Reasons for practicing Kendo.

Discussion in 'Weapons' started by Lad_Gorg, Jul 28, 2012.

  1. Lad_Gorg

    Lad_Gorg Valued Member

    I'm 100% sure that this has been asked before, but the search function on this site is not my forte and the weapons section has been quiet for a while anyway :D. I am not too sure how many people on this forum actually practice Kendo, but its difficult to imagine that there isn't at least one!


    When I was younger I was very keen on practicing Kendo at some point in my life, this is mostly because of anime (i was young) and then later watching old samurai flicks. It seemed like a really cool thing to do. However those thoughts have been dormant for a good while until recently when I came across some Kendo matches online.

    However I have a slightly altered view now then I had when I was younger. Obviously Kendo isn't meant for SD, as that would be illegal in most countries. So I must assume that Kendo is purely sport and/or Bushido. On both fronts I feel hesitant to pick up a shinai and practice. I don't fancy myself a sportsman, and the pursuit of Bushido is not a prerogative of mine. Furthermore, as a non-Japanese person, I feel too "white" to practice anything in this manner. Also I feel rather geeky even thinking of myself in full bugo.

    But just for my own interest. Why do you practice Kendo? What are your personal reasons? Why Kendo? And do you feel weird practicing Kendo as a foreigner or someone who is not in the pursuit of Bushido (if applicable)?


    I've tried my best to not step on toes. I have no intentions of ripping on Kendo, this is just for my own curiosity.
     
  2. Ben Gash CLF

    Ben Gash CLF Valued Member

    All martial arts training is to a greater or lesser extent about exploring male warrior identity. Why would you feel any more silly in a bogu than in ice hockey armour?
     
  3. Lad_Gorg

    Lad_Gorg Valued Member

    That is a really good answer actually. Interesting thought.
     
  4. Dean Winchester

    Dean Winchester Valued Member

    Meh they all have a Darth Vader fetish.


    I intend to add some Kendo to my practice but only as a way of furthering my education in the various aspects of Japanese swordsmanship and Budo.

    Kenjutsu and Iai are where the action is at for me but I certainly feel that Kendo would be a useful addition, just not something to replace my other studies.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2012
  5. Dean Winchester

    Dean Winchester Valued Member

    Because in Ice Hockey you aren't wearing something that looks a lot like a skirt?

    :D
     
  6. Lad_Gorg

    Lad_Gorg Valued Member

    Dean, then maybe I can ask why you train in Japanese swordsmenship and budo. Just leave out the Kendo bits :p
     
  7. Dean Winchester

    Dean Winchester Valued Member

    Well in my case it's a matter of too many freaks and not enough circuses....

    Have to have somewhere to go.

    :D


    I like the depth and personal challenge, also the historical aspects appeal to me. It's not much different to the reasons many others train in MA.
     
  8. Lad_Gorg

    Lad_Gorg Valued Member

    I must be 100% honest. You've totally lost me on that one xD

    Well my reasons for being in the MA are quite different. I just wanted to learn how to kick butt! Too many Jackie Chan movies in my youth I admit... I'm a TKD guy so the historical aspects aren't really a main interest either :p

    Just one more question if you allow me. What personal challenges have you encountered?
     
  9. Dean Winchester

    Dean Winchester Valued Member

    It keeps me out of trouble.

    Everything from developing skills, as in the work it takes to develop something or resolve a problem, to more internal or mental work such as being in the moment, acceptance and awareness.
     
  10. Lad_Gorg

    Lad_Gorg Valued Member

    I think I see where you're coming from now.
     
  11. Bruce W Sims

    Bruce W Sims Banned Banned

    In my own case, Korean KUMDO---which is VERY similar to Japanese KENDO--- simply did not scratch me where I itched. I have a personal issue with taking things and turning them into competition or games. I have strong feelings about preserving old practices even if they may have become anachronistic. In the case of Korean sword, I practice GUEM BEOP (lit: "sword method") which can be likened in motive to the Japanese practicing KENJUTSU (lit: "sword technique"). The sword, in this practice, is treated like a weapon, and is learned and practiced as a weapon. Techniques are mastered and then tested agaist various kinds of targets. If I engage with another person, its through prearranged sets, and highly sylized movements. You would not believe the number of people who study KUMDO who, when they are given a steel sword are unable to cut a simple paper target. Very different approach despite the outward similarities. FWIW.

    Best Wishes,

    Bruce
     
  12. Sketco

    Sketco Banned Banned

    From Japan to the Celts, real men wear skirts :D
     
  13. ScottUK

    ScottUK More human than human...

    Go practice kendo, it's a hoot.
    I would hope not, it's deader than dead.

    Cool avatar, by the way. Being a TOOL fan and an illustrator makes me an Alex Grey fan by default.
     
  14. beer_belly

    beer_belly Valued Member

    First reason was right one - do it cause its cool!

    Well it isn't but have to say something to get people to try it and find how addictive it is. Other than kendo and scottish persona SCA where else can a bloke wear a skirt and hit people on the head with a big stick while shouting at them without society getting all judgmental.
     
  15. Bruce W Sims

    Bruce W Sims Banned Banned

    Yeah... there are a lot of good ideas that have been hijacked over the years and the result has been that the original concept is now tainted. Bushido could have been a guiding light for the Japanese culture if the Ultra-nationalists hadn't gotten carried away. Same for what the Nazi-s did for Socialism and the Russians did to Communism. The PRC started to follow the Russians but seem to have evolved a bit in the last 20 years by stepping back from Authoritarianism and allowing Communism to "ride-free" next to Capitalism and let people decide which way they want to turn. I am a huge fan of people being given the opportunity to choose what direction they want to take, even if its not the single most popular. FWIW.

    Best Wishes,

    Bruce
     
  16. Purespite

    Purespite Valued Member

    Surely they're more of a culotte and therefore terribly fashionable? I shall be stepping out in mine with pride. :D
     
  17. Lad_Gorg

    Lad_Gorg Valued Member

    I was mostly asking this question to see if I could get motivated enough to look past my discretions about Kendo. I need aomething to do for the summer, so I may pay the club a visit in the near future ;)

    The issue with Kendo though, its not really something that you just try. For heavens sake a Hakama costs 65 Euros!!!!

    Haha glad to hear there's another Tool fan here!
     
  18. Lad_Gorg

    Lad_Gorg Valued Member

    HAHAHAHA! Post of the year!
     
  19. ScottUK

    ScottUK More human than human...

    Naah, you can get a shinai for £20 - that's all you need at first.

    Spiral out, keep going...
     
  20. Lad_Gorg

    Lad_Gorg Valued Member

    I share this opinion with you. I'm really not a competition type, inflated egos annoy the hell out of me.

    But why study Kumdo vs. Kendo (why was it your option). What are the differences between Kumdo and Kendo though? To be totally honest, they looked the same to me :S


    For me, I prefer Kendo a bit more then Kenjutsu. The more "pressure testing" approach to MA appeals to me more. "Go out there and whack that guy with this stick" vs. "imagine whacking a guy with this stick". But I understand where you're coming from.

    I think the Kumdo guys would like to see Guem Beop guys step in the ring with a "Shinai"!:D Just to play the devils advocate.
     

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