Can someone help me?

[Himura Kenshin]

I've been looking for a wooden Iaito or anything similar to a samurai sword that is wooden, that has a sheath with it to practice drawing techniques. I found one, but it's sheath was plastic, and wasn't meant for battle.

Also, I've been looking for a Wooden Kadochi. If anyone could help me find either or both of these items, I'd really appreicate it.

Thanks in advance... I'm new here but I'm looking foward to having a good time.

[Caleb]

First off, what in the world do you want a "battle suited" saiya for your tachi for? Anyway, you can get a tachi and kodachi set off of e-bogu, eguich, kendoshop etc. Or if you live in japan/california you can actually go to stores. one more thing about the saya- if you need something to put your boken in, how about go out on the limb and make one from a cardboard gift wrapping thing. You know- like christmas paper things. Wrap it in paper mache or something. Heck, I just thaught of that. Just think of something. Why not use plastic saya?

[Himura Kenshin]

I use saya's for defensive reasons. If I'm up against an opponent with dual weapons, and I'm unable to parry both blades with mine own, I can pull the saya up for a quick defense.

I was thinking of making my own, but I was unsure if it would actually work, or if it would hold the blade securly... I was hoping make one of wood, but I have no idea about making items from wood... If all else fails, I suppose I can always buy the one I had my sights on, but I would much rather a wooden one that is suited for battle, it's just my way of dueling.

Thanks for the ideas though.

[Caleb]

your 14! What is the likelyhood of you actually applying this!? Never in your life do you need this. You my 1 year younger friend lack the necessary brain cells to comprehend fictional use to actual applicatin of swords. You are an Idiot to my standards. Dont take it personally, but you need to think your kendo and iaido career over very carefully

[Odachi]

Not that this will help you, but to add to the suggestion of the gift wrap cardboard tube. One step better, go to a sports store with golf supplies and use one of the plastic inserts for a golf bag, perfect fit... a little black paint or electirical tape and you have youself a saya.

[xvikingx]

....it's just my way of dueling.
With who??

[Will]

taking a line from triumph...

Seriously man...have you ever talked to a girl without giving her your credit card number?

Grow up, we're not in a cartoon. I don't want to hear "I just pretend with my friends" or something. I would think that the imaginary friends phase would have been over by your age.

People like you should be institutionalized.

[Khabbi]

Himura Kenshin aka Kenshin Himura

you are nuts , i would sugest you'd take your money and instead of buying bokkens , iaitos , katanas you would seek profesionel help from a shrink.

[Himura Kenshin]

I duel with my brother.

I have been looking for training, but I live in one of the worlds smallest towns and there is hardly anything here, much less a dojo that will teach me any sort of blade skills.

[Himura Kenshin]

I have been looking for a Kendo dojo for a long time, but I live in one of the smallest towns alive, and there is hardly anything here, much less a kendo dojo. So if there was a dojo here, I would have joined years ago.

Also, since I haven't been taught in a kendo dojo, my fighting style is different from yours, and from what I've seen, quite stupid in your opinions. I can't fight in a syle I've never been raised in or taught anything about.

Not to be offensive, but I can not think about my Kendo Career when I've never been in a kendo dojo and no one in this town will teach me about it. If I could, I would have picked up kendo years ago, but if no one down here has a dojo, I can't learn Kendo well. I can read books and watch videos about it, but if I come upon a wall that I do not know how to get past, no one will be there to show me what I'm doing wrong.

