If you could do another art

[Wookiesmurf]

in addition to what you do now, what would it be? Since Christmas is the time of miracles, let's imagine that time/monetary constraints don't factor in. Also, there's no risk of injury, your husband/wife won't mind and there's qualified instruction available in your area.

I do Tenshinshoden Katori Shinto Ryu and Kendo and would either like to do something similar, like Shinto Muso Ryu, or something different, like Brazilian Ju Jutsu. How about you?

[Fred27]

That is a tricky question, but a good one.
I wouldnt know what (other) MA to dedicate myself to until I try it.I've already done a brief 6-month stint in TSKSR. Though interesting and intense, (and definetly a rich history which is a plus in my book), it wasnt really "my thing".
If I lived in a perfect world and had the option I would like to check out Suio-ryu.

*edit*

I would also dont mind trying some Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu.

[1stdan]

I would go back to Judo and Jiu Jitsu, I studied both for almost a year and a half and had to quit for monetary reasons, and the fact hat Judo is in no way a gentle sport. That would be cool.

[nikozamo]

i ''try to'' do naginata , and i do kendo. maybe i will give a try to shorinji kempo n' judo xd. 2 JMA with weapons, 2 JMA with no weapons :D

[Kim Taylor]

I have said this several times and people don't seem ever to believe me but ideally I would like to cut back on the arts I practice.

I study and teach: Muso Jikiden Eishin ryu iai, Shindo muso ryu jodo (tanjo and shintoryu as well), ZNKR iai and jo, Hyoho Niten Ichiryu, a couple other small iaido schools (keshiryu and shindo munen from Mitsuzuka s.) and the U. Guelph women's self defence program which I helped create back in 1987.

I have practiced for several years, in the past, Aikido (including aiki ken, aiki jo), Muso Shinden ryu iai, and a variant of TKD.

I have practiced briefly but seriously: Boxing, Do Pi Kung fu, a mixed tradition that a bunch of us created in the mid '80s and even a local version of ninja.

I have been exposed to excellent instruction in: Kashima Shinryu, Katori Shinto ryu, Western medieval longsword, Western medieval grappling, Shotokan karate, Hoki ryu iai, Mugai ryu iai, and probably a bunch of other stuff I'm forgetting about.

All of it taught the same basic things. All of it. Just different directions, different paths to the same place.

Now, as I get older, like I said I would like to concentrate on less than I do now so that I can maybe get closer to where I should be.

My wish would be to have the stamina and ability to do mae (first MJER iaido kata) for a week straight to see if I could do a good one. No "old sensei" bullshit about that, I'd really like to do one I'm happy with before I die.

To answer the question, I can't think of anything else I'd like to study.

Kim.

[Neil Gendzwill]

I'm with Kim, although I don't have nearly the breadth of experience he has. Between judo and kendo my plate is plenty full.

[michaelm]

Phil Relnick sensei is less than 10 miles from my house.
I've always entertained the idea of TSKSR and SMR, but that's a big commitment that I can't realistically make happen at this stage in my life.

[b8amack]

Naginata looks fun. I'd like to give it a whirl.

[ghostdancer]

Naginata looks fun. I'd like to give it a whirl.

agreed would like to try at least

[Nakaleen]

My mother use to do Naginata. She always chickens out when I offer to go against her.

But one art that both my mother and I wanted to do is Kyudo. My mother was good at normal archery but both fell in love with Kyudo. Pitty that no one teaches it in Australia (or mainly in Victoria) that I know of.

[nodachi]

I'd like to do Kyudo again. It is a nice, quiet compliment to the aggressive nature of Kendo.

[hyuna]

I would love to take up tankendo
Or kyudo
Or judo
Or ...
There just isn't enough time to learn everything I would like to...

[MartialArtsGirl]

I think I'd be interested in Kyudo.

But if injury isn't an issue, I'd definitly like to do capoiera again.

Heck, I'm starting to think that I developed a slight fear of being/getting injured... :( and maybe thats why I did get myself hurt... :(
got-danngit! (*MUST* get over it..)

maybe I should do capoira again... o_o but then again, I'm kinda too old for it (25 is too old!)...

...ramble ramble...
on a side note, I got a bokudo (set) for x-mas!!! YAY!!!!

