Hardcore cool kendo pics

[Gregory]

Yo guys, I realized that we dont have a thread with cool kendo pics. Like ones that make people say "WOAH!!!"

[h2o]

http://mega-men.istheshit.net/

[SkippyDaStudent]

http://mega-men.istheshit.net/

All I can say is "Ouchies"

[tango]

A lot of TSUKI action...

http://www.kendo-in-action.com/kendo-picture-Eiga%20Naoki-tsuki.jpg

http://www.tranzleit.com/kendo/images/tsuki.jpg

http://tsirkendo.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/tsuki.jpg

http://southfloridakendoclub.com/images/tsuki.jpg
(I believe this one (above) is Frank Nieves at the SEUSKF tournament either 2003 or 2004)

http://www.osi.uio.no/kendo/images/tsuki.jpg

http://charentekendo.free.fr/images/fin%20du%2019%B0.jpg

[tango]

haha... found this one somewhere on this site:

http://www.lausannekendo.ch/img/normal_KOTE00026.jpg

obviously not kendo kote, but nontheless...
HARDCORE!

[tango]

and on that note...

ahhh... KENDO FOOT!

http://www.kendo.hu/2002/kepek/Ouch!.JPG

[tango]

http://www.tapanila.com/kendo/kendo11.gif

[tango]

not quite sure what to make of this one:

http://www.anst.uu.se/matsa228/6832b230.jpg

[tango]

http://www.enscriptchun.net/blog/kendo.jpg

http://www.kumdo-nuernberg.de/kumdo01a.jpg

[shred_lord]

not quite sure what to make of this one:

http://www.anst.uu.se/matsa228/6832b230.jpg
Ahh! The old "Flying Men Debana Scrote" waza.

[tango]

yeah... that guy's twig and berries are about to be in for a rude awakening.

ouchie.

[Stimpson J. Cat]

Ahh! The old "Flying Men Debana Scrote" waza.

The counter to the notorious "bunny men"

[Grenamier]

At the end of the year there should be a contest for the best shiai/keiko photo of the year taken of or by a KW member.

Perhaps we could offer a range of prizes. First place finisher gets something nice. Last place finisher gets the flying twig-and-berries tsuki.

[Mr. Donigan]

At the end of the year there should be a contest for the best shiai/keiko photo of the year taken of or by a KW member.

Perhaps we could offer a range of prizes. First place finisher gets something nice. Last place finisher gets the flying twig-and-berries tsuki.
I love this web site!

[SkippyDaStudent]

I love this web site!

My thoughts exactly! :silly:

[JSchmidt]

More tsuki:
http://www.kigurai.com/kendo/galleries/Wakaba/WakabaSep10_2005/images/dsc_0045.jpg

[Lloromannic]

haha... found this one somewhere on this site:

http://www.lausannekendo.ch/img/normal_KOTE00026.jpg

obviously not kendo kote, but nontheless...
HARDCORE!

Those are Kendo kote. They were made years ago but were hard to repair so they fizzled out.

[Mr. Donigan]

Those are Kendo kote. They were made years ago but were hard to repair so they fizzled out.

Well that answers a lot of questions. thank you. There have been entire threads about the myth that 5 fingered kendo gloves are real or not. Now I know.


and knowing is half the battle.

[GoldenShinai]

not quite sure what to make of this one:

http://www.anst.uu.se/matsa228/6832b230.jpg

My friends at the dojo call this one the "Tare Tsuki"

[Angelfire]

My friends at the dojo call this one the "Tare Tsuki"

PG13: we might as well call this the "Lower Men" :eek:

[Mr. Donigan]

really makes you think twice about using "big men" or "small men" to describe a hit.

[yohed55]

This is a gif I made, it is how I do jigeiko, I am the one on the right.


you have to copy and paste the link.....
http://www.freewebs.com/kendoka_wannabe/jegik.gif

[Sôjirô]

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/4387/ouch32of.gif (http://imageshack.us)

lol its not really an image but... yeah its the old " flying men tsuki "technique alrigh

[Paburo]

http://www.kenwakai.org/img/zsktmad.jpg

i just found this picture of my sensei(white) on the national team championship finals some years ago.

where did the monouchi of his shinai go in this picture, is still a mystery.

[ahmed61086]

I allways wondered....did the guy in that tsuki gif die? Because it looks vicous.


I think i would have gotten up, ripped the guys men off, and knocked his teath in if he tsukied me like that. It looks like he didnt care whether he broke the guys windpipe or something.

[yohed55]

I heard that it drew blood

[Miravil]

http://www.kenwakai.org/img/zsktmad.jpg

i just found this picture of my sensei(white) on the national team championship finals some years ago.

where did the monouchi of his shinai go in this picture, is still a mystery.

Most probably your sensei's shinai got caught in the way and got bend when he moved forward. Look at the staves, they do looked bend. :)

[emitbrownne]

http://www.kenwakai.org/img/zsktmad.jpg

i just found this picture of my sensei(white) on the national team championship finals some years ago.

where did the monouchi of his shinai go in this picture, is still a mystery.

that looks like a carbon shinai...

are they harder to bend than bamboo???

[ratdeau]

that looks like a carbon shinai...
are they harder to bend than bamboo???
No, it's easier.

[Paburo]

No, it's easier.
AFAIK, carbon is less elastic/flexible/soft than bamboo. less shock-absorbing as well. and the minimum bending angle before breaking in two is also greater on carbon shinai slats.

not sure if it's a carbon shinai on the picture, but if it was, it looks as if it's just about to break apart....

[Vortex]

Scrote...too funny....

[KhawMengLee]

http://mengkhaw.blogs.friendster.com/photos/kendo_yo/what_me_tsuki.jpghttp://mengkhaw.blogs.friendster.com/photos/kendo_yo/what_me_tsuki.html

[ratdeau]

AFAIK, carbon is less elastic/flexible/soft than bamboo. less shock-absorbing as well. and the minimum bending angle before breaking in two is also greater on carbon shinai slats.

I do not agree with you. Rotate your carbon shinai 45 degrees and you'll see that it bends much more than a bamboo shinai.

Here is an interresting pic. What do think of it ? http://www.windows.gr.jp/kendougu/esakikawa.htm

[neko]

the picture is not too clear as to which is the carbon shinai and which is the bamboo shinai.


where did the monouchi of his shinai go in this picture, is still a mystery.

another mystery....where is his tsuba? ;)

[Fai]

http://mengkhaw.blogs.friendster.com/photos/kendo_yo/what_me_tsuki.jpghttp://mengkhaw.blogs.friendster.com/photos/kendo_yo/what_me_tsuki.html
Ya big ass ahahaha

[KhawMengLee]

Ya big ass ahahaha

Where's my carbon shinai yer bastard! hahaha! is it a carbon shoto yet?

[Fai]

Where's my carbon shinai yer bastard! hahaha! is it a carbon shoto yet?

The carbon is still living!!!! it comes out to hurt a few people now and again :D

[Seiza_Seizure]

not quite sure what to make of this one:

http://www.anst.uu.se/matsa228/6832b230.jpg
The Epitaph read....
Rich in Kiai and Spirit.
Misfortune brings the most untimely of things....

(His Kiai and Spirit left us that sad day and was never the same again.
For the Kendo World, His untimely departure from the great sport is a sad, sad loss.)

[Arnaud]

Not sure if it fits in this thread but :
http://haku-un-kan.dnsdojo.org/geiko%202005/IMG_0547.jpg

It was the last training before christmas and we had a lot of fun :grin:

[nodachi]

Is that a turtle shell???

[Arnaud]

No, it's not a true turtle shell :)

[Rohr]

Not sure if it fits in this thread but :
.................................................. ..
It was the last training before christmas and we had a lot of fun :grin:

Nice picture ^^, looks like the guy pinned against the wall is about to be run through the chest.

[Gregory]

Mythbusters

[Joehannah]

http://www.halifaxkendo.org/images/smalls_keiko.jpg

Thought this was worth a peek.

[Rohr]

Mythbusters

yep ^^, at first I thought it was just hilarious, but then adopted it as my own... I thought about that saying a bit deeper I guess....

[Bear of Doom]

http://www.halifaxkendo.org/images/smalls_keiko.jpg

Thought this was worth a peek.

I've heard about this guy from my sensei!! He said on some tournament they both were attending, nobody had the heart to hit him. Until one bloke came up and just went wham! Tsuki the poor thing and he was rolling around. (Or was it a big Men I'm not sure ...)

This teaches you everyone gets the same treatment in a ring no matter what, once you step in there, you both have the equal determination to kill each other ... if it was a real sword as Kendo is suppose to represent, its either you or the other person who lives ... thats the sad truth of Kendo ... girls or toddlers ...

[nodachi]

Everyone gets the same treatment??? Girls or toddlers???

I stand with you on the point of treating women equally in keiko, but toddlers is taking it a bit too far, ne? Age is a great defining characteristic of how you should keiko with other people. Example, you don't taiatari old sensei unless you know they can dish it back. If you are the adult and you are against a child or "toddler", your task is to teach them proper kendo and not mash them into the ground.

I am sure I am overreacting to your post, but everyone does not get the same treatment in the world of kendo. It is supposed to be a learning experience for all involved, not beat the crap out of your opponent when you have an unfair advantage... Maybe we take "alternate" strategies in shiai, but there is still an element of fairness that needs to be considered...

[Ignatz]

I've heard about this guy from my sensei!! He said on some tournament they both were attending, nobody had the heart to hit him. Until one bloke came up and just went wham! Tsuki the poor thing and he was rolling around. (Or was it a big Men I'm not sure ...)

This is Henry Smalls from Hawaii, he is yondan I think. From what I understand nobody goes easy on him. Years ago my teacher showed me a film of Mr. Smalls and said: "See this, no excuses!!!"

I hardly think that Mr. Smalls is a "poor thing". In any event the tsuki in the picture is not ippon but the men from Mr. Smalls looks pretty darn good.

I'm sure you will get a lot of flack for your post so brace yourself and be ready to eat some humble pie.

[Gregory]

Ive seen a video of Mr.Smalls, he isnt a toddler, he has no legs. And from what I saw, he was freaking amazing.

[ShinKenshi]

I wonder how they accomodate him for rank testing when it comes to kata. I'm having a hard time picturing that.

[Ignatz]

I wonder how they accomodate him for rank testing when it comes to kata. I'm having a hard time picturing that.

I think that the kata can be adapted because it is the principle that matters the most. I mean you can't turn around without finding that they have changed the kata.
It is my understanding that the judges have no problem with adapting the kata but perhaps Curtis or Neil sensei can expound on this issue.

In any event is still kind of freaks me out that a sensei would tell his student that people were going easy on this guy. I am of the impression that if you went on the court thinking you were going to "go easy" on this "poor thing" you would be humiliated. I'm not saying he is the greatest kendo player who ever lived but he is at least yondan level, something a 4 kyu can't really understand. What happens is that beginners play mostly with beginners. When they train with someone really good, that person will usually come down to their level plus just a little tiny bit more. So for the first couple of years you really can't tell who is good and who is not.
Anyway, I'm ranting.
Mr. Doom, if your sensei really said this, and I doubt it if he is an adult, perhaps you and he should look at the photgraph a little more closely.

Notice that Mr. Smalls Shinai is bent, indicating that he had already hit men, if he was on the down stroke the shinai would be bent in the other direction. Then look at the morote tsuki. He missed it. Men ari.

Like I said, I'm ranting. This guy is an inspiration to me and to many.

[crabbi]

Henry Smalls is well-known in the Kendo World... he has featured many times on this forum...

If you search using his name you will find threads discussing him And links to video of him fighting... he commands respect because of his ability ... not pity because of disability...

Cheers

[Rurouni Kenshin]

Mr.Smalls commands respect because he has such abilities with such a 'disability' . I have a great amount of respect for him.
Last time I checked he was 5th dan

[Iblue]

*sends silent respect towards Henry Smalls*

[Bear of Doom]

In any event is still kind of freaks me out that a sensei would tell his student that people were going easy on this guy. I am of the impression that if you went on the court thinking you were going to "go easy" on this "poor thing" you would be humiliated. I'm not saying he is the greatest kendo player who ever lived but he is at least yondan level, something a 4 kyu can't really understand. What happens is that beginners play mostly with beginners. When they train with someone really good, that person will usually come down to their level plus just a little tiny bit more. So for the first couple of years you really can't tell who is good and who is not.
Anyway, I'm ranting.
Mr. Doom, if your sensei really said this, and I doubt it if he is an adult, perhaps you and he should look at the photgraph a little more closely.

Notice that Mr. Smalls Shinai is bent, indicating that he had already hit men, if he was on the down stroke the shinai would be bent in the other direction. Then look at the morote tsuki. He missed it. Men ari.

Like I said, I'm ranting. This guy is an inspiration to me and to many.

Allow me to eat the humble pie and defend the honour of my sensei. Don't get us wrong, we have great respect for Mr. Small, and I was informed full well he was of a high Dan. I did not even show this photograph to my sensei nor discuss it with him; I am merely recalling a conversation we had a long while ago. So, he's innocent, haha ... I'll be dead on the floor if he ever found out I have put his reputation in jeopardy. No, he's a really good instructor, couldn't have asked for more and would in no way teach us stupid things as you might've assumed. Anyways, he was telling us about Mr. Small, to inspire us not to go easy on anyone, kids, girls, or anything in a Shi-ai (notice I said Shi-ai not practises) because some of our players were, and of course when they lost to kids or girls, they get all mad and humiliated and try to make excuses. And I am not disrespecting Mr. Small in anyway, must've been my bad word choice of 'poor thing' ... The poor thing was my word, not my sensei's, I did not quote my sensei. I apologise if it seemed so, my fault. I'll be more careful next time. If he competed at the same time with my Sensei, he must be very experienced by now (must've been ages ago is the point, lol) ... let me retell my story to clarify.

My sensei told me there were stupid players who was going easy on this guy. Because they were idiots and didn't know Mr. Small ... (My thought: imagine if you're a Shodan, really full of yourself, and you see ah, a crippled guy ... can't be that difficult, lets go easy on him ... yes, you should never think this way, but trust me there are people who do this unconsciously) and of course, Mr. Small gave 'em a good can of whoop ass. I think I forgot to mention these part of the stories, that the players who was 'going-easy' on Mr. Small, the next thing they knew they *Bam!* lost a Men or something. It was probably some small event with many inexperienced players amongst the competitors by my reckoning. Up until Mr. Small met someone his level, who won off him a nice tsuki, and yes, Mr. Small did roll over ... my 'rolling around' was probably exaggerated too (or perhaps not ... got to ask).

So I hope I clarified that up and didn't offend anyone ... ^^

[nothing]

http://southfloridakendoclub.com/images/tsuki.jpg
(I believe this one (above) is Frank Nieves at the SEUSKF tournament either 2003 or 2004)





Is that Frank Nieves Sensei from NY Hamptons Dojo? If so, i saw he and his wife (a very intimidating opponent) just roll through an AEUSKF tournament last June... they are both very skilled Kendoka...

[Bear of Doom]

yondan level, something a 4 kyu can't really understand. What happens is that beginners play mostly with beginners. When they train with someone really good, that person will usually come down to their level plus just a little tiny bit more. So for the first couple of years you really can't tell who is good and who is not.


One more thing (this could even be moved to the flame section) ... may I make you all aware of something. No offence to you Mr. Ignatz, but I'm going to have to put you in the spotlight here (got you back!) how come is it that so many of us seem to be looking down on the opinion of Kyu level players? It really seem that way, even if you did not intend to do so. Must be some sort of subconscious thing that you do without thinking. I don't know about you but I was taught to respect every Kendo player, disregard of their ranks. Rank is an irrelevant thing in Kendo, it merely is a rough indicator to how long you've been playing or how good your basics are. There is a reason why there is no external rank signs, such as a belt, in Kendo. Now I am aware that in America the Kyu players aren't that mature, but if someone is a 4th Kyu from Thailand, it doesn't mean they are a beginner at all. Then why is Thailand never winning in the WKC and America is? We never make it pass a level very often here, the Senseis are hardcore traditional Japanese that ignores the new IKF rules that you can advance more than 1 or 2 level at a time, but ignore that, I'm just bitter. It's different from America where you are easily awarded ranks, because the standard there for examination is rather low compare to Japan or Thailand. Of course, this is a generalisation, and there are tons of strict and traditional dojos with high standards in the US, I do not doubt that. But since its a big country and there are tons of dojos, of which many gives out the ranks, shall I say, a little easy .. it may seem to you that Kyu players are inexperienced.

I speak of experience. I have a friend who was a san-kyu here, and he went to the States to continue his college education. (To where he went in the states, I would like to keep that confidential, I do not want to put any specific dojo on the guillotine here, only that there were no Japanese senseis present at the club) ... he was trying hard here in Bangkok to pass san-kyu level, but never did, his basics weren't good enough. He tried in Japan (he was Japanese so he flew back to for summer) he did not pass there either. However, this bloke is brilliant in Shi-ai I tell you, he always advance far in a tournament and score points for team competitions. In the States the first time he took the test (not very long after his failure in Asia), he was awarded Ikkyu, and their next examination, the Shodan. He came back to Thailand, proud of his Shodan, and was given a good lesson by his fellow mates who is now supposedly his kohai. The senseis here even questioned how he passed the test. Of course this is an example of just one person, so it can't speak for all, but generally it is known here that it is easier to pass ranks in America ... there's a joke, if you can't get Shodan, go to America.