[Kenshin Himura]

"Pull the saya up for a quick defense", eh? ^.^x' Well I think your trying to imitate the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu, that you are. The technique does not exist. Its fictional. And you wouldnt need to defend yourself. (I need to, that I do. I have a phycotix ex girlfriend who if I say a certain thing to her she'll kill me with her sword, that I do). Anyways why not stick with the plastic sheath? I used a plastic sword for some time untill I got a carbon spring steel one, and a stainless steel one that sucks. ^^x' anyways if you REALLY want to get into this, I suggest you study it first, to get the basis, and if theres no dojo's around, then well... What I did was talk to my martial arts instructor and he's keeping an eye out for me for senseis in kendo to do personal lessons with me (possibly for free).
When you train though, I suggest running sprints, laps, for about 30 minutes.. Jumproping is good too (got some pre-training/excercises from somebody who told me). Also practice subiris and get them right. If you get into this and dont have the endurance, you will fall.
You can learn any blade skills on your own with time and practice. I spent one of my whole summers creating a type of my own to understand a few things (it was a fun project lol) and I did it and it worked well (I made it counter attack every one of Kenshin's techniques so all you Kenshin-wannabe's *not including myself* who go against me may lose if you use the FICTIONAL style.)
but you won't get the proffessional touch to it by yourself.
thats when you go around looking for sensei's in your town (or if any or something)
I live in a town that has no Kendo dojos
and also..
Defend yourself? Dueling your brother? No need to get so serious about this. Just buy a few $10 daitos and make your own sheath. I'm planning on doing that. Heres the link:
http://www.armurself.com/showroom.php?pdb=jlknife&SelectedProd=697
its only about $10. Not that bad, I'm planning on using one for CosPlay. ^^x lol

[Kenshin Himura]

My fighting style is also different. I slightly base it off of what I've learned off of life in my mind. Like.. I see in a duel, some guy draws the blade and slashes right, and the other slashes down and hits the striker's shoulder. I say "When I do that I'll pull my sheath up or slash up and right so I still have defense."
Basically doing much study and practice I put together a big group of fancy counter attacks and base attacks, and a few nice ones, and made it into my own little sword style so I wouldnt die of bordem. Anyways
no need to act so different. I live in Connecticut, in a town that has only 2 MARTIAL ARTS DOJOS, and no Kendo places, but my instructor may come across a kendo instructor to teach me, so dont give up. Even if theres no dojos around where you live, you have to look on.

[Kenshin Himura]

Yes, also, this isnt fun duel land. We're not in Rurouni world, this is life. I suggest you don't practice for haha's and have a good time. I practice seriously (also with my ex.. hm.. not sure when she'll go insane.. <.<x I have a reason! lol) but dont take this all to seriously, man. I tried this, it got me nowheres but into an argument.. but.. ended up fine after that. lol
Anyways
If your really looking for a saya to use (I can understand how you use the saya for defense non-related to Rurouni Kenshin, I used the saya in a few moves in the style I made up) I suggest you get a golf bag thing, like the other guy said. theres many ways to get a saya. Think. lol

[Kenshin Himura]

and in dueling your brother... do you use protective gear? yes, I'm serious. Playing around (like what you seem to do) can get you hurt. I suggest getting SOME type of gear when you duel.. unless your crazy enough to not care if your shoulder gets injured to the point where you cant do kendo anymore. it happens!
for me I dont plan on fighting anytime soon.. so I never really use gear unless its neccisary. Hm.. I ran out of things to say.. anybody else want to add onto it? lol

[Kenshin Himura]

(oh and if your still nuts about kendo or run off of anime, I suggest you go to an institute... asap) lol

[Himura Kenshin]

I think your all judging too quickly. Just becuase I've named my username Himura Kenshin, doesn't mean I'm copying the Hiten Misturugi. I know that the techniques are pointless to try to learn, since their are physcially impossible, and defy the laws of physics. The reason I'm looking for a battle suited saya is for the reason that my brother uses dual weapons almost all the time, and if he uses both correctly, there are situations where two blades can easily penetrate the defense of one. In these instances, I could use a saya as a quick shield, and I don't see why everyone jumps to conclusions that I'm trying to mimic ficion styles, or I've lost it because I fight with the saya... I usually only use it as a quick defense and then forget that is it there.

I suppose carring this thread on is pointless, since it became a insulting board, instead of just trying to get some help to find a saya I could use in battle. Thanks for the ideas that were posted by those of you who were trying to help, I appreicate it.

