Most valuable thing you have learned from Kendo [Archive]

Josh Reyer

10th October 2008, 12:27 PM

I am interested in what ways kendo has improved your life.

Well, the improvement in my posture has immeasurably improved my life. I have more energy, I can utilize my strength more efficiently, I walk and run faster using less energy, and my clothes fit better.

Also is kendo the best way to develop a strong sense of awareness in a real life combat situation?

It's a way to develop a better general awareness, but it's probably not the "best" way when it comes to real-life combat.

Is the concept of mushin no shin only attainable within a zen buddhist framework or is it something that can be cultivated without any philosophical or religious influence?

Mushin no shin can be and is attained by everybody, everyday. You breathe and walk with mushin. The goal is simply to transfer that to kendo.

Alison2805

10th October 2008, 12:57 PM

Also is kendo the best way to develop a strong sense of awareness in a real life combat situation?

About as useful as playing tennis :laugh:

If youre going to do kendo, do it for the fun of it and how it can improve you in general.

* which state are you in? We can help you find a good dojo.

Martino

10th October 2008, 01:16 PM

braxtonhicks

10th October 2008, 01:21 PM

So far, I'm in better shape, lost some pounds. I play for saxophone for a living, and with my improved cardio and breath control, I find I play better. Many aches and pains that I used to have before I started training have gone away (but I have a nagging achilles instead).

I also teach students music. I've found that being a beginner at kendo has made me a better teacher at something else I'm experienced at.

I haven't really been in real life combat situations. I got in a fight over a girl when I was 24 years old though. I got sucker punched when I looked away for a second...and deserved it, but that's another story. I can't really see how kendo would have helped me. I guess you might keep your cool a little more, maybe panic less, but there's no practical *real life combat* use for kendo. If some MMA guy has picked you out for target practice, the best thing kendo will offer you is some fitness and maybe some footwork for getting the hell out of there! Nothing stops a fight quicker than the sight of a kendoka suriashi-ing away at top speed.

Martino

10th October 2008, 01:34 PM

I figured if he wants to get into fights, kendo is most probably not for him,
or if he does find himself in a situation where a fight is about to break out he will realise it is not worth it and extract himself from the situation.

But you will be hard pressed to find someone who does kendo for 'self-defense' reasons.

kendogrl

10th October 2008, 02:04 PM

Also is kendo the best way to develop a strong sense of awareness in a real life combat situation?

Before my mom allowed me to look more into kendo and joining she asked "how will kendo help you defend yourself?" using her sarcastic voice.

I told her if I kiai loud enough and scare him away, he wont have to find out. ;)

psycho4speed

10th October 2008, 02:28 PM

Kendo is very very humbling.
You'll learn so much about yourself.
You will know what you are made of and what your limits are.
Yes, it is a great exercise and great hobby.
Perfect after stressful days.

kendogrl

10th October 2008, 02:57 PM

On the actual learning end, when taking practices seriously, it can greatly help your posture, stamina, and definately relieve stress after a long day. It's a place to get away and leave everything behind.

Tsunemori

10th October 2008, 03:36 PM

Well they say that you learn martial arts so you won't need to use them. Winning a hundred fights through violence isn't as good as winning a fight with just words.

Kendo teaches nothing about self-defense in the sense of "if someone punches you, you move this-and-that-way to counter them", etc. But it is still a martial art in which you are trained mentally to stay calm, and allow yourself to focus on each situation and think clearly. Kendo being a full contact sport/art with a lot of emphasis on "one hit means you're dead", I find myself becoming a more patient and rational person out of the dojo. We have better control of our emotion and will be less likely to get into any fights or dangerous situations.

And you know, if all else fails, at the very least we'll be able to run really really fast.

