"Street Kendo"

[tango]

Has anybody actually seen this video which I THINK might date back to the 80s or early 90s?

The Krappy Karate Katana Kumae thread reminded me of this video which I rented for shizitz and giggles a few years ago.

It's by this "sensei" Brian Wilkes and it is SOOOOOOO bad, I didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or puke. I think I might have done all three.

If you're REALLY bored and you have a place that has this video for rent AND you REALLY wanna WASTE some of your hard earned pocket change and you REALLY feel the need to laugh, cry, and/or puke,

WATCH THIS VIDEO.

It's so bad, I've debated whether or not to "advertise" it on this message board. Perhaps better if I just point you to www.google.com and type in the appropriate video title.

[elfboy]

Hey there, I've actually heard about that video myself and I'm suprised that somebody else knows about its existence, albiet puny, as well. The Honda Martial Arts store's catalog had a copy of the Street Kendo tape but as to the quality of its content, I have no idea. Once again, this probably brings up the issue of trying to (poorly) blur the lines between Kendo as an art or self defense system.... to quote Neil Gendzweil's Kendo FAQ: "You are unlikely to whip out a bokken when accosted in a dark alley." :D

[AlexM]

Found site and tape related to Brian Wilkes and "Street Kendo" (just type "street kendo" into google and it's the first link you'll find).

I'd like to rant about the first clip they show but... just go back and read up on Rick Tew so I don't have to repeat myself. It's actually remarkable how close they ressemble each other in terms of "technique". Very strange.

[mystic_kendoka]

hello kavina

[Shiro]

hello kavina

man, you're really everywhere.... :p ;)

[mystic_kendoka]

i guess so :)

[mingshi]

Statements in doubt (???) are highlighted in red...


Street Kendo
Sensei Brian Wilkes

BRIAN WILKES has studied the martial arts since 1967 and has been teaching since 1984. He is best known as the author of over 100 articles on martial arts (Where??). Sensei Wilkes is the student of one of Japan's oldest philosophical ryu (huh?). He specializes in Seishi Ryu Sogobudo (uhmmm?) and is currently training students privately.

Street Kendo

STREET KENDO is a name for the transfer of principles and techniques of traditional Japanese warrior arts to modern street defense applications. The central art in many Japanese styles is the use of the sabre or katana.
Many of these tactics can be transferred to canes, sticks or empty hand techniques. Many Japanese empty hand arts are taken directly from fencing and a better understanding comes though the study of Kendo and the sword.

1301-0 STREET KENDO 1
Examines the evolution of the Japanese sabre from its Chinese prototypes, and traces the development of a unique Japanese method of fencing. Includes pointers on how to select equipment, the correct basics of gripping and cutting techniques and a basic eight direction cutting exercise. Techniques from various kata and the unarmed interception, striking, locking and throwing applications demonstrated, in addition to the unique "Swordsman's one-point fist" which can double the penetration of your punch (wow, have you learn this one yet?). How to tell the difference between real combat sword techniques & flashy theatrical fencing. (I would like to know how!! from the video!!)

1301-0 Street Kendo 1 90min. $34.95


1302-0 STREET KENDO 2
The defensive response to a typical street attack is reviewed according to the principles of Japanese tactics and strategy. Basic sword-drawing techniques are introduced. Applications of the sword draws as grab releases and counter-locking techniques are demonstrated and explained.
(I dunno about this, but it seems like people DO carry their shinai around...)
1302-0 Street Kendo 2 1 hour. $34.95

[tango]

my kendo instructor owns a martial arts supply/video store here in town...

he laughingly told me i HAD to watch it...


i almost got whiplash from shaking my head so much.. it's hilarious... actually, it's pretty sad...

i don't recommend people actually spend money to see it, but i do recommend that everybody figure out a way to see it somehow...

you will laugh your butt off...

[Chook]

What's so funny about it? I'm guessing the guy has no idea what he's on about...

[tango]

That's essentially the point.

He has no idea what he's doing. One would think that knowing how to teach "street kendo" would entail knowing what regular kendo is.

The guy is some kind of yahoo who's seen to many star wars movies..

It's funny. Sad, but funny.

[Hiryu]

And I thought it couldn't get much worse than Michael " man of 100 black belts" (sho-dan of course) Finn.

Hey, John, could you run a spell check fo me on this one ? :laugh: