Kendo vs Kenjutsu

[Pokie]

If a sword was given to a kendoka and to a kenjutsu practioner, and they're about to have a death match, who do you think would win ?

[Pan-Chan]

This topic has been talked about. Here you go..

http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5538

[Reikon]

If a sword was given to a kendoka and to a kenjutsu practioner, and they're about to have a death match, who do you think would win ?
Ask said and..Kenjutsu, hands down.

[Optomitrist]

this does come up every couple days. haha who will win now?

[AlexM]

If a sword was given to a kendoka and to a kenjutsu practioner, and they're about to have a death match, who do you think would win ?

The one smart enough to bring a firearm.

[Alex_McGrady]

If a sword was given to a kendoka and to a kenjutsu practioner, and they're about to have a death match, who do you think would win ?Pokie-san, how ya doing? This sounds a lot like a video game? Have you been playing too many video games? Have you lost the idea that kendo is an art form? Just wondering?


Alex

[Kaoru]

Pokie-san, how ya doing? This sounds a lot like a video game? Have you been playing too many video games? Have you lost the idea that kendo is an art form? Just wondering?


Alex
Pokie-san is just wondering and hasn't watched too many videos. :) She's quite sane!

What a question. *shakes head*

Anyway, my bet is on the Kenjutsuka because the Kenjutsuka has more targets, waza and kamae than Kendo. Kenjutsu waza would put a Kendoka in hospital easily in my opinion. For example, a men cut in Kendo doesn't cut through like it does in Kenjutsu. We see that difference in our first kata, "Ippon me." Well, that's as much as I can elaborate right now. Hyaku-sensei knows first hand the differences since he does both Kenjutsu and Kendo. I think he talked about this in one of the various Kendo vs. Kenjutsu threads, but I don't remember which one. Maybe he'll find this one and give his view on this. :)

Kaoru

[Hyaku]

If a sword was given to a kendoka and to a kenjutsu practioner, and they're about to have a death match, who do you think would win ?

I thing I will pass on this one. Try an Anime Forum.

[Alex_McGrady]

Anyway, my bet is on the Kenjutsuka because the Kenjutsuka has more targets, waza and kamae than Kendo. Kenjutsu waza would put a Kendoka in hospital easily in my opinion. For example, a men cut in Kendo doesn't cut through like it does in Kenjutsu. We see that difference in our first kata, "Ippon me." Well, that's as much as I can elaborate right now. Hyaku-sensei knows first hand the differences since he does both Kenjutsu and Kendo. I think he talked about this in one of the various Kendo vs. Kenjutsu threads, but I don't remember which one. Maybe he'll find this one and give his view on this. :)

KaoruHello Kaoru-san, what's going on? :smiley: I guess my last mail was pretty short and did not really express any details, but rather suggested to look at things from a different perspective. No cut on Pokie-san either, I am just jealous that I did not think of the name "Pokie" first when I signed up for this forum....yeah.....Pokie McGrady.... I like the sound of that :wink:

Anyway, asking the question of which would win in a death match, kendo vs. kenjitsu.... umm, it seems to me obvious. Kendo is not about killing or delivering a death blow, and most certainly not about hurting your opponent. Kendo is the evolution of a peaceful sword from the kenjitsu killing sword.

Does anyone really think that if a kendo joe was really in a death match he would only use form wazas from kendo....

The argument of kendo vs kenjitsu as to killing power, is like an oxyidiot....or...is that an oxymoron... I dont remember. Kendo is not about death...but about life and growth.... come on, really. The reason the kendo men strike does not cut through is because it would hurt. Try it... you will see. Please dont hurt your kendo partner because you might find yourself without anyone willing to practice with you.:beard:

Alex

[Kaoru]

Hello Kaoru-san, what's going on? :smiley: I guess my last mail was pretty short and did not really express any details, but rather suggested to look at things from a different perspective. No cut on Pokie-san either, I am just jealous that I did not think of the name "Pokie" first when I signed up for this forum....yeah.....Pokie McGrady.... I like the sound of that :wink:

Hi Alex-san,

It's ok. Never mind me... Just was defending. ;) This question has been asked on every budo forum I have been to, hehehe! Though, I think it has been asked the most here.(I could be wrong...)


Anyway, asking the question of which would win in a death match, kendo vs. kenjitsu.... umm, it seems to me obvious. Kendo is not about killing or delivering a death blow, and most certainly not about hurting your opponent. Kendo is the evolution of a peaceful sword from the kenjitsu killing sword.

Does anyone really think that if a kendo joe was really in a death match he would only use form wazas from kendo.... You have a good point! But, I think they would for the 1st 10 seconds but then realise they'd better do something else in order to save their skin!


The argument of kendo vs kenjitsu as to killing power, is like an oxyidiot....or...is that an oxymoron... I dont remember. Hahaha! Oxyidiot... funny! That word could have its uses. :D But really, it's "oxymoron."