Masahiro

10th October 2008, 03:37 PM

Mushin no shin can be and is attained by everybody, everyday. You breathe and walk with mushin. The goal is simply to transfer that to kendo.

while we are all capable of jumping (vertically), it is also true that everyone's "method" and "limitation" will invariably differ. But i think if you are talking about truly attaining certain state of "enlightenment" or "無心の心" or "無心" or whatever concept you've got your little heart set on, it isn't "do-able" by everyone, maybe by a portion of people, but not by just anyone, not even if you "breath" and "walk" 無心. .. ...You must be content to know that what's meant for you might not be for others, and vice versa.

the greatest lesson I've ever learned from kendo aside from my signature is>>
we must constantly look within and reflect so as to improve not only our kendo but also ourselves. So that we may understand the concept of "剣道" and give what we do (剣道) a purpose. A purpose that maybe different things for different people.

Josh Reyer

10th October 2008, 04:32 PM

while we are all capable of jumping (vertically), it is also true that everyone's "method" and "limitation" will invariably differ. But i think if you are talking about truly attaining certain state of "enlightenment" or "無心の心" or "無心" or whatever concept you've got your little heart set on, it isn't "do-able" by everyone, maybe by a portion of people, but not by just anyone, not even if you "breath" and "walk" 無心. .. ...You must be content to know that what's meant for you might not be for others, and vice versa.

Well, the point I'm making is that mushin, particularly as it relates to kendo, is not "enlightenment", and not some particularly special state that needs to be "attained".

Chow Farn

10th October 2008, 06:29 PM

I really hate to hear the term 'combat' used with explaining Kendo.
Yes there are elements of taken from combat - but its too far removed.
With most sporting versions of martial arts, people get too conditioned to what they can do/score within the rules of there art.
Also Shimpans stopping for this and that - how real is that ?

If you were to spar with another sword art (Fencing, Kenjitsu, Korean or Chinese styles) & what they class a 'fatal blow' is a lot more than Kote, Men, Do & tskui.

Kendo is developed to train mind & body through the sword, not sword training.
That's what makes it so unique & enjoyable.

Geordie Bruiser

10th October 2008, 07:16 PM

The best thing that I've learnt from Kendo is

NO GET HIT!!! LOL

Oroshi

10th October 2008, 07:21 PM

I've learned where the best pubs in town are.

kensenbatusaii

10th October 2008, 07:25 PM

after all those

mumbo jumboo

that they gave you

here is what

you can truly learn in kendo

in kendo

there is always new to learn

and your lifetime is not enough

and the more you learn (if you learn)

you realise that all forms

of conflict should be avoided

apply this and you'll live

to learn a bit more

:chinese::chinese::chinese:

JoDuncan

10th October 2008, 10:26 PM

I've learned that EVERYONE stinks.

I mean, EVERYONE.... smells so bad

:D

Geordie Bruiser

10th October 2008, 10:58 PM

I've learned that EVERYONE stinks.

I mean, EVERYONE.... smells so bad

:D

Ah come on, you gotta love that stinky bogu aroma!!!

They should bottle it and sell it next to CK1!!! :laugh:

DCPan

11th October 2008, 12:43 AM

I am interested in what ways kendo has improved your life.

The realization that unless you can be honest with yourself as to why things didn't work, you're stuck where you are.

Also is kendo the best way to develop a strong sense of awareness in a real life combat situation?

I don't know about the best way, but kendo did teach me that if you get yourself stuck in a real life combat situation, you already lost..."saya no uchi".

absenteekendoka

11th October 2008, 12:50 AM

I've learned where the best pubs in town are.

Quite true :)

Kendo is a state of mind and body...it allows us to achieve a balance in our lives that may otherwise not be possible. It offers fellowship, great exercise, a way to help relive those day to day frustrations we don't normally have a outlet for. That being said (I know I know, I've said this before....) Kendo is many things to many people, a completely unique experience subject to each individuals perceptions and experiences.

Sensei has always said there is only one thing about Kendo that is difficult.........walking through the front door of the dojo. Everything else happens in it's own time, in your time.

DCPan

11th October 2008, 01:02 AM

I don't know about the best way, but kendo did teach me that if you get yourself stuck in a real life combat situation, you already lost..."saya no uchi".

That's kind of hocus pocus I guess.

http://kendo-world.com/forum/showpost.php?p=99524&postcount=1

But if you ever found yourself in a situation, kendo helps you assess the situation, accept your options, and do what you can/have to do.

YMMV.

braxtonhicks

11th October 2008, 02:02 AM

I would also say kendo's made me more disciplined in other aspects of my life, and better focus and concentration in general.

sobasan7

11th October 2008, 02:15 AM

Ah come on, you gotta love that stinky bogu aroma!!!

They should bottle it and sell it next to CK1!!! :laugh:

our dojo has already done it: http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t340/sobasan7/bogujuice.jpg
i beleive the text reads bogu juice

kendogrl

11th October 2008, 09:17 AM

our dojo has already done it: http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t340/sobasan7/bogujuice.jpg
i beleive the text reads bogu juice

:laugh: Does it come in other colors?

Usagi San

11th October 2008, 10:25 AM

I'll have to say Pacience.

LowFatMat

13th October 2008, 06:42 PM

I am interested in what ways kendo has improved your life.

Also is kendo the best way to develop a strong sense of awareness in a real life combat situation?

I've got a friend who's a bodyguard on film sets, and thus double-hard, who reckons he can tell I've got combat experience. Frankly I reckon he's talking out of his arse and just flattering me, I haven't been in a fight since school, but at the same time the whole 'calm under fire, controlling your opponent, spotting openings' thing has got to be an advantage. More than this, bringing that calm, collected attitude to a conflict is more than likely to diffuse it before it reaches an actual fight.

Improvements to life? Hard to say. Never regretted taking up kendo and never intend to leave it alone. That's enough for me.

Masahiro

14th October 2008, 03:03 AM

Well, the point I'm making is that mushin, particularly as it relates to kendo, is not "enlightenment", and not some particularly special state that needs to be "attained".

I beg the differ, kendo is different from other JSA! please do kendo then talk kendo, not talking about kendo first then do!

jjcruiser

14th October 2008, 03:48 AM

I think it brought home to me the concept that "nothing worthwhile comes easily" or a variation on that theme. Maybe other people find Kendo easy, but I think it's the most difficult activity I've ever tried, and so I've found it inspirational to other aspects of my life that are also difficult. (e.g. - "If I can stick with Kendo I can get this project done in the next three hours" - that sort of thing).

Since I've never been in real combat I can't say, but from conversations I've had and books I've read, my guess is that nothing prepares you for real combat except for real combat.

Chaby

14th October 2008, 05:13 AM

Fist time I saw Kendo was in a magazine,I was 10 years old.
I do remember making an improvised shinai.I taped three broom sticks together,one being longer and was the tsuka.
I still wondering,since seeing shinai only in a Magazine, how did I figure out it was made out of multiple parts...not just a stick?!?
Anyways,back then there wasn't a Kendo dojo in my city,as matter of a fact back then there was only one in my country,so I couldn't train.
It was all about slicing and dicing the bad guys, a fearless bushi.The one man army thing!

In 2006 I did start practicing Kendo, and still regretting that didn't star year earlier when the dojo was established.
However,in 2006 not for one second did I think about Kendo as a means of self-defense or beating up somebody with a "kendo stick"
Kendo did enriched my life with so many things,mainly, as for everyone else the friendships.I feel as I'm a part of a brotherhood.Quite simply,when seeing another kendoka, its like seing an old friend. I like that.
Awareness... Two weeks back I was almost hit by a car.It was green for me but some nutcase roared through.
I didn't see the car since there was a bus in the lane before his.
It was quite amazing reaction actually.I just jumped up (eventually on his hood),and only then did I realize what was happening.
I guess I saved myself from month or two of hospital with broken leg/s.

In twenty years if I'll write a similar post it will be certainly something else and completely different.

theorganmouse

14th October 2008, 07:21 AM

I lernt that learning to do it right can be painful, but doing it right is worth the pain.

