Advice on Seeking Budo with a Sword

[nodachi]

I only know Kendo (and only a little so far) so I offer this question to all of you.

My fiance wants to learn some sort of Budo with a sword. It looks interesting to her, but she is not interested in the competitive aspects of it. Please offer advice on what Budo might be good for her. She is looking for something that focuses more on the internal aspects of Budo and not so much shiai.

Thanks again

[munenmuso]

How about Kyudo? I'ts the art of the poet, a lot of concentration and focus.Non combatant unless pointed at a moving target.

Or better yet, man, Yabusame!!!! For the more adventurous spirit in you.

Ride with the wind Bulls-Eye!!!!!:)

[qpuppy]

eeee...... munenmuso... no offence but yes, kyudo is part of budo.. but not with a sword... :p

but yes.. nodachi, how about Iaido, or Kenjutsu? or maybe even jodo?

Alvin

[Ares2907]

Start off with seitei iai. If she likes that, progress to one of the koryu arts.
Perhaps tameshigiri (test cutting) would also interest.

[nodachi]

Thank you for the suggestions, but I am do not really know what Iaido, Kenjutsu, Jodo, seitei iai, and tameshigiri are. I am sure I have seen some of them, but the names are unfamiliar to me. Can you give me brief descriptions of what you do in each?


tanx

[alexpollijr]

Well

Iaido and 'Seitei Iai' are basically the same thing. Iaido is the art of drawing and cutting imaginary opponents in a given scenario. Seitei gata Iai are the 12 Kata standardized by the All Japan Kendo Federation. After you "master" these 12 then you usually move to an old style of Iai (koryu), which features a number of different kata added to the original 12.

Tameshigiri is cutting with a live blade. Usually straw targets.

Kenjutsu is the grandfather of Kendo. It is like kendo kata, but depending on the ryuha you choose (say, Hyoho Niten Ichi), there is a number of different kata, usually practiced without real contact , as practice is carried with bokuto or live blades.

Jodo is the way of the short staff. It's also kata-based and does not have any competition aspects as it doesn't feature real contact, since the staffs are of solid wood (like bokuto).

This is a very simplistic apporach but I think you'll get the idea

[nodachi]

Thanks, now I can explain much better and we can start looking for a convenient dojo.

Peace out cub scouts

[Kendoka]

Iaido.

Ask your kendo sensei for a referral or contact the prefectural kendo renmei for advice.

R

[fubo.x]

Perhaps tameshigiri (test cutting) would also interest.

mmm... do you really want your girl been masterful with a live blade? ;) you could start sleeping on your belly from now on. :D