Kendo is not about death...but about life and growth.... come on, really. The reason the kendo men strike does not cut through is because it would hurt. Try it... you will see. Please dont hurt your kendo partner because you might find yourself without anyone willing to practice with you.:beard:

Alex Anyway, you made some really good points that I agree with. :)

Kaoru

[CryingFreeman]

i know the debate often comes up between kendo and kenjutsu but the way you have put it is interesting

i have no knowledge of kenjutsu training only that people say it is mostly kata and that in kenjutsu they are taught to strike true, what i wonder about is whether on its own kenjutsu will train you for combat.

i think a lot of kenjutsu practitioners and teachers were once kendoka right?

i wonder if without that combat experience of keiko and shiai their kenjutsu would be as effective

although you could say that kata is perfect for preparing the mind for combat some would say that keiko and shiai will prepare you better for determining the intentions of your opponent.

so if you had a kenjutsu (with no knowledge of, or experience with kendo) practitioner and a kendo practitioner say 4 years of practice each, both given swords but no armor and told to fight to the death

it seems evident that the kenjutsuka would strike truer than the kendoka but the question is will the kenjutsuka get the chance to strike through?

i think the kendoka, being more used to being under pressure and being attacked, might be in the more favourable position, especially when it comes to reading and anticipating the opponent. i could imagine the kendoka would be able to get in a critical strike or two after all even if you hit on the head with a kendo men strike with a naked blade you have probably lost the duel, the shock of the impact on your head would probably make you lose concentration long enough for the kendoka get in there and finish you off

i think the kendoka might be at an advantage because of this but like i said
i think many kenjutsuka and kenjutsu instructors have had ample kendo experience which would negate this advantage.

my 2 cents

[Hisham]

I thing I will pass on this one. Try an Anime Forum. I agree, this thread has no relevance as far as where it was started. the lounge woud've been more suitable, no offence but it reminds me of those "debates" we used to have when we were kids like if the terminator fought robocop who ll be the winner?

[CryingFreeman]

no offence but it reminds me of those "debates" we used to have when we were kids like if the terminator fought robocop who ll be the winner?
what a silly question!!
robocop doesn't stand a chance :-)

[Lloromannic]

it reminds me of those "debates" we used to have when we were kids like if the terminator fought robocop who ll be the winner?
There was actually a videogame for the SNES called Robocop VS Terminator where you played as Robocop and had to advance through levels killing loads of termis. And Robocop won (as long as you completed the game)

[Pokie]

oh no I was just being very curious. Cos sometimes when I practise kendo, ppl shout remarks like "look at those guys playing with sticks!" so I'm there carrying a bamboo in my hand and think..hrmmm...if this is a martial art..is it really practical ? I mean...will it defend my life one day ? If I had a real sword in my hand, will I be able to use it ? Or kendo is just basically a sport..and it has no relation with martial art what so ever.

So I was just trying to see its practical side. If not, then shoud I see kendo as a sport? It keeps me fit and strong, teaches me to relax my mind under pressure (mind of no mind) and...that's it? Oh besides that it's really fun. For people who think kendo is a martial art..I went to inquire about kenjutsu from japanese sensei, he reffered to kendo as boxing, and kenjutsu is the real art of the sword. Im just trying to clear my mind as to how to see kendo, a martial art or martial sport, but I still like it no matter what. Just want to understand what I'm really getting into though. Cos it's not exactly sport..and not exactly martial art..do u agree ?

Oh by the way I dun like Anime and Manga...I only watch Doraemon with my gf...and that's cos she cooks nice food and I have to sit with her to eat and watch it.

[Pan-Chan]

oh no I was just being very curious. Cos sometimes when I practise kendo, ppl shout remarks like "look at those guys playing with sticks!" so I'm there carrying a bamboo in my hand and think..hrmmm...if this is a martial art..is it really practical ? I mean...will it defend my life one day ? If I had a real sword in my hand, will I be able to use it ?

Kendo is not a self defense, nor is its point to learn how to use a real sword. It is an art that one cultivates themself through. It just happens that there is a part of this that involves tournaments, which makes the "sport" aspect of Kendo arise.

[Pokie]

i see..so it is an art..a unique one..just like Capoera...i dun think it's practical self defense wise...but it is form of martial art still..i get it now..thank you

[KenShi_JoB]

Kendo is a state of evolution of Japanese sword arts to fit the modern time. Its goals maybe to cultivate oneself or compete as sports, but we can not deny its deep roots in sword fight. There are some spirit or some residue of sword fight in it IMHO. I don't agree with people who said about kendo like it completely irrelavent to sword fight.

If put a kendoka and a kenjutsu practitioner in a death match, both stand a chance. I think even people who do not train in any martial arts with a kitchen knife still has a chance with a kenshi with katana in hands. Speed and strength and some kendo skills might help kendoka to win.

[Pokie]

one of our japanese sensei's did not refer to kendo as a martial art..he referred it as a "difficult game" and he's 6th dan. So im thinking maybe that's how I should think kendo too..it's just a game..but a difficult and challenging one..some ppl when they think of kendo they link it to japanese culture/history/way of life/bushido..you name it. Think I'm going to go with sensei's approach to it as just a game..a difficult game...not a sport or martials arts but a game. Something you do for fun...martial arts..sports..whatever it is.