Grenamier

14th October 2008, 07:51 AM

I'm just starting out again (again) so I expect that as I develop my Kendo, I'll derive different benefits from studying it. At this point in the basics, with kiai and fumikomi and the basic strikes, I starting to get back in shape and I'm starting to get that feeling back of being focused and always moving forward. Pushing the energy out of my belly.

That's not an attitude that comes naturally to me because in real life, I'm friendly and social but also quiet, non-confrontational and frankly kind of evasive sometimes. Clearly that won't work in Kendo, so studying it is helping me develop a more assertive aspect of myself.

Real-life combat situations? Not applicable.

Josh Reyer

14th October 2008, 10:09 AM

Charles Lockhar

14th October 2008, 10:41 AM

I beg the differ, kendo is different from other JSA! please do kendo then talk kendo, not talking about kendo first then do!

A number of kendo-practicing seniors of mine (renshi, kyoshi, and hanshi among them) beg to differ with you.

I have to ask, what differences are we talking about here, and when we talk about "other JSA," what exactly are we talking about?

And when looking at the goals of the two "groups" (quotes because I know (or think I know) who we're talking about in kendo, but am not sure who the "other JSA" are), are the differences relevant?

I think I tend to agree with Josh wrt the "no mind" thing, in that the trick is to achieve a level where it applies to kendo. And I don't really see that kendo leads to any particular spiritual "enlightenment." But maybe I'm not understanding the conversation here, or quite possibly I'm just stupid.

-Charles

TheWanderingEye

14th October 2008, 12:30 PM

I am interested in what ways kendo has improved your life.
Physically, I'm better off than I was. It's also encouraged me to visit my old hobbies as well.

Also is kendo the best way to develop a strong sense of awareness in a real life combat situation?
Don't think so. I'm the kind of guy that runs away, anyways.

Is the concept of mushin no shin only attainable within a zen buddhist framework or is it something that can be cultivated without any philosophical or religious influence?
Still not that mature in my kendo career :V
But we're all from different walks of life, so no, I don't think so.

Masahiro

14th October 2008, 01:56 PM

A number of kendo-practicing seniors of mine (renshi, kyoshi, and hanshi among them) beg to differ with you.

what do they disagree with? that one should first practice kendo then talk as if they know it? or that kendo is different than other JSA? Are you just going to say other JAS puts on full armor and spar (these days)? anyways, my point isn't to make you swallow your own words. ..only that you speak too fast about something you might not understand fully. The essays you wrote on "mushin" in the other thread a couple months back was good, but this time what you wrote is something else entirely. Not saying you should never change your opinion about something but some things aren't "uh.. maybe depends on what your definition of so and so is"... some things are "black, and white. ...and grey"

Charles. L >>
the difference are "relevant", but only as much as you want them to be. Someone who doesn't care about having a freakishly muscular body isn't going to go to the gym 5 days a week. my point is that there's a clear difference between that Mushin he was talking about, and what the original poster was referring to. And I also know Josh was just being helpful and encouraging but sometimes I think we don't need to sugar coat things so much. ..just tell it as it is, that should be sufficient.

Josh Reyer

14th October 2008, 02:56 PM

what do they disagree with? that one should first practice kendo then talk as if they know it? or that kendo is different than other JSA? Are you just going to say other JAS puts on full armor and spar (these days)? anyways, my point isn't to make you swallow your own words. ..only that you speak too fast about something you might not understand fully.

They agree with me (and by extension disagree with you) on what "mushin" refers to in kendo. And while they have expressed to me physical differences between kendo and other JSA (e.g., hitting vs. cutting, footwork, etc.), they have stressed that the conceptual framework is the same, so they don't believe that "mushin" means one thing in other JSA, and a different thing in kendo.

H.Sandsleth

14th October 2008, 05:42 PM

I am interested in what ways kendo has improved your life.

I've learnt a lot about politics and what motivates people. ;-)

Hisham

14th October 2008, 07:22 PM

For me, i loved the fact that i could experience the "never give up concept" in a more "direct way" mostly when doing jigeiko with the teacher:dead:, this relates to what others already said as to knowing more about yourself especially your strength of character.