[Kent Enfield]

If I had the time and money and I knew they wouldn't interfere with what I'm already doing and if I were magically guaranteed to be able to do so injury free, I'd like to study judo for completeness and some branch of Itto Ryu or another ryuha that had a strong influence on kendo.

[stealth_monkey]

Well, I was previously doing muay thai and brazillian jiu jitsu in addition to kendo, however in the new year I will be forced to stop since my gym is moving. So if I had an xmas miracle it would be being able to pick those back up (although I plan to do judo, which is 99% as good).

Also, if we take a slightly different idea of martial art, I'd like to take up shooting. Unfortunately as I rent I'm not able to meet the storage requirements for firearms, so I haven't shot a rifle for a few years now.

[Josh Reyer]

If time, money, and injury were non-factors, I'd like to do Hozoin-ryu for long weapon work, and like Kent I'd like to do a budo-oriented judo or jujutsu for close quarters completeness. I'd also like to bring back free practice to Yagyu Shinkage-ryu. Also, I'd like to train at the Aunkai.

[Bokushingu]

I decided I will take violin lessons. I know i know not a martial arts...or is it?

I have been going to my daughters violin's lessons and have seen the simularities between Kendo, boxing and the violin. one of them being relying on feeling rather than just sight...

can't wait...my first lesson is scheduled the second tuesday of January ^_^

[Oroshi]

What Kent said. Koryu kenjutsu (if I had a choice, probably a branch of Itto-ryu) and judo. Plus shodo.

[Brian Pettett]

I study Mugai-ryu swordsmanship in Chicago, three days a week. As our soke also has menkyo kaiden in SMR jo, I would say that would most likely be my 'next art' (although my plate is a little full at the moment!) And as I am also very fascinated with Japanese archery, I plan on visiting a nearby kyudojo in the near future.

[1stdan]

I decided I will take violin lessons. I know i know not a martial arts...or is it?

I have been going to my daughters violin's lessons and have seen the simularities between Kendo, boxing and the violin. one of them being relying on feeling rather than just sight...

can't wait...my first lesson is scheduled the second tuesday of January ^_^

Ahhhh Samurai must round out his martial training with an appreciation for the fine arts. Good Choice, I might would try Cello. I love the sounds of that mellow low tone.

[Fukuryu]

I´d love to return to full kendo and iaido practice... and titanium knees.

Beyond that, Shinto Muso Ryu for koryu, and jukendo and tankendo for gendai budo, look like arts I would enjoy.

Any koryu with kusarigama and nagamaki in its curriculum would also be nice (and since I think of just a couple, I could just name them... Araki Ryu and Toda-ha Buko Ryu)

[Kaa]

Ahhhh Samurai must round out his martial training with an appreciation for the fine arts. Good Choice, I might would try Cello. I love the sounds of that mellow low tone.

O god cello..., yes... played Cello for 30 years now.. and I can tell, growing up playing the cello certainly made you refine your methods of fast respons to outer threats... as well as making your way through crowded places carrying an obcjet larger than yourself...:calm: boxing, could be..I would say paitence and endurance is what comes first to mind... but you're right about feeling. Its when you know how to do it by the book, you can let go of it and act on instinct. And that sounds very much like shiai...

Personally I will add Iaido to Atarashi Naginata but first lesson is far away, so I would not dare to mention any ryo..Meanwhile I pray for strong knees... Naturally I long to to add different Naginata as well, Jikishinkage-ryo and Tendo-ryo - but possibilities to learn that is scarce.

I do a little of japanese calligraphy since my teacher in japanese grow up with a mother being an artist of calligraphy... That means back to patience and endurance again..:smiley:

But reading about all of you lads and lasses here on KWF one realises very quickly - there is too much budo and far too little time ...

[Big One]

A Samurai is not completed if he can't dance. I would like to take ball-room dancing.

[ZealUK]

What Kent said. Koryu kenjutsu (if I had a choice, probably a branch of Itto-ryu) and judo. Plus shodo.

If I had time I'd add judo or sumo as well. I work at a school with very good dojo for both, but have no time. If I were single I'd be doing something everyday. If I did that now I'd find myself divorced in a flash!

Surely you can find an hour or two a week for 習字. Learning to write right handed was a major pain in the arse, but it's starting to get more enjoyable now. The funny thing is I still use my left hand to write with a pen (much to the annoyance of my teacher) so my handwriting isn't much nicer looking!

