You might have to travel but then again teachers are few and far between. That's what we all have to do if we are really keen enough.

Best of luck

Hyaku

[martyn]

I know I should get an instructor but because I am still in school it's hard for me to get around. If anybody knows any places in Essex that teach it I would give it a try. I know using swords is dangerous but I was thinking about using blunt ones. Any information on other sword art would be very helpful :D

[Shade]

There are Iaido clubs in Grays and Hordon-on-the-Hill.

Are either of these within striking distance to you?

[Splinter]

Even Blunt swords are deadly, not just dangerous. Also I've tried to teach my self new weapons before, and in the end I was left with relativly unrefined technique, and a style that looks more like two kids playing warrior that an effective style. But hey it's up to you.

[shuyun3]

it is possible to learn from books and other references but admittedly it is so much harder.

its good to get several references. one reference has good pictures another reference teaches internal body feel. if you have had former training and are aware of your body you may teach yourself (at your own risk).

if you are training on your own learn the objective and contect first not the technique. the objective guides you in the proper execution of the technique.

if you will learn from research make it reliable research don't do it haphazardly. build up don't bite off more than you can chew. be patient you'll get there.

[Dave Humm]

Firstly STOP !!!

Do not under any circumstances attempt to practice a Japanese Sword art (especially with a live edged blade) without first seeking a credible Iai instructor.

Trust me I've studied Muso Shinden Ryu Iaijutsu for about 10 years and I use a shinken (real Japanese sword) and I HAVE the scars to prove it. And that's with the instruction under the British Kendo Association.

Ok, so a website can give you an insight into the art and, inspire you to proceed further in joining the BKA and taking up the sword as a discipline. Likewise a book or videos can do the same however, I assure you, if you go buy (even a cheap 440 steel replica) katana, you will suffer as a result.

Comon injuries are:

Puncture wound(s) to the web of the hand between the thumb and index finger of the left hand.

Slicing injury(s) to either or both of the thumb and index finger of the left hand.

Partial Amputation of the index finger of the left hand (not comon, but a REAL possibility)

Puncture injury to the left upper arm.

Slicing injury to the palm of the left hand.

Obviously you can see the injuries are sustained to the left arm or hand. these are sustained through poor skill in 'noto' - Re sheathing or drawing of a blade from the saya - scabbard.

Okis sorry for the overt concern but I have known these injuries in others and I have one bad scar myself.

CAUTION is a serious word when associated with the Japanese sword.

I genuinely hope you do find a dojo to practice iai because it is a wonderful art to practice.

Dave

[martyn]

Thanks for the advise i will diffently look for an instructor :D

[cloudgodd]

Thanks for the advise i will diffently look for an instructor :D
personally you can train yourself but I do not recomend it only as a last resort, but if you do deside to get a bokken to train with, be safe first, and get your instruction mannuals from this site, they are vary good.....http://bugei.com/index.htm , also if it is just the japanese form of the sword you are interested in get Mark Grove path of the ninja: shinobigatana video, vary close to IAIdo, and kenjutsu....here is a link for that
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006M7O2/qid=1077875413//ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i2_xgl27/103-0154631-3635840?v=glance&s=video&n=507846

and here is a link to his site,

http://www.warriorquest.com/index.html
for research....enjoy

[Dave Humm]

personally you can train yourself but I do not recomend it only as a last resort,
No disrespect intended but I think this is the most unsafe, unsound advice you can give to anyone (especially a novice) wishing to study the sword.

The nature of Japanese swordsmanship (Iaijutsu especially) involves the kissaki and a fair portion of the blade coming close to the left hand every time one draws and re-sheaths a blade. This skill alone cannot be learned from textbooks, to do so is extremely dangerous, even with an Iaito, it is possible to puncture one's hand with the kissaki (tip of blade) I've seen this injury with what is otherwise considered an 'non live' blade.

Iaijutsu/Iaido needs to be taught through a qualified instructor.

Dave

[cloudgodd]

No disrespect intended but I think this is the most unsafe, unsound advice you can give to anyone (especially a novice) wishing to study the sword.

The nature of Japanese swordsmanship (Iaijutsu especially) involves the kissaki and a fair portion of the blade coming close to the left hand every time one draws and re-sheaths a blade. This skill alone cannot be learned from textbooks, to do so is extremely dangerous, even with an Iaito, it is possible to puncture one's hand with the kissaki (tip of blade) I've seen this injury with what is otherwise considered an 'non live' blade.

Iaijutsu/Iaido needs to be taught through a qualified instructor.

Dave

hence the reason I sugested a bokken (wooden sword) w/ saya.....?

[Dave Humm]

hence the reason I sugested a bokken (wooden sword) w/ saya.....?A Bokken will not help teach anyone Iai techniques.

[cloudgodd]

A Bokken will not help teach anyone Iai techniques.
Oh ok ..... just get all the money we can right I got you whatever you say a practice sword wont help any ok... your right lets get the poor ones into the dojo cause they cant afford us, hey martyn you can not learn it on your own you must pay for your training, oh by the way, there is nothing out there you can teach yourself you must pay for everything.....

[bujinkanplym]

Heres a few website for all those who want to learn some sword techniques

http://www.stenudd.com/aikibatto/shoden01.htm#table

http://www.iaido-basel.ch/en/foto+film/kata.html

some good videos


http://www.aqok77.dsl.pipex.com/Examples_of_techniques.htm

ninjutsu vids
hope you find wot ur lookin for on these sites

[Hapkido]

yea besides all the injuries those guys listed, teaching urself is a bad idea because ur cutting urself out of half the practice. i take kendo and a large portion of it is spiritual training. you have to have immense concentration, the way our instructor tests us is by making us put out candles with a single swing, not touching the candle in any way (he put out 6 in a swing!!!). if u do 10 push ups per candle for strength and sword control of course ;)
and if u do decide to take it up on your own PLEASE practice with WOODEN katanas!!!! its much safer.

[Hyaku]

Heres a few website for all those who want to learn some sword techniques

http://www.stenudd.com/aikibatto/shoden01.htm#table

http://www.iaido-basel.ch/en/foto+film/kata.html

some good videos


http://www.aqok77.dsl.pipex.com/Examples_of_techniques.htm

ninjutsu vids
hope you find wot ur lookin for on these sites

Well that's just great, call an ambulance! In the videos you just showed Martyn the guy doesnt even look before he cuts.

Yonhonme is just right for a good stab in the arm with those silly long sleeves. He is not wearing a monsuki hakama. They are black.

Whats he pulling down in Gohonme, a German shepherd?

To top it all he is wearing a red sageo like military general.
......

Yes cloudgodd he may have to pay some money. No one is running, some kind of would be samurai charity. I have yet to see anyone making a fortune out of iaido. We have to pay for facilities. Apart from that yes, you should buy your own equipment. If he joins a club that is affiliated to say ZNKR the Nihon Budo Renmei's first rule is that no profit should be made from Budo.

Yes a saya tsuki bokken is a very good learning tool. Problem is they can cost as much as an iaito.

Martyn pop along to a dojo. They will help you if you are keen enough.