Masahiro

15th October 2008, 02:35 AM

They agree with me (and by extension disagree with you) on what "mushin" refers to in kendo. And while they have expressed to me physical differences between kendo and other JSA (e.g., hitting vs. cutting, footwork, etc.), they have stressed that the conceptual framework is the same, so they don't believe that "mushin" means one thing in other JSA, and a different thing in kendo.

thanks for responding kindly, i am just a little confused as to what your point is.

at the beginning of the thread
"Mushin no shin can be and is attained by everybody, everyday. You breathe and walk with mushin. The goal is simply to transfer that to kendo."

To which I challenged "your" view of the concept and essentially stated "the mushin in kendo is more profound than what you said" (since that's what i thought the original poster was asking)

You replied
"Well, the point I'm making is that mushin, particularly as it relates to kendo, is not "enlightenment", and not some particularly special state that needs to be "attained"."

this time, I questioned your background in kendo, (but not in the JSA you practice) and thought that perhaps u think 無心 is an "everyday event" due to your background in Yagyu Shinkage Ryu Heiho.

In response, you say "several sempai of yours who obviously practice kendo would disagree with what i said" and was ultimately implying that kendo's mushin is the same as Yagyu Shinkage Ryu Heiho mushin (i suppose)?

I don't disagree that it could be different for some people, but this isn't the case for me. I see the two as being the same. U may have misunderstood my point because I said there were difference between JSA and kendo. But I do see you agree with me in that the methods of training is different. Although ultimately the aim is that of the same for both. I find myself not knowing the points you are contending here, as I may have lost the point you are trying to make here. But I am happy to state mine again, that is . .

"無心" is not easy to attain, mindless-ness and "mushin" is different (at least to me) and this type of "unconscious awareness" I am referring to is not defined across all MA disciplines the same way. And it isn't meant to be attained by just anyone, regardless if you practice kendo, other JSA, or both, or whatever other type of discipline one does. Further more, to say that concepts in two discipline over laps is fine, but the feeling or the process needed to attain that knowledge is certainly unique and distinct in their perspective. Not to mention one person's feeling about the subject(s) will certainly differ from their peers going through the same process

turboyoshi

15th October 2008, 04:04 AM

"無心" is not easy to attain, mindless-ness and "mushin" is different (at least to me) and this type of "unconscious awareness"

I agree it's not easy to achieve. But this state of mind is not unique to kendo or even to JSA. I do believe it's the same in any MA or any endeavor that ones takes seriously, regardless of whether it's "martial" or not.

I believe I've experienced it in pool and karate, even if only briefly and it's not something I've been able to achieve at will.

Further more, to say that concepts in two discipline over laps is fine, but the feeling or the process needed to attain that knowledge is certainly unique and distinct in their perspective. Not to mention one person's feeling about the subject(s) will certainly differ from their peers going through the same process

Regarding whether the feeling or process differs, I think that's only a result of having to learn a new set of skills and motions for each art, until they become automatic.

If you have experienced mushin while performing karate, you cannot directly migrate that experience to kendo because you have to spend time learning a completely different way of moving and this effort destroys any attempt at mushin, for a while.

The mental state referred to as "mushin", I'm certain is just the same in any activity.
I think Josh is saying the same sort of thing.

Josh Reyer

17th October 2008, 04:08 PM

At the risk of striking a horse that has no possibility of getting back up, let me clarify.

The original poster asked:

Is the concept of mushin no shin only attainable within a zen buddhist framework or is it something that can be cultivated without any philosophical or religious influence?

My response was that the state of "mushin" was merely that of when we breathe and walk. Allow me to quote Yagyu Nobuharu-sensei's response to a similar question:

Therefore these important elements of the Yagyu Shinkage Ryu are close to the elements of Zen practice. These are just explanatory remarks on how to obtain real braveness. "Heijoshin" means the natural, ordinary mental condition that we practice in daily life. Some of you may have thought I was talking of something very special but what I am talking about is very normal. Right now you are inhaling and exhaling.