The reason I was looking to buy a saya was for the reason of making sure I could use it, and that it would fit. I know nothing of wood-making, and attempting to make my own would result in a waste of time... since it would fall apart or it wouldn't fit nicely.

[Caleb]

This, my non japanese oriented fellow kenshi, is what gives america the reputation it has. This is why we have japanese sensei laugh at us. This is why we have japanese in general laugh at us. Somepeople state things and then contradict them in the next post. Some are stuck in disney land with a sword. Some just need to find a nice hobby besides making up sword styles and get a life. Take what you want out of this and apply it to your life. To me, anyone that actually spends a summer making their own sword styles now a days is flat out wasteing time. Mow some lawns and buy a book on iaido. It will point you in a better direction than swinging your sword around, thinking you are a samurai. I dont even know why I read posts with the kenshi/himura screen names on them, because every single one, iv rolled my eyes at. Yet, while im still trying to retain a good kendoka attitude, I commend your intrest in japanese ken, but advise you to get your heads out of the clouds.


PS-have a good super bowl sunday

[Will]

Hey guys, i think this is more up both Kenshin Himura and Himura Kenshin's ally....I'm sure both your sword skills will come in handy here...

Make sure the sound is on!

http://www.wiredvideo.com/clips/av3/ogrebattle.mpg

[Chopstix]

http://www.wiredvideo.com/clips/av3/ogrebattle.mpg
Heh heh :D

[Himura Kenshin]

And I suppose it's my fault for being born in a small town where kendo isn't taught, and that I can not afford to move somewhere that does teach it. I can't learn and battle in a way that I've never been taught, or shown.

Can I ask this one questions though? Why is it so insane to use the saya as a shield every once in a while? Especailly since I'm at a disadvantage against an opponent with two weapons... I suppose you'll try to find something to insult me with, but it takes more than mere petty words from people to angry anyone... and it isn't working here. I'm sorry I can't find I dojo that teaches kendo, I'm sorry that I had to adjust to my own certian style since I can't go to a dojo... I just can't understand why this is considered to be so insane and pathetic. Also, having a plastic saya in my house means a broken one, since I have younger family members who charge into my room when I'm out, and throw everything they find around the room.

[Will]

It's crazy because you seem to not understand what kendo is and replace it with your own interpretation. No one studies kendo to learn how to actually fight each others in armed combat and think of scenerios where we must face certain types of opponents (at least I hope not). It's considered insane because it seems like you're training for something, like the devolution of the world and it's technology. It won't happen, go play D&D, it seems like you'll have more fun with that.

:)

[Caleb]

Its so insane, because no one makes their own style up any more. Every one practices a iaido ryu or a kendo ryu or a kenjutsu ryu. No one practices a homemade ryu because its useless. The reason that people do sword arts is to carry on tradition. You can like the sword all you want, and you can alter somethings a littlebit once you become really respected, but to make your own ryu is just ignorant. I understand that you dont have a dojo to practice at, and you live in a small town, but just practice already set ryu. See, when you go into a dojo in about say 5 years, you will think that your form is the best, and then you will eventually quit. It happens to everyone I know that have simular cases to yours. All that time (5 years) you could've been conditioning, suburi practice, research and saving money you spent imagining your stupid non-realistic swordstyle. Its impracticle to make your own style in todays society. We dont carry swords, and we have no combative use for them, so the need for aspiring ryu is un needed. Thats why we pitty you, and give you a hard time. Because your wasting your time. Practice suburi and train your mental and physical stamina and strength. Also save money, because sword arts arn't cheap. All the advice I can give you with out being intrusive- but seriously think about my words.

[Will]

I'll like to add to Caleb's response, Hiten Mitsurugi is not a real ryu.