So after that is put into view, the high kyu players here are very good. Sure they might not be able to understand a yodan level, it doesn't mean they are not aware. They're no joke. Most have very good understanding of Kendo. Not trying to make myself look good or anything, but it is true, I speak for many good kyu players that could whoop Dan players (not above 2 dan of course, im talking ni-dan, shodan) and it is not just lucky. Also, some just didn't bother to take the test, ever thought of that? They may have been playing for years =) ... rank is not important, it is your Kendo that is important. So I sense a lot of prejudice here, don't judge anyone unless you really know them. True I am a 4th Kyu but I am no beginner. I don't play mostly beginners, I am able to tell if someone is good or not, whether they are coming down to my level plus a little more more or not, and I usually ask them not to. So there we go again, people do this all the time, so there must be people who do it to Mr. Small (Oh! he has disabilities, lets go easy), but thats beside the point. Ultimately, the point of this post is never to underestimate a player because of their rank. You could learn a thing or two from a Kyu player too. We might want to start with humbleness and respect ...

You could argue that this post is anything but humble, but I'm sorry I just have to explode. I was quite annoyed with it since this is not the first time I got the impression people are not taking other kendokas seriously just because they are of a kyu level. I already had an encounter in the "Strong Kamae" thread with, I reckon another Dan American by the username of halcyon, he was implying that I wouldn't know the difference between a strong kamae and a stiff one because I am merely a kyu player. But I didn't say anything, thinking 'ah, just some American that's full of himself' Let it go. But now, Mr. Ignatz, a member who I respect for a long time, someone I enjoy reading the comments of and learn from, looked down on me ... I just had to stand up for Kyu kendokas. Both Mr. Ignatz and Mr. Halcyon made a small remark of course, they were really something minor, but the ignorance ticked me off. So I hope I have made a point here and sorry for the essay ... (Mr. Ignatz, I still love you, don't worry =D please continue to advise me)

[Neil Gendzwill]

It's different from America where you are easily awarded ranks, because the standard there for examination is rather low compare to Japan or Thailand.
I don't know about Thailand but I've met many players from Japan and the ranks are about equivalent to American or Canadian ranks. The difference between Japanese players and Canadian ones is usually that the Japanese player will have had way, way more shiai experience (especially compared to our isolated little dojo) and of course the better players are typically held back from rank by age restrictions. So a 17 year old nidan is often playing at a sandan sort of level but seldom is he the equivalent of yondan. Yondan is a sort of watershed rank, there's a big difference between yondan and sandan but not really much between sandan and nidan.

[Bear of Doom]

I don't know about Thailand but I've met many players from Japan and the ranks are about equivalent to American or Canadian ranks. The difference between Japanese players and Canadian ones is usually that the Japanese player will have had way, way more shiai experience (especially compared to our isolated little dojo) and of course the better players are typically held back from rank by age restrictions. So a 17 year old nidan is often playing at a sandan sort of level but seldom is he the equivalent of yondan. Yondan is a sort of watershed rank, there's a big difference between yondan and sandan but not really much between sandan and nidan.

Totally Agreed. Thank you.

Canadian I don't doubt at all. Americans, I have my doubts, but I'll take your words for it Mr. Neil. But yes, the experience is an important factor and part of what I'm trying to get at.

Yondan anywhere around the world is up there, completely different level, no question. America or whatever. I was only referring to the kyus and low dans.

[Mugu]

Totally Agreed. Thank you.

Canadian I don't doubt at all. Americans, I have my doubts, but I'll take your words for it Mr. Neil. But yes, the experience is an important factor and part of what I'm trying to get at.

Yondan anywhere around the world is up there, completely different level, no question. America or whatever. I was only referring to the kyus and low dans.

You make yourself sound so humble and all, read what you just said: "Canadian I don't doubt at all. Americans, I have my doubts"???? I'm not even American, but living in America that sentence makes me very angry. And I doubt what you said is true, why? Because you also exegerated stuff such as Smalls sensei "that poor thing rolled around" which he didn't and scored ippon. You sure got the 4th kyu experience alright, where the hell is your discipline and respect for others?!

[JSchmidt]

Mr Bear, are you experiences with Americans just hearsay or actual personal experiences. They certainly dont match my personal experiences both in the US and Japan.
Further, they literaly give away ikkyu and shodan in Japan. It's childrens grades as far as they are concerned.
It's also not 'new IKF' rules to skip kyu grades..there's nothing below ikkyu in the IKF rules!!!