Now I inhale.

Now I exhale.

There is nobody who intentionally inhales and exhales. Without paying any special attention then, this movement of inhaling and exhaling fits our body condition, this is a very good situation. Unless you have a very special reason, you don't walk paying attention to putting your right foot forward and then your left foot. This kind of movement that we learn without any attention is called "mushin". It is correctly performed and fits the requirement. Therefore even under very serious situations, if you can maintain mushin and you don't push the opponent and you're not pushed by him, you will be able to demonstrate your own ability and capability and remain free from difficulty.

The point I was attempting to make was that "mushin" is not a special state, like "satori", that one does not understand until one achieves it, but rather a very normal state, the difficulty of which is to bring into the high-stress context of kendo or judo, or what have you. Thus, one doesn't need Zen Buddhist framework, nor "cultivation". One simply brings that everyday, breathing, walking, driving, tying one's shoes state of mind to kendo. Of course, it took me about 1 second to type that out, while we'll be endeavoring actually to do it for the rest of our lives.

Is the "mushin" of kendo unique? My seniors don't seem to think so, and nothing I've read or seen makes me want to disagree with them. But I guess that's for every kenshi reading this thread to decide for themselves.

ghostdancer

17th October 2008, 09:11 PM

yeah
Jedi mind tricks dont work on San Dan and above !

Thunder

17th October 2008, 10:28 PM

The best thing Ive learned?

Relax.
(Still learning this lesson)

geisha girl

17th October 2008, 11:23 PM

I have found that Kendo has been the best thing for my life, I am a happier person now that I do kendo, I dont flip out anymore I am able to handle stressful situations, and handle people better. If I hadn't started Kendo I would never have met my Husband or had our wonderful baby boy. I am fitter for it, and it also helped me make it through my 42hr labour when giving birth to my son. I would have to say that kendo does not help you in self defence as in street fights, however it does teach you to never back down. I have met some fantastic people through kendo and have been on the G.B squad and took part in the world championships on of the best moments of my life, I would never give it up, even though my mam and sisters all think I am mad and ask me to get rid of that smelly bag of armour.

TheWanderingEye

18th October 2008, 01:06 AM

I would have to say that kendo does not help you in self defence as in street fights
Yeah, a lot of the guys my age 'round here don't hold kendo in a very high regard. They either think it's stupid, impractical, or both. Kinda sucks because I try to take an avid interest in their hobbies (ie. football, paintball, mma, etc) only to have 'em say "Lol, who does Kendo?"
Besides, I've already mastered the ultimate skill of combat: Running Away!

Sasayaki

18th October 2008, 01:16 AM

I still say a nice big kiai would work for self defense.

You will either scare them....or they will think your mentally unstable. ;) Which is perfect.

Anonymous

18th October 2008, 01:26 AM

Kendo taught me how to beat up ninjers at halloween parties even more easily.

Yeah, a lot of the guys my age 'round here don't hold kendo in a very high regard. They either think it's stupid, impractical, or both. Kinda sucks because I try to take an avid interest in their hobbies (ie. football, paintball, mma, etc) only to have 'em say "Lol, who does Kendo?"
Besides, I've already mastered the ultimate skill of combat: Running Away!

Real MMA freaks do kendo too. >_>

I do kendo, koryu naginata, Judo, and got a nidan in karate. Never got any crap for doing kendo or naginata, most non-poser MMA types are usually pretty interested in how you train so long as you're doing something where compliant training is kept to a minimum.

Davey

18th October 2008, 01:51 AM

well i think it is teaching me i need to loosen up a bunch :D

hyuna

18th October 2008, 07:26 AM

I am interested in what ways kendo has improved your life.

Kendo has taught me courage and resolve.

Paikea

18th October 2008, 07:34 AM

I have learned who my friends are, and I'm grateful.

I have also learned that natto is evil-bad-nasty.

JSchmidt

18th October 2008, 08:14 AM

I have also learned that natto is evil-bad-nasty.