[hl1978]

currently kendo, iaido, isshinryu karate, BJJ, aunkai. i haen't done as much kendo lately

i woudlnt mind getting back into judo or taking up jukendo

[1stdan]

A Samurai is not completed if he can't dance. I would like to take ball-room dancing.

My wife and i started to take ball room dancing I liked it a lot. I danced in Jr High and have always loved music, Alas I have NO RYTHYM, and I could not make myself not stand in Kamae.

[Kaa]

A Samurai is not completed if he can't dance. I would like to take ball-room dancing.

Highland fling!!!

Good for the footwork..

[MikeW]

Well if time and money and health and all those things are a factor and we are just wishing I would probably like to try naginata, kyudo, and iaido. I think if I can only pick one it wold be either iaido or kyudo, probably iaido, although I have close to my house a good kyudo sensei.

[stealth_monkey]

For those wishing they could do kyudo, I'd strongly recommend them looking into western archery. It's both a cheap past time and widely available. If it's your thing, you can feel free to apply any form of meditative slant to it, hell if for some strange reason you wanted to use a yumi exclusively I don't know of any club that would turn you away, you just might get laughed at a little

[Obukan_dude]

If money were no object, I'd practice either Classical (European) fencing, Archery, or some style of Kung Fu. Add a little balance to Kendo.

[hyuna]

For those wishing they could do kyudo, I'd strongly recommend them looking into western archery.
Other than using a bow and arrow, how are kyudo and western archery similar?

[DCPan]

in addition to what you do now, what would it be? Since Christmas is the time of miracles, let's imagine that time/monetary constraints don't factor in. Also, there's no risk of injury, your husband/wife won't mind and there's qualified instruction available in your area.

Hmm...for me, "who do you want to learn from?" maybe a more important question than "what"? For example, I'm not all that interested in TSKSR, but I would totally be interested in training with Otake sensei just because he's awesome. Simiarly, while I'm not all that interested in the art itself, training with Kuroda Tetsuzan sensei would be totally awesome as well.

But, to anwer your original question, if I can only pick ONE more, it'd be Suio Ryu Iai Kenpo, because it has everything.

If I can pick more than one, I am interested in:

Mizoguchi-Ha Itto Ryu, Kogen-Ha Itto Ryu, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, or Niten Ichi Ryu

Gozo Shioda's Aikido or Daito-Ryu Aikijutsu

Choi Li Fut or Wing Chun

Tai-Chi

Tap-Dancing for faster footwork

Maybe Aunkai

and throw in Classical Fencing for good measure!

[Are2]

But, to anwer your original question, if I can only pick ONE more, it'd be Suio Ryu Iai Kenpo, because it has everything.

It does, doesn't it :smiley:

Actually that's the very reason I would't really do anything else that might interfere with my training (well, that and the fact that koryu, because of their nature, are really not suited for simultaneous crosstraining). I do still practice some seitei iai on the side and it's hard enough to prevent the mix-ups there, and that's just the superficial stuff. I'd like to restart kendo some day, but the adapting would take time and add even more chances of messing thigs up to the mix.

So my answer is, I'd like to learn to play the piano. Such a classy instrument.

[DCPan]

It does, doesn't it :smiley:

LOL, TSKSR and Kashima Shinryu has everything too, among other styles :D

That said, I still like Suio Ryu more because it is styliing, the soke is 7th dan kendo and 7th dan iaido, and how the iai-kata can be linked as kumi-iai is why it appeals to me (besides lone wolf and cub :D )!

Yeah, I want to learn the piano and guitar as well.

I totally cannot understand why some people are afraid to retire because they would run out of things to do...for me, there's so much to learn, so little time and money! :D

[Neil Gendzwill]

For those wishing they could do kyudo, I'd strongly recommend them looking into western archery.
Other than using a bow and arrow, how are kyudo and western archery similar?+1. Stealth_monkey, have you ever seen kyudo? There's a whole lot going on aside from the shooting itself.

[Fred27]

You know, if I werent allergic to horses I'd like to try out mounted horsearchery as well :)

[silvana]

You know, if I werent allergic to horses I'd like to try out mounted horsearchery as well :)

i heard there is one sort of horses on those many allergics don't react. (yes English isn't my first language) they're called curley horses or something similar just in case you would really like to try it :)

[Fukuryu]

i heard there is one sort of horses on those many allergics don't react. (yes English isn't my first language) they're called curley horses or something similar just in case you would really like to try it :)

Sorted the horse part then. Now you just need an Ogasawara Ryu dojo near your home...