Jakob

[Anjin-san]

stuff...

In my experience in Kendo, wisdom flows from sempai to kohai, and bullshit or nothing flows the other way. Being a shodan, I have a lot of bullshit to give, but a little bit less than when I was a kyu grade. It's the natural progression of things.

[Ignatz]

So after that is put into view, the high kyu players here are very good. Sure they might not be able to understand a yodan level, it doesn't mean they are not aware. They're no joke. Most have very good understanding of Kendo. Not trying to make myself look good or anything, but it is true, I speak for many good kyu players that could whoop Dan players (not above 2 dan of course, im talking ni-dan, shodan) and it is not just lucky.

Since you have read some of my posts you know that I trained for about 15 years before I took a test and I know of others similarly situated so I agree that in many cases a kyu rank means little as to ability. As Jakob pointed out, in Japan shodan means little. I know of several adult Americans who went to Japan for shodan test and were basically the only adults taking the test. When you start talking about yondan you are in a different place. I regularly keiko with 4 and 5 dan and can hold my own and from time to time score but I don't think that I am playing at a yondan level. Once I was doing keiko and when I finished there was another student (kyu) standing there who told me that sensei told him to go over and watch me, almost yodan he said. I could have just about fainted. After all of these years I am begining to sort of, kind of, understand a little about kendo but I don't think that I get it yet. I'm big, fast and strong (even for an old man) but there is more to it than that. Something I never even began to understand when I was one, two, three four and more years into kendo.

So, it is not the rank but the understanding. And as far as treating kyu with respect it does you no good whatsoever if someone of high ability and understanding just has their way with you. The idea, as I have been taught, is to play in such a manner so as to bring the kyu (or shodan or nidan or sandan or yondan) up rather than crush them. My goal and hope, if I train with you regularly, is that you will be better than me. Nothing could make me happier. But I think there is a great deal more to kendo than being fast and strong, something that takes a long time to understand and something that I hope to understand someday.

With regard to Thailand, I have a good friend who just recently passed godan. He trained in Thailand for a number of years and is truly a formidable player and he shows me no mercy. I believe that one of the sensei in his dojo in Thailand was an American. Regardless, I would not expect him to play at the same level against a kyu level player. Notice I say kyu level player and not kyu rank. Another friend who took his shodan with me and has 10 plus years experience recently met with Mark Grivas sensei (7 dan) in a tournament, it was a tie. So you can be assured that ability and rank are not always the same but very often are because this is an exception.

One final thing, I was going to take nidan in December but I have been very sick and was concerned that I was still too weak. To make a long story a little shorter, I did not take the test but I was told that what the judges are looking for is "maturity" not who kicks whos ass.

All that being said, I have to stick with my point that most kyu level (not rank) are not able to undertand yondan level kendo. I hope that you continue to love me and my advice, I can always use some of that. I'm not the greatest but I've learned a thing or two over the years and am happy to share. Sometimes I'm even right. Unfortunately I have seen several people who are excellent kendo players and willing resources who have stopped posting because people of kyu rank or ability want to argue with them about technique and/or waza. We don't want that do we?
I don't.
Keep training.

[runsyi]

I just saw this post and I have to say that being from Hawaii and knowing Smalls Sensei, he is a very good kendoist and none of my senseis take it easy on him. His kirikaeshi especially is very good. I'd like to see you do that using only one hand, Bear of Doom.

[Gregory]

I just saw this post and I have to say that being from Hawaii and knowing Smalls Sensei, he is a very good kendoist and none of my senseis take it easy on him. His kirikaeshi especially is very good. I'd like to see you do that using only one hand, Bear of Doom.
I think most people could do it one handed., but doing it one handed AND using your other hand to move forward AND pushing yourself from the torso is torture.

[runsyi]

I think most people could do it one handed., but doing it one handed AND using your other hand to move forward AND pushing yourself from the torso is torture.

Can you do accurate katate men and sayu men? Just that alone is enough for me. Everything else is gravy.

[Gregory]

Can you do accurate katate men and sayu men? Just that alone is enough for me. Everything else is gravy.