I also think nitto is evil-bad-nasty. Jodan is very tasty, though

turboyoshi

18th October 2008, 08:51 AM

~Jodan Itadakimasu!~

OK that almost made me spit my beer. I even tried to rep ya dammit.

Now I wish I was good enough to do jodan.

sean

hyuna

18th October 2008, 09:58 AM

Jodan is very tasty, though
You should totally call "jodan itadakimasu" while taking jodan up against Oishi sensei.

TheWanderingEye

18th October 2008, 02:38 PM

Kendo taught me how to beat up ninjers at halloween parties even more easily.

Real MMA freaks do kendo too. >_>

I do kendo, koryu naginata, Judo, and got a nidan in karate. Never got any crap for doing kendo or naginata, most non-poser MMA types are usually pretty interested in how you train so long as you're doing something where compliant training is kept to a minimum.

Guess I hang out with a bunch of posers :V
I did karate and tae kwon do for a while. It was awesome, but then a few things in life caught up with me. Took some years to resolve, but I'm back in the game. Took up dancing on the side.

Oh, and I also learned that you shouldn't prod blisters the day before practice - let nature take its course.

MartialArtsGirl

16th November 2008, 01:32 PM

Like Alison said anything that trains you to make quick decisions under a pressure situation will help in a combat situation. the thing is it is unlikely you will see any result for at least 3 years.

The thing about kendo is there is a lot of repetition in the training, so if you get bored quickly it may not be the art for you.
Enjoy

Uh-oh. I get bored quickly. (well, unless theres something new to work on or improve). But from what I understand (maybe I'm wrong) it seems like there is always something to workon....

yoda-waza

16th November 2008, 02:33 PM

ShinKenshi

17th November 2008, 12:23 PM

Uh-oh. I get bored quickly. (well, unless theres something new to work on or improve). But from what I understand (maybe I'm wrong) it seems like there is always something to workon....To be honest, the first six months or so (depending on how often you practice) will seem a little mundane at first and that's usually when most drop out. Periodically you'll hit some plaeaus and at that point it will be up to you to overcome them.

My first major one was after I earned ikkyu. I felt my kendo was stagnant and I couldn't figure out how to continue improving. What helped me was that I didn't think about it so much and just kept looking for more opportunities to train. I figured eventually I'll find the answer if I look hard long enough and I did. I was able to identify what I needed to work on and through a combination of renewed intensity and an increased practice schedule, I was able to start seeing myself improve again.

One of the things that kept me going and that I'll always remember, is something a famous researcher who spoke at my college said, "You don't have to be smart, just persistent!" Words to live by from a man who has probably never held a shinai in his life.

Raindrop

17th November 2008, 04:15 PM

I have learned a lot of things from Kendo.

Firstly, and most importantly, I have learned to not give up when things get tough. I used to be weak-spirited when it came to things that I couldn't do or where I couldn't get the progress I wanted or when I couldn't be the best at something. In a way, Kendo is like a slap in the face. You get confronted with yourself. All your short comings, all your fears and doubts and you have to deal with them, head-on and not turn around and run away. Kendo is the first thing I've ever done that has been this challenging to keep going eventhough you seemingly can't do anything right. But I love it so much that no matter how discouraged I felt I kept going back. Now, a year into the life by the sword ^_^ I don't think about it anymore. I simply just go, no excuses (well except severe injury), headache? - still training. Bad day? - still training! 11 hour flight in the evening? Still go to practice during the day! :) When it seems that for weeks/months I can't improve anywhere, I still push through and keep going. If you had asked me a year ago if I could keep going no matter what, I would have answered with a definite no. And now, outside of Kendo, I have the same determination. It helps in my work life (I got promoted since I started Kendo - any connection? ;) ) and also in my personal life, I actually get things done. I generally stop using lame excuses to accomodate my laziness.