[Maro]

If I wasn't workng then more HEMA stuff. JSA - definitely an open hand style to compliment my Sword system. Kyudo and naginata/sojutsu as well

[Alison2805]

By some Christmas miracle I would love to get back on the kendo horse (wont happen til my job changes), but lets say I did, and could pick other stuff to do too.....

Id learn to sing - although anyone who has heard my kiai would probably cringe at that idea...
Id do a bit of judo because it looks fun
And Id join the Australian bobsled team! :)

[Obukan_dude]

And Id join the Australian bobsled team! :)

Feel the rythm, feel the rhyme, c'mon mates, it's BOBSLED TIME!! COOOOLLL RUNNINGS!!!


I had to do that. :cool:

[stealth_monkey]

Other than using a bow and arrow, how are kyudo and western archery similar?

As I said, I know little about kyudo not being a practitioner myself (I did do archery for several years however).

The purpose of kyudo is to utilise correct form and a correct mindset to achieve the impossible goal of perfection in a shot.
The purpose of archery is to utilise correct form and a correct mindset to achieve the impossible goal of a perfect group of shots.

Kyudo is a strongly rooted martial art distilled from Japanese battlefield techniques
Archery is a strongly rooted martial art distilled from European and Asian battlefield techniques

The central tenet of Kyudo is attempting to find mushin, or mind of no mind, where shooting becomes so instinctual that the archer fires the shot without thought or doubt
The central ideal of Archery is finding "the zone", where shooting becomes instinctual and the archer is able to accurately fire a shot without thought or doubt

I believe it may be easier to just identify where Archery and Kyudo are different:
- In Kyudo, philosophy is ingrained into each and every practise. In archery, you are required to bring your own philosophy and reason into the sport.
- Kyudo has a more structured environment in which you learn the art. Archery is more of an individual effort.
- Archery has a far wider ranging demographic than Kyudo, you would likely be one of few attempting to apply any named zen philosophy into your practice (while zen teachings are ingrained into archery or any sport, they are generally not viewed as such)
- In terms of use of the bow effectively, Kyudo has several inefficiencies introduced through the use of an asymmetric bow. Standard archery form is more efficient in its movements and techniques.

Sorry, this turned into a longer post than I realised. You asked "how are kyudo and western archery similar?" I don't think this question really encompasses what I was suggesting. My counter question would be "how is a kyudo-ka and a kendo-ka applying the philosophy of kendo to archery different?"

[stealth_monkey]

- In terms of use of the bow effectively, Kyudo has several inefficiencies introduced through the use of an asymmetric bow. Standard archery form is more efficient in its movements and techniques.

Before someone rightfully jumps on me, that was incorrect and poorly worded. I attempted to edit and remove it however was out of time. However, there are some aspects of kyudo when viewed with the aim of striking a target as quickly, accurately and powerfully as possible which are less efficient than western techniques. This is primarily in the design of the yumi and the draw method used in kyudo. Experienced archers would have no difficulty using either bow or method, however the draw is slightly more difficult for the beginner to learn and the bow is slightly more difficult to build.

[hyuna]

Thanks for your clarification.


My counter question would be "how is a kyudo-ka and a kendo-ka applying the philosophy of kendo to archery different?"

I don't think I understand -- I wouldn't expect a kyudoka to apply the philosophy of kendo to archery, and I think that a kendoka who tries to apply the philosophy of kendo to archery is making a gross mistake. Your teacup is already full, and all of that.

The reason I'm asking is that I don't know much about archery or kyudo. However, I did fence for several years. I think your breakdown applies very well to comparing western fencing and kendo, but I would not suggest that someone who is interested in kendo (as opposed to swordplay) take up fencing as a substitute. The journey is the point, even if you end up in the same place.

[Kaa]

i heard there is one sort of horses on those many allergics don't react. (yes English isn't my first language) they're called curley horses or something similar just in case you would really like to try it :)

yepp - Baskjir Horses. Very friendly too. Quite rare in sweden though but there are some ... so now you just lack a bow, sensei and a dojo... A new years wish perhaps...