NONO I just started :P

I can only do 10 normal men if im lucky before it starts hitting the invisible persons shoulders :P

I wont even try to do kirikaeshi:P

[Neil Gendzwill]

Canadian I don't doubt at all. Americans, I have my doubtsAmerican and Canadian standards are very similar. Culturally, also similar in that we both have a lot of Japanese immigrants who are the foundation of our kendo and that we still have a lot of strong ties back to Japan including many sensei who come to visit or give seminars or whatever. So when you say there is a difference in how dan are evaluated, I think you don't know what you're talking about. As others have pointed out, visitors to Japan find ikkyu and shodan not so tough.

I think most people could do it one handedSingle-handed kiri-kaeshi is pretty tough. Trying to make a strong, on-target saiumen that is blocked is a whole different kettle of fish from katate-suburi. I'd say I'm better than the average chudan guy at it because I practice it from time to time, but that's not to say I'm any good at it - that's something only the serious jodan or nito guys can do well, and I'm just a dilettante.

[Bear of Doom]

Because you also exegerated stuff such as Smalls sensei "that poor thing rolled around" which he didn't and scored ippon. You sure got the 4th kyu experience alright, where the hell is your discipline and respect for others?!

May be if you read earlier on you would know that I was NOT referring to the photograph ...

I'm telling you I'm usually respectful, but for those who shows me none, I believe I should return the favour. Thats just me, I'm sorry.

[Bear of Doom]

Since you have read some of my posts you know that I trained for about 15 years before I took a test and I know of others similarly situated so I agree that in many cases a kyu rank means little as to ability. As Jakob pointed out, in Japan shodan means little. I know of several adult Americans who went to Japan for shodan test and were basically the only adults taking the test. When you start talking about yondan you are in a different place. I regularly keiko with 4 and 5 dan and can hold my own and from time to time score but I don't think that I am playing at a yondan level. Once I was doing keiko and when I finished there was another student (kyu) standing there who told me that sensei told him to go over and watch me, almost yodan he said. I could have just about fainted. After all of these years I am begining to sort of, kind of, understand a little about kendo but I don't think that I get it yet. I'm big, fast and strong (even for an old man) but there is more to it than that. Something I never even began to understand when I was one, two, three four and more years into kendo.

So, it is not the rank but the understanding. And as far as treating kyu with respect it does you no good whatsoever if someone of high ability and understanding just has their way with you. The idea, as I have been taught, is to play in such a manner so as to bring the kyu (or shodan or nidan or sandan or yondan) up rather than crush them. My goal and hope, if I train with you regularly, is that you will be better than me. Nothing could make me happier. But I think there is a great deal more to kendo than being fast and strong, something that takes a long time to understand and something that I hope to understand someday.

With regard to Thailand, I have a good friend who just recently passed godan. He trained in Thailand for a number of years and is truly a formidable player and he shows me no mercy. I believe that one of the sensei in his dojo in Thailand was an American. Regardless, I would not expect him to play at the same level against a kyu level player. Notice I say kyu level player and not kyu rank. Another friend who took his shodan with me and has 10 plus years experience recently met with Mark Grivas sensei (7 dan) in a tournament, it was a tie. So you can be assured that ability and rank are not always the same but very often are because this is an exception.

One final thing, I was going to take nidan in December but I have been very sick and was concerned that I was still too weak. To make a long story a little shorter, I did not take the test but I was told that what the judges are looking for is "maturity" not who kicks whos ass.

All that being said, I have to stick with my point that most kyu level (not rank) are not able to undertand yondan level kendo. I hope that you continue to love me and my advice, I can always use some of that. I'm not the greatest but I've learned a thing or two over the years and am happy to share. Sometimes I'm even right. Unfortunately I have seen several people who are excellent kendo players and willing resources who have stopped posting because people of kyu rank or ability want to argue with them about technique and/or waza. We don't want that do we?
I don't.
Keep training.

Thank you :happy:

[Bear of Doom]

I just saw this post and I have to say that being from Hawaii and knowing Smalls Sensei, he is a very good kendoist and none of my senseis take it easy on him. His kirikaeshi especially is very good. I'd like to see you do that using only one hand, Bear of Doom.

I apologise and I never meant to disrespect Mr. Smalls Sensei in anyway. But please be aware that at a time he did start out Kendo, when he was not yet a experienced Sensei when people did not know much of him. I bet you there were people who thought wrong about taking it easy on him ... now as he is well known and a truly fabulous Kendoist, I don't think people would be stupid enough to.