[Kaoru]

My fighting style is also different. I slightly base it off of what I've learned off of life in my mind. Like.. I see in a duel, some guy draws the blade and slashes right, and the other slashes down and hits the striker's shoulder. I say "When I do that I'll pull my sheath up or slash up and right so I still have defense."
Basically doing much study and practice I put together a big group of fancy counter attacks and base attacks, and a few nice ones, and made it into my own little sword style so I wouldnt die of bordem. Anyways
no need to act so different. I live in Connecticut, in a town that has only 2 MARTIAL ARTS DOJOS, and no Kendo places, but my instructor may come across a kendo instructor to teach me, so dont give up. Even if theres no dojos around where you live, you have to look on.

Who says there's no Kendo in Connecticut??

Here are two Kendo dojos in Conecticut. Go and drive there. And, no complaining about distance, because it is quite common. There is rarely any such thing as a Kendo dojo in one's backyard. hehehe, I have to travel 2 1/2 hrs one way to mine, twice a month.

Remember to call the sensei first, and ask to watch a practice. That's what you will do at the first practice. Oh, and make sure to visit both dojos, because one may be more suited to you than the other. And, make sure both sensei know you are going to visit each dojo. It's just polite that they both know that you will visit both.

Well, I hope this helps! Now you have no excuse for training! hahaha! :D Enjoy!

Kaoru

Here they are:

Kendo and Iaido:
----------------

Shidogakuin GW(teaches both Kendo and Iaido)

http://www.kendoka.org/dojos_ct.html

20 Acosta Street
Stamford, CT
M W Sa
Sa Iaido
Contact: Duane E. Langenwalter (203)445-0192
E-mail: DuaneL@OutOfThinAir.com

-----------------

GNUSKF(Greater Northeastern US Kendo Federation)
Yale Kendo Club

This URL gives days and times of practice and who to contact:

http://www.kendoka.org/dojos_yu.html

This URL is the Yale Kendo Club website itself:
http://www.yale.edu/kendo/

Yale University Gym
New Haven, CT
Contact: Shozo Kato (203)637-5475

E-mail: Kendoka@worldnet.att.net

[Kaoru]

And I suppose it's my fault for being born in a small town where kendo isn't taught, and that I can not afford to move somewhere that does teach it. I can't learn and battle in a way that I've never been taught, or shown.

Can I ask this one questions though? Why is it so insane to use the saya as a shield every once in a while? Especailly since I'm at a disadvantage against an opponent with two weapons... I suppose you'll try to find something to insult me with, but it takes more than mere petty words from people to angry anyone... and it isn't working here. I'm sorry I can't find I dojo that teaches kendo, I'm sorry that I had to adjust to my own certian style since I can't go to a dojo... I just can't understand why this is considered to be so insane and pathetic. Also, having a plastic saya in my house means a broken one, since I have younger family members who charge into my room when I'm out, and throw everything they find around the room.

Hi there,

How do you know there isn't a dojo around in your state. Tell us your location and maybe we can help you...if you are willing to give up your fantasy stuff and work hard at the real thing, that is. If you tried posting all this talk on e-budo, a VERY serious Japanese Sword Art forum where many qualified sensei are, they'd set you straight in a real hurry.

http://www.e-budo.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?forumid=16

Be warned that if you decide to post there, you must register first, and you must write your real name-first and last names, in each post. It's a rule there, and if you don't, they will remind you.

Also, go here, to see what I told somebody else who apparently thought Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu is real. It is NOT a real style. Koryu(traditional Japanese Sword Arts) people will climb all over you if you keep this up. Just thought you should know that.

http://www2.g-com.ne.jp/~japan/cgi-bin301/ikonboard.cgi?s=401e89db1c6effff;act=ST;f=5;t=192

Oh...by the way. DO NOT go out and buy a read sword, if you ever are thinking of doing so. You are not trained, and you WILL get cut, I promise you. You can easily lose a finger or worse, using a live blade. Don't even attempt it. A sword is a dangerous thing in the hands of an untrained and inexperienced person's hands. In a real dojo, you will only be allowed to use a bokuto(wooden sword) for a long time, until your sensei tells you otherwise.

And, you have not created a style. You really are just waving a sword around, no offense. I've seen this discussion on another board already, and it's just a fact.