[Bruce Mitchell]

That said, I still like Suio Ryu more because it is styliing, the soke is 7th dan kendo and 7th dan iaido, and how the iai-kata can be linked as kumi-iai is why it appeals to me (besides lone wolf and cub :D )!
Are you anywhere near Sequim, WA? There is a Suio Ryu Iai Kenpo shibu there.

[DCPan]

Are you anywhere near Sequim, WA? There is a Suio Ryu Iai Kenpo shibu there.

Thank you Bruce. Unfortunately, being separated by a ferry ride makes it rather unrealistic. There's also the time, money, and commitment factor.

Frankly, I'm with Kim on the whole less is more. Kendo and Yoga are enough to keep me busy for now. If more time frees up, I'm more likely to take up piano, tap dance, or voice lessons! :D I haven't really even had time for iai since around 2005 or so.

I appreciate the heads up though! :D

[kanyil]

Piano, tap dance, voice lessons? You trying to be the next American Idol or part of the Taiwanese Starlight Gang David? :D

[DCPan]

Piano, tap dance, voice lessons? You trying to be the next American Idol or part of the Taiwanese Starlight Gang David? :D

Well, you gotta plan for that retirement nest egg somehow :D

[DCPan]

OMG, how could I forget...if injury isn't an issue, I'd do Parkour! :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_mpNUl3swk

[Hisham]

I would've loved to continue training in Wing Chun and if possible start iaido.

[chidokan]

I got attracted to kyudo a few years ago but didnt find anywhere to train... I must have kept harping on about it to my mrs as she bought me a yumi for Xmas a couple years ago. So.. I had to use it, and found a local longbow club. That bow, weight for weight, shoots an arrow as far as my english yew bow. My bow making buddie loved my yumi and wanted to 'have a go', so we made some copies, and have found a local japanese lady who is going to teach us. If you can't find a dojo, set one up...albeit this is going to be a 'fun' dojo rather than anything serious for me, although with a bit of luck a local guy may want to run with it in the same way as I do with MJER....

I have dropped kendo, MJER only now, as I had to bite the bullet and admit I didnt have enough time to do both 'properly'... 3 days + weekends is pushing my luck apparently...

[still learning]

... I have dropped kendo, MJER only now, as I had to bite the bullet and admit I didnt have enough time to do both 'properly'... .

I, too, have dropped kendo.
A plethora of reasons - including 'political' and personal [some of the people in power were not to my taste... given their attitudes]

Also; I was running a dojo - - but folks were not attending.[..."I promise to start again after the holidays " (or whatever...)]
Kendo on your own can only go so far.....

If I could fit another art into my current schedule ;- HNIR
I know that it is 'more sword stuff' [as my wife calls it]..... but it is the next-on-the-list art for me.

[stealth_monkey]

[as my wife calls it]

I've found the key is to make it the middle ground :smiley:. My fiance wasn't too keen on the "getting beaten with a stick stuff" until I showed her the "getting thrown onto your head stuff". Now if she had her way I'd be doing sword stuff 7 days a week

[Charles Lockhar]

Korean archery. Forget the kyudo and yabusame stuff, those Korean archers rock.

[Anonymous]

A friend of mine from Japan has been doing kyudo since she was a kid. It was most amusing to watch her tripping out over my hunting bow.


I'd like to be able to do some flavor of Itto-ryu some day.

[bullet08]

if my body is what it used to be, i would like to do aikido again. for whatever reason, it felt like great fun while being tortured by sensei and sempai... i'll stick with beer-do for awhile (and kendo).

pete

[b8amack]

A friend of mine from Japan has been doing kyudo since she was a kid. It was most amusing to watch her tripping out over my hunting bow.

Did you take her hunting?

[Anonymous]

Did you take her hunting?

Nope, I imagine it would have been amusing though.

[Zao18]

Despite me having less time than I'd prefer for Kendo these days, I'd give my eye teeth for an iaido instructor here in Edmonton. Not really picky about which specific koryu, though toyama-ryu would be neat for their emphasis on tameshigiri. But in the end, I'd be happy to practice any school of iaido.

[Kim Taylor]

Prof. Bruce Morito used to teach iaido, he is an instructor at Athabasca U but lives/lived in Edmonton. Similarly for Prof. Dietmar Kennepohl and Niten Ichiryu. They both started at U. Guelph. I can't say if either is still practicing but you could ask.