Another thing that Kendo really helped me with, is to stop being a baby. I used to be a total sissy and I was always really shy. Couldn't get my mouth open to save my life. Not even asking for the way or phoning the gas company and stuff like that. I did Karate for 3 years (nikkyu) but when I had exams I'd be so nervous because people would look at me that eventhough I was really good at katas, I'd tremble so much that I couldn't shine (failed my ikkyu exam because of that). Also I didn't have any conviction when doing the sparring. I was actually still terrified of kumite after 3 years! I'd avoid going to training that would be focusing on fights. And when I did have to fight I'd never go in, my attacks would be like feather blows cause I was such a wuss and my kiai was more like a forced yelp... Since I started Kendo all that has changed. I've become so much more social and outgoing! I actually speak to people, I don't mind talking to complete strangers, and I don't mind people looking at me when I do keiko/shiai/kata. I don't even notice them, I just do Kendo. It's such a strong focus point for me. And during jigeiko I don't hold back, I just go for it and I think my kiai comes stright from my belly now. Maybe it's the bogu protecting me as opposed to so called "semi-contact" (not happening...) in karate, that would leave me with one injury after the other, but with Kendo, I'm absoletly not scared. In the beginning I was, of course. First day in bogu terrified me, but now, I'm not even scared of sparring with a high ranking kendoka who's going to definately smack the life out of me. ^_^ Hit me! lol

So I guess you can say that Kendo really shaped my character for the better (I hope ;) ).

Needless to say being a Kendoka always helps with interesting small-talk material when you're at a party with people you don't know. :D "hey, why are your hands so blue?" "You see, I got new kote... " ;)

MartialArtsGirl

19th November 2008, 03:35 AM

Needless to say being a Kendoka always helps with interesting small-talk material when you're at a party with people you don't know. :D "hey, why are your hands so blue?" "You see, I got new kote... " ;)

:eek: blue hands?

Then again, I shouldn't complain. There was that time in my old MA where my teacher got worried because my lips were turning blue during practice... from lack of oxygen. It was pretty cool. I checked in the mirror. They really were blue.

Then there was that time at a difficult meditation retreat when I thought that my hands were turning blue... heh

I can't wait to get into bogu! (something tells me my first time, I'll be scared ..sh**less a lot too.):jaguar:!!!

Raindrop

19th November 2008, 03:44 AM

:eek: blue hands?

Then again, I shouldn't complain. There was that time in my old MA where my teacher got worried because my lips were turning blue during practice... from lack of oxygen. It was pretty cool. I checked in the mirror. They really were blue.

Then there was that time at a difficult meditation retreat when I thought that my hands were turning blue... heh

I can't wait to get into bogu! (something tells me my first time, I'll be scared ..sh**less a lot too.):jaguar:!!!

lol, no it's just the dye they use to colour the kote that's coming off... :laugh:

Although sometimes when too many people miss the kote and strike my knuckles or upper arm, those turn blue from bruises... :S

Anjin

20th November 2008, 05:46 PM

Well, apart from al the usual things it thaught me (better posture, stamina, learning not to give up,...), it also thaught me humility...

I'm in a job where I have to boss people around all day and I'm used to being in charge and people listening to my opinion... :evil:

In the evening when I go to the dojo, I have to throw all of that overboard and start listening to my 19 year old senpai (who is awesome btw) and just accept and do everything my sensei says without there being any room for discusssion or my opinion (I'm a poor rokkyu:emb:)

It took my sometime to get used to that and to learn to keep my big mouth shut, but once I got over it, it was an awesome feeling of just following what these guys had to say about a martial art with so much history behind it...

Kendoka3

20th November 2008, 07:21 PM

I think a lot of true things about Kendo have already been said, i just want to add one thing:
If Kendo becomes something unseperable from your life, something you know you will keep on doing for the rest of your days, it becomes like a red line through everything. You will apply certain aspects of kendo in your everyday life, and certain aspects of everyday life you will apply in kendo. It will become a constant wich gives you great strength, because you know it will always be there, you can count on kendo no mather what. Nothing else in my life is as constant as kendo has been for me. Combine this with all before mentioned benefits of kendo and you have a way of life wich will always lead to self improvement, mentally and physically.