Old Warrior's future

[Yowai]

I am quite perplexed by Old Warrior's situation. A kyu player being told to do nito by his sensei is very unusual.

By his future, I am not discussing old age and eventual death. I am specifically mentioning his near-future shodan exam. Shodan examinees doing Jodan are frowned upon. Nito is a completely different realm.

Can he ever pass the shodan exam doing Nito? It's too late to turn back now.

[nodachi]

I think if his sensei pushed him in that direction then it was probably the right thing to do. Ganbatte Old Warrior! Shouldn't we trust our sensei???

[Yowai]

I think if his sensei pushed him in that direction then it was probably the right thing to do. Ganbatte Old Warrior! Shouldn't we trust our sensei???

Not a matter of trust, rather a matter of conflicting interests, presuming the existence of a conflict...

[taiwnezboi]

He does Kumdo.. he'll be testing with us so it's ok =P

[Karaken]

He does Kumdo.. he'll be testing with us so it's ok =P

I appreciate everyone's concern about OW's situation but I'm probably the only one who discussed the reason behind OW's venture into Nito land with Master Seong. There are very sound and caring reasons behind this. I'm sure OW will be judged fairly in his promotion by master Seong and his invited guest judges. Judging by my recent keiko with OW, I'm sure he deserves shodan as well.

Center

[moocow65]

It would be impossible to pass the shodan test using nito in Southern California. One reason is because they do not allow kyu to use jodan or nito. Another reason is because, those tests are supposed to test kendo basics. Nito does not really show one's knowledge of kendo basics. I too believe it is very unusual for a sensei to ask a kyu to start nito. Tenken and I started practicing jodan when we were 1-kyu, but this was after 8 years of kendo experience, and our sensei is a jodan master (Tenken's Father). To tell someone to start nito when the sensei is not a master at it seems extremely odd, especially when the student only has a few years of kendo experience. I know how long one practices kendo does not have everything to do with it, but learning certain aspects in kendo such as seme, timing, and waza takes many years. Also, applying these seigan aspects and transforming them into nito aspects takes a great knowledge of kendo as well; especially if there is no one to really teach you. As for passing the test, it is all subjective. If the sensei likes the way you do kendo, then you'll pass. I am pretty sure I'll never pass my 4-dan test if I do nito just because many sensei here would not like it, and they would have no idea how to grade it.

[tango]

excellent thoughts, moocow!

I was thinking several of the same things. I'm not sure what Old Warrior's situation is, but even if there was a physical problem of some sort, I think most sensei would have the student still attempt to do normal chudan-kamae kendo..

Examiners are able to determine when kendo is "there" even when physical obstacles are obviously apparent.

I still hope all turns (or turned) out well for you, Warrior!

[AlexM]

Am I the only one who thinks it's in bad taste to discuss someone else's kendo like this? Is it any of your business what his "progress" is like?

[emitbrownne]

Am I the only one who thinks it's in bad taste to discuss someone else's kendo like this? Is it any of your business what his "progress" is like?
I agree... really its Old Warriors affair. Unless he brings up the topic for discussion I do not see its our place to comment. (supportive or not)

[PhilMcLaughlin]

Am I the only one who thinks it's in bad taste to discuss someone else's kendo like this? Is it any of your business what his "progress" is like?

No youre not - this Yowai troll even got me to bite (i was tired and irritable at the time)

I think it shows a total lack of respect but im not surprised

Nover mind though OW understands swordsmanship and yowai practises a sport (according to him) - probably wouldnt understand swordsmanship if it him him on the head ;-)

OW - Go for it and good luck !

[tango]

i know yowai is the official board troll, but...

oh wait... i just realized yowai is the official board troll...



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but in any case, if we take out Old Warrior's name from the discussion, it still all makes a lot of sense.. just on the "should kyu players be allowed to use nito? or jodan?" factor alone..

it makes for interesting discussion anyway..

but sorry for falling for a potential yowai troll-bait...

[PhilMcLaughlin]

[QUOTE=tango]just on the "should kyu players be allowed to use nito? or jodan?" factor alone..

it makes for interesting discussion anyway..

