Left-Hand Kendo, Teacher, Used Armor?

[Kpeer]

I am about to start practicing Kendo based on Sensei George Alexander's video "This is Kendo". At the beginning of the video he says there is no such thing as using the left hand as the forward grip hand. As I am left-handed I am wondering if someone can tell me if this is rule is universal in Kendo and if so, how it came into being.

Also - is there anyone who teaches Kendo within a hundred mile radius of Garberville, California? Garberville is about sixty miles south of Eureka.

One last question: Where is the best place to purchase inexpensive practice armor and is it possible to buy used? Myself and two others are interested.

Many thanks.

[Khabbi]

dont double post dude :smiley:

[Kpeer]

Whoops didn't mean to double post. Thought I stopped my first submission before it got out from my browser..

[Will]

I hate to break this to you, but "Sensei" George Alexander's video probably isn't the best video to teach kendo...and the closest kendo (in California) is Sacramento...maybe there's something in Oregon if that's not too far.

[Ralutin]

I am about to start practicing Kendo based on Sensei George Alexander's video "This is Kendo". At the beginning of the video he says there is no such thing as using the left hand as the forward grip hand. As I am left-handed I am wondering if someone can tell me if this is rule is universal in Kendo and if so, how it came into being.

Also - is there anyone who teaches Kendo within a hundred mile radius of Garberville, California? Garberville is about sixty miles south of Eureka.

One last question: Where is the best place to purchase inexpensive practice armor and is it possible to buy used? Myself and two others are interested.

Many thanks.

Hi,

Using the right hand as the forward grip is pretty much universal in Japanese swordsmanship. There's no way getting around it. I'm left-handed too, but quickly got used to swinging a sword with my right hand forward. It was the same way when I learned how to play golf for the first time.

I hate to say it, but you're in a "black hole" as far as kendo goes. The nearest dojo is in Sacramento which is over 150 miles from Garberville. I don't know of any AUSKF dojo within 200 miles of Eureka.

As far as bogu goes, I think online stores are your best bet. Here are three to start you off with:

http://www.bogubag.com
http://www.e-bogu.com
http://www.eguchi.net

BoguBag.com is located in Oregon while the other two are here in Southern California. BoguBag MAY sell used bogu sets. I'd check the website to confirm. I know that e-bogu and Eguchi don't sell used sets.

I hope this helps.

[Kpeer]

Thanks very much for you help. Ralutin!

[Arnold Strong]

Don't buy the armor yet. You won't be needing it for months, sometimes a year.

[tyler]

I'm left handed too and I remember asking the same question. I think being left handed is an advantage though; if your left is stronger, then you're better off because the left is used for power anyways. The usual instinct is to use the right (top grip nearest tsuba) because it feels easier and you have more leverage, but try to use the left for power and you'll be better off. Being left handed, my left arm is stronger and I think as a result i picked up the swing faster.

[Kpeer]

Thank you Tyler for your encouragement.