Kata Diagrams???

[nodachi]

Does anyone out there know a good website where I can find diagrams of the steps to the kata. I have a terrible memory. I need ridiculous amounts of repetition to remember things like kata, but when I get home from practice I am already foggy about the steps. The diagrams would be helpful to jog my crappy memory and help me practice them more at home.

Thanks

[alexpollijr]

KENDO - The Definitive Guide, published by Kodansha international has some really good kata explanations and diagrams. It's a really helpful book for beginners.

[Confound]

O Mighty and Venerable Waiting Customer, err I mean nodachi-kun,
One point to remember while doing kata is that often, the foot that moves first when you're walking normally (as in one foot in front of the other) is the one that is in the direction you are going. Allow me to explain: When you're in normal kamae, and you're moving forward, you begin by stepping forward with your right foot, then your left. If perchance you were moving backward from the same position, your LEFT foot would lead, because it is behind. The foot which is behind leads when going backwards, the foot that is in front leads going forwards.

There are several times when this doesn't apply, but I've found it works very well in sanbonme especially.

c

[Haowen]

KENDO - The Definitive Guide is an excellent book if you need a reference for your beginner's kendo. If you need a more detailed treatment of which-foot-goes-where-when in kata, you can try Looking At A Far Mountain by Paul Budden.

Hm, then again, you can probably read Japanese, so you probably know more good Japanese kendo books than I possibly would.

[nodachi]

Actually, I am a gaijin here planning on staying awhile, but still can't read so I don't know any good kendo books.

[ben]

Nodach',

There's no hurry to perfect kata, or even to learn kata. Just practise and be patient. You'll get it eventually. Do you know the old story of the young man who had to avenge his father's murder? I'll tell it anyway.

He went to the local kenjutsu sensei and said, "How long will it take to learn the art of the sword?" The master said, "Oh about seven years." The young man said,"Seven years? I can't wait that long!" The master said, "In that case, it will take 10 years."
"What if I study day and night, without rest and put everything into it, how long will it take then?"
"Oh, about 20 years."

The point is, the more impatient you are to learn, the more baggage you bring with you. It's like trying to fill an already full cup. Patience makes you more receptive to what is being taught. And more receptive to NOW.

You could also ask someone to take you aside for 1/2 hour before each training to give you extra practice.

Ganbatte ne.

b