[QUOTE]

That is a good point

In OWs case his sensei has told him to do so Id say its a non argument and his sensei must be confidant of guiding him through the grading process as a sepcial case. I cant see any argument there

In IKF kendo It would be frowned on to say the least because its not standard so I can see where there are at least 2 points of view on this.

even so I would bet that in exceptional circumstances it would be acceptable so long as the grading board were agreed on it

Id say it is a difficult way to learn though

[ALI G]

I am quite perplexed by Old Warrior's situation. A kyu player being told to do nito by his sensei is very unusual.

By his future, I am not discussing old age and eventual death. I am specifically mentioning his near-future shodan exam. Shodan examinees doing Jodan are frowned upon. Nito is a completely different realm.

Can he ever pass the shodan exam doing Nito? It's too late to turn back now.

Weakboy...Whyz do Youz even carez???????????????????????????? Anyweyz...youz probablyz haz enuf problemz passingz with juzt one shinaiz..Youz probablyz couldntz even handlez 2 becuz youz iz weakz....

[Yowai]

I agree... really its Old Warriors affair. Unless he brings up the topic for discussion I do not see its our place to comment. (supportive or not)

Oh right. I forgot that Old Warrior was completely unable or barred from participating in this discussion. I was being very disrespectful to even mention his name in such a situation!

[Old Warrior]

To be completely honest with everyone, whether or not I advance in rank is of no moment to me. I will admit to coveting a blue uniform (less than dan wear white), but aside from that, the enjoyment of my studies will not change one bit whether or not I am ever promoted. As a matter of fact I like standing at the end of line - that way there is no expectation that I must meet and if you take me for granted in bouting - I get an edge.

I get a great deal of extra concern and help from Master Seong and Master Lee. It has to do with my persistence, attendance, level of attention and my loyalty to my teachers and fellow students. I try and bring something more to the table for those who are kind to me.

As I have stated, I didn't ask to do nito, I was literally told "You do this". I don't think the decision was an off handed one. I think that my best interest was part of the Master's plan. I have, quite diligently and faithfully for the last year done everything that he has asked of me. All things considered - I have tried to learn my lessons well and bring honor to my teachers. In one year, I have learned a great deal and this forum has answered many of my questions about Kumdo.

So to all, I am modestly flattered that I have my own thread. I am sure I don't deserve it.

[Koushinkuma]

Why do they make you wear white before dan rank? Never heard of that. :rambo:

[Raiza]

Some clubs do it. Most of the footage I've seen of Japanese kids doing kendo show them wearing white or "Musashi" keikogi. Since adults in Japan are seen as dan holders I guess the practise has continued over here in a few places. You should follow your club's policies. I just see it as yet another expense, but hey, that's my opinion. Your kendo should speak for you.

[Koushinkuma]

Some clubs do it. Most of the footage I've seen of Japanese kids doing kendo show them wearing white or "Musashi" keikogi. Since adults in Japan are seen as dan holders I guess the practise has continued over here in a few places. You should follow your club's policies. I just see it as yet another expense, but hey, that's my opinion. Your kendo should speak for you.

That explains it. I've seen people wear white, "musashi" style, black hakama or white hakama, etc. Usually females seem to wear the white more often. However I've never heard of any particular color being mandated, that's interesting.

What I *dont* like is when someone wears white keikogi and lets it get stained all blue and never bleaches it, to me looks rather messy.

[Old Warrior]

"What I *dont* like is when someone wears white keikogi and lets it get stained all blue and never bleaches it, to me looks rather messy."

You can't bleach it because of the dojang insignia and lettering. Also the hakama has a black waistband and I usually wash both my uniforms together. I agree the blue stains make you look sloppy. Now you know why I want a blue uniform.

[Koushinkuma]

"What I *dont* like is when someone wears white keikogi and lets it get stained all blue and never bleaches it, to me looks rather messy."

You can't bleach it because of the dojang insignia and lettering. Also the hakama has a black waistband and I usually wash both my uniforms together. I agree the blue stains make you look sloppy. Now you know why I want a blue uniform.

Old Warrior, have you ever practiced at Rutgers? Of the Shidogakuin nexus.
Also if you're ever up in CT you have an open invite to practice with us at Yale (Koushinkan).