Training in a Koryu art, you will not learn to be like Kenshin or any other anime character, or, like any movie character. It's all very serious and really hard work.

Anyway, if you are really serious about training in a real JSA, and you want Koryu(Not Kendo. The traditional Japanese Sword Arts.), please PM me. But, I will only give you that, if you are willing to work very hard. It's not a joke to train in Koryu, and they only want dedicated, serious people. Otherwise, I or someone else will just post for you, Kendo here if you give your location.

Kaoru

[Andoy]

.......A plastic saya in my house means a broken one, since I have younger family members who charge into my room when I'm out, and throw everything they find around the room.
Then lock your door.

[Himura Kenshin]

Why is it you keep saying I'm twisting 'Kendo' when I do not study it, nor do I claim to use it.

I've looked all over my county for a dojo that teaches anything, believe me. I've been looking for a dojo for two years that wouldn't require a two hour drive back and forth. If I was able, I'd move somewhere that teaches anything, but I don't have enough money and it would interupt my schooling. I will ask around for a try though.

About locking the door, our doors only have a lock on the inside, and we have no key holes on them. It's an aparament as well, so we can't do anything to them without having to pay full repair and labor for whoever fixes it... which defies the whole point for making a key hole in the first place.

About this Hiten Mitsurugi mess, I realize that it is not real, and I never claimed it was and I didn't claim to practice it, or have anything else to do with it. Kenshin Himura said I was trying to copy it for the reason of using the saya as a shield in occasions.

[mingshi]

Kid, you'd better put down your sword and pick up your Maths book or whatever book you use in school classes.

Maybe you can get into a good university and they will have a kendo club for you instead.

Be realistic. Spending time finding a proper place to train is also part of the practice. Fantasizing your training in "swordmanship" at your backyard with your brother is not.

Though sometimes I wish I can be as naive as you guys are when I was at your age....hmmm.

[misterkurukuru]

Okay....well this is what I think. When using a sword you must have a certain amount of honor. Anyone can kill anyone with a sword; it really does not take that much skill. Its all in the way you fight that makes kendo/Budo so intriguing. When you fight, you should fight honorably. If the other guy does something cheap and disgraceful like block with his sheath, well he has no honor and he shouldn’t be happy that he survived. Instead of blocking with a sheath or tossing sand/dirt/dog poop into your opponents eyes, the real swordsmen lives and dies by his best waza. I know this sounds a little chambara and dumb…but it’s true in kendo too! If your best waza is men and the other guys best waza is men…well you want to beat him with your best cut. It’s cheap to go kote because it will be like you are backing down from the challenge. More then blocking, I would work on cutting…oh course shiai kendo is different… I am talking a about shobu for honor not hardware. And Kenshin you don’t seem to be in tournaments…soooo I dunno….is it better to die honorably or to live as a coward? This maybe a cultural thing.

[Bayushi-Shoju]

Hey just a thought
ok you guys with the saya fighting when you pull it up to parry or block.... wont the Beautifuly Hand Made Katana of the enemy cut cleanly threrw it and threw your Side? Just wondering.
Kenshi Smurf

[xvikingx]

Hey just a thought
ok you guys with the saya fighting when you pull it up to parry or block.... wont the Beautifuly Hand Made Katana of the enemy cut cleanly threrw it and threw your Side?
Kenshi Smurf

No, because people don't sword fight. At least sane people don't.

[Kenshin Himura]

Sword fight= little kids in fantasy land
sword training= normal
A little sparring is ok but when you get this deep into it, no.

oh and Kaoru,
those 2 kendo dojos... I cant go there!!! I live in Enfield. I'm 14. I don't have a car. I dont have money. i still rely on my parents. i cant get a job.
Thus, I cant go to Stamford to learn there. (My dad's car is starting to break too and we arent the richest people on the block. lol)
also
I read up on the yale one before you posted, and its for people at Yale ONLY. So.. I cant go. Thus, refer to my signature. lol
(sorry f I sounded a bit mean to you Miss Kaoru. ^^x')