Kim.

[Zao18]

Prof. Bruce Morito used to teach iaido, he is an instructor at Athabasca U but lives/lived in Edmonton. Similarly for Prof. Dietmar Kennepohl and Niten Ichiryu. They both started at U. Guelph. I can't say if either is still practicing but you could ask.

Kim.

Oh wow! Thanks a bunch! Just might have to do some sleuthing *twiddles fingers together*.

[LarsCW]

I started aikido because of my shoulder injury preventing me from doing kendo.

Just one problem.

The first class I went to I fell on my other shoulder protecting the bad one which resulted in no aikido for 3 weeks until I could move the shoulder without any problems.

[Charles Lockhar]

I started aikido because of my shoulder injury preventing me from doing kendo.

That's a weird shoulder injury. Can't picture a shoulder injury that'd let you do aikido but not kendo.



The first class I went to I fell on my other shoulder protecting the bad one which resulted in no aikido for 3 weeks until I could move the shoulder without any problems.

Ok, that's just horribly wrong and unfair. When the Gods are in a pissy mood...

[opentarget]

Im a member of the bujinkan and am now taking kendo on as my second style.(tomorrow for the first time woohoo!)

I know the bujinkan it takes a lot of flack on this and many other sites for being a LARP that is full of politics and all sorts of crap, but I have been in many clubs and styles over the years and I can safely say that its a great style especially its hand to hand aspect.
but i will admit that the wide array of weapons is a major negative in my opinion and one of the major factors of me taking kendo...luckily my class focuses on empty hand 95% of the time and weapons training is actually a novelty and a bit of fun)
My bujinkan training has goten me out of more than a few scrapes in the past 4 years, most recently and today in fact the hours and hours of ukemi drilling saved my ass when I slipped on the ice and flew off my bike and fluidly rolled out of it and streight to my feet...quite a good feeling and nothing but slushy dirty jacket to say i fell at all!

please dont let the 1million bad bujinkan videos on youtube fool you...lol
and we dont think we are "ninjas"...at least not where i train.

[ScottUK]

Hehe Bujinkan...

If I could do another art? Definitely Morishige-ryū hojutsu. No doubt about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njbOPl7BIWk

[pgsmith]

Definitely Morishige-ryū hojutsu.
I tried doing a little "ho"jutsu the last time I was in Tokyo. They didn't like gaijin wandering in those type of bars though. :)

[ScottUK]

I tried doing a little "ho"jutsu the last time I was in Tokyo. They didn't like gaijin wandering in those type of bars though. :)Hehe I was in Namba (Osaka) and I kept reading it as Nampa (http://www.japanfortheuninvited.com/articles/nanpa.html).

[kanyil]

I tried doing a little "ho"jutsu the last time I was in Tokyo. They didn't like gaijin wandering in those type of bars though. :)

Funny that. When I was last in Shinjuku I was approached by representatives from a few different ryuha of that art...

[bullet08]

I started aikido because of my shoulder injury preventing me from doing kendo.

how do you do ukemi in aikido with bad shoulder? i don't even want to think about landing on my shoulder by mistake.. ouch..

pete

[atgm]

Either kyuduo or shoudo... though they're both kind of traditionally girls' arts.

[sirius1906]

Learn Japanese; Calligraphy.

[ludde]

Hmm. If and if and if and all that, I must say Araki-ryu. Hard not to get interested when reading articles by Mr. Amdur.

[atgm]

Wow, terrible typos on my part. Kyuudou or shodou.

[b8amack]

If they offered dan grades in napping, I'd be all over that. Not enough hours in a day, lately.

[Hana]

I've wanted to try Naginata for some time... Unfortunately, I'm not talented enough at Kendo, so I shouldn't even be thinking about venturing off.

[LarsCW]

That's a weird shoulder injury. Can't picture a shoulder injury that'd let you do aikido but not kendo.



Ok, that's just horribly wrong and unfair. When the Gods are in a pissy mood...

I had surgery last Januari. As I had dislocated the same shoulder several times they put a screw in it. By doing exersizes with weights I managed to get the cramping up part solved.

For most of the year my arm and shoulder would cramp up after 10 suburi.

In aikido it's not a problem as my arm stays low most of the time.