Newbie

[Marine_Boy]

Hi all in this forum.

Just started Kendo a few weeks ago and lovin' it. The weird thing is that the only dojo in the area with an atmosphere that I like is for children and I'm getting shown up by kids more than half my age!!! How can this be:ko:

StanLee

[Critical_Bill]

oh, the real fun starts when you get beat up by somone doubble your age :)

[Marine_Boy]

It's ok, I get that in aikido where I've been promoted to chief crash test dummy for my sensei!

StanLee

[nodachi]

Train harder! Most kids have a tendancy to not pay enough attention to detail. Not because they aren't paying attention, but it is just the nature of kids to be a little spacey and not look for all those tiny little details. If you keep focused, you will surpass them if you keep focused and keep looking for those little things that make a big difference.

[Marine_Boy]

I know what you mean. In aikido, I'm an assistant instructor for the children's class and it may seem that they are spaced out or not paying attention most of the time but when asked about names of techniques in japanese and how to do them, they just come out with the info!

[Old Warrior]

I am 54. Not only am I three times older than the oldest student, but I am the only one that does not speak Korean (I learn Kumdo from a Korean 7th Dan). One of teenagers told me he couldn't wait to bout with me so he could "kick my ass" (he was jesting). I am the most junior student in the class. Actually, I sit at my desk at my office and I can't wait for the evening class. I love being a "student", where everyone is not expecting me to know everything and solve their problems.

Nevertheless, my degree of concentration is much superior to the kids and my understanding of close quarter combat (6 yrs karate, 15 yrs fencing) gives me an advantage, despite my crude technique and poor footwork. Actually, my greatest concern is not hitting too hard. I have a very strong self defense urge and when I get into the zone I just want to destroy that which is in front of me. The kids are all nice respectful students, from solid families with good values and they can't draw upon the "dark places" I've been. Someday, I hope my technique will improve so I can become a more worthy student.

[Haowen]

Hey Old Warrior,

What dark places have you been? With all that experience you must have some interesting tales to tell. Please share! :)

[Marine_Boy]

Yes Old Warrior,

Pray tell us about your experiences, how do draw upon forces of the "dark side":) in your training? Is it effective? I know this is not a kendo question as such but, it is interesting how one can use emotions (if that is what you mean) to get an edge in our training.

From my own experience in mountain bike training, i have found that as an angst ridden youth, i have often used anger and hate to push myself harder on long and steep uphill sections. But i have since matured (less angry:rolleyes: ) and i try to draw on extra reserves from grit determination. Also, since restarting martial arts training, i have started to investigate the aspect of "no mind" and how meditation / zazen could improve my training, responsive times and character.

Perhaps I should start a new thread on this...

Stan :normal:

[emitbrownne]

Fencing with children can be as rewarding as fencing with adults This is mainly due to thier abundance of energy and unwillingness (if there is such a word) to quit. There are a number of juniors who fence at my dojo and although they do not have the refined techniques of some of the seniors, thier staying power and enthusiam often result in some great strikes.

If you applied the joy or spirit of the kids in your fencing it may help when fencing them...

well its an idea anyway...:rolleyes:

[Old Warrior]

To end the "Dark Side" inquiries, let's just say that some of us have had to deal, from childhood, with immensely difficult lives. Death, illness, poverty, and crushing responsibility are not things we wish on our children.

Some people fold under the pressure of adversity. Fear holds them prisoner and the absence of apparent hope crushes their will. Others get used to a world in chaos, accept the possibility of imminent death and neither seek it or fear it. They get hard and develope a certain strength that sustains positive activity in the "now". Yet, they do not lose sight of the need to live a moral and ethical life that has meaning beyond themselves.

Where everything in ones life has come, only, from a step by step, methodical focus on the next task; with the understanding that reaching a goal may take great effort and dedication and that one must frequently put off current enjoyment for future return - considerable acheivement is possible. This is what it takes to learn martial arts (in general) and from what I can see - Kumdo. I strive to learn to do everything I am being taught, as it should be done. The fact that I cannot internalize and do it today - is of no moment. The fact that I may die before I have mastered the art - is of no moment. The fact that I may never possess the physical prowess to be "good" - is of no moment.

What matters is that I have the opportunity to learn and I will try to do justice to the efforts of my teachers. I will give 110% of what I have to give. I will make no excuses for my failures because I accept that there will be many. I will use my failures as lessons for change. This mindset has served me well and has made my lifeforce somewhat formidable. Very few can fathom what this kind of determination can accomplish.

[Marine_Boy]

Sorry Old Warrior, didn't mean to intrude. But I agree with you that there's nothing better to urge us along in our training than life experiences.

Stan

[Winter_Wolf]

Hi,
I agree as well. I've been betrayed and made to look like a fool so long through school, i'm willing to take any pain i'm given, knowing that this pain is mearly my weakness leaving my body.
Thanks,
W.W.

[Old Warrior]

"I'm getting shown up by kids more than half my age!!! How can this be?"

Don't complain, I am 3 times older than the oldest student in my class. And, I am the junior most student and thus I always assume my place at the end of the line.

Actually, I love it. The kids have accepted me as just another guy in the class and they even involve me in their childish antics (a poke and there with the shinai before class).

Just about every one has superior skill although my intensity terrifies a few of them. The Master cringes when we bout because I still hit too hard, despite my concious effort to be gentle. I have yet to be able to separate speed from hard hitting. I just will have to practice more till I get a little better.

[KhawMengLee]

From my own experience in mountain bike training, i have found that as an angst ridden youth, i have often used anger and hate to push myself harder on long and steep uphill sections. But i have since matured (less angry ) and i try to draw on extra reserves from grit determination. Also, since restarting martial arts training, i have started to investigate the aspect of "no mind" and how meditation / zazen could improve my training, responsive times and character.

Woah, a definate no-no. Never use anger in kendo, against a less skilled/experienced kendoka maybe, but against anyone else and it would be to your disadvantage. It's good you are using true grit dude.

I remember one of my sempais(2kyu) fighting another sempai(1dan). We had two mock shiai matches and they both drew each other in both matches. In the first match the da grader scored 2 solid men's. In the second match the dan grader scored ippon and you could see the kyu grader loose it. He just went all out attacking but it pure rage and his form was just off. The dan grader ust waited and waited till the kyu guy got tired and the "MEN!!".

[KhawMengLee]

sorry the "n" key on my comp is going spaz.

[Atama]

Marineboy
If you prefer to fence adults try a different club there are some great clubs in London. I always try to travel to as many dojos as possible as I find it greatly improves my kendo.