[Bear of Doom]

American and Canadian standards are very similar. Culturally, also similar in that we both have a lot of Japanese immigrants who are the foundation of our kendo and that we still have a lot of strong ties back to Japan including many sensei who come to visit or give seminars or whatever. So when you say there is a difference in how dan are evaluated, I think you don't know what you're talking about. As others have pointed out, visitors to Japan find ikkyu and shodan not so tough.

I apologise again, I must be wrong on that. I was aware about the Japanese ties and foundations of both old/big American and Canadian dojos.

[Kendo ISB]

Let me get some things straight...

1. Thailand's kendo is no different than anyone elses. America, Canada, Thailand, Korea, Japan, where ever. Kendo doesn't change. Period. What changes is your dedication and time put into kendo. You can be in Japan and still have bad kendo, it's not because of country, it's because of you.

2. Yes it is true that Japan is strong, but really they deserve it. Look how much time and dedication they put into it, it's no suprise they always reap first place. It was born in Japan afterall...I've played some Japanese big sensei and i'm just awed at the mentality and the strength they have, and most of all, how humble they are.

3. Please don't fight or bicker. This forum has lasted and been here a long time due to the fact that there are members that are truly humble and want to discuss about kendo. Not to fight and make comparisons of rank and country.

4. Yes there are stronger people here, and some with less experience. BUt hey we are all here cause either we are confused abt kendo, want to discuss kendo, or just hang out in a kendo environment. And even though it's just words I have learned a great deal from everyone.


Single-handed kiri-kaeshi is pretty tough. Trying to make a strong, on-target saiumen that is blocked is a whole different kettle of fish from katate-suburi. I'd say I'm better than the average chudan guy at it because I practice it from time to time, but that's not to say I'm any good at it - that's something only the serious jodan or nito guys can do well, and I'm just a dilettante.

I agree on this point. Even though I'm not good on one handed, I think the key points are to take it slow and first and try to make a big and strong cut.

[KhawMengLee]

I apologise again, I must be wrong on that. I was aware about the Japanese ties and foundations of both old/big American and Canadian dojos.

You know, instead of apologizing after every time you open your mouth, how about you actually think about what you are going to say first?

[Bear of Doom]

Yeah ... I'm sorry again, it was very stupid of me. From now on I won't post anymore ... I'll just read and learn from other posts and only post questions about Kendo.

[Gregory]

Tsuki the poor thing and he was rolling around.



Poor THING? What was that? Seriously. My uncle is missing a foot, does that mean he is only part thing? Or is he a semi poor thing?

[Julian]

Erm ... sorry but ... more pics please :ermm: :wink:

[Inu]

not quite sure what to make of this one:

http://www.anst.uu.se/matsa228/6832b230.jpg
Tari tsuki

[ScottUK]

My my, Mr Bear - you're making a lot of friends around here.

On your profile:

Favourite Saying:
Practise doesn't begin until you're on the floor ...

Not at all. You should carry yourself with some level of decency at all times. insulting disabled (less-able?) people and those of other races will get you:

1) abuse from the other members of Kendo-World
2) a jolly good dig in the ribs in my house

...off-topic rant over.

[Mugu]

I'm telling you I'm usually respectful, but for those who shows me none, I believe I should return the favour. Thats just me, I'm sorry.

So you're just gonna assume the entire country is like that? Just remember America is made up of all sorts of people around the world. You basically just insulted the entire world, including your own country. Besides, who disrepected you? You misinterpret Ignatz's post, it's his fault? At least he didn't say anything the people in Thailand are sweaty and smelly like you did said to the people in India.

Back on topic, more pictures please.

[Infinity]

Is that a turtle shell??? looks like it...
and i dont think it is kendo what the other guy is doing.
arent we supposed to strike with our shinai not our elbows?

also where are all the images? less talk - more hardcore kendo images

[Kaoru]

One more thing (this could even be moved to the flame section) ... may I make you all aware of something. No offence to you Mr. Ignatz, but I'm going to have to put you in the spotlight here (got you back!) how come is it that so many of us seem to be looking down on the opinion of Kyu level players? It really seem that way, even if you did not intend to do so. Must be some sort of subconscious thing that you do without thinking. I don't know about you but I was taught to respect every Kendo player, disregard of their ranks. Rank is an irrelevant thing in Kendo, it merely is a rough indicator to how long you've been playing or how good your basics are. There is a reason why there is no external rank signs, such as a belt, in Kendo. Now I am aware that in America the Kyu players aren't that mature, but if someone is a 4th Kyu from Thailand, it doesn't mean they are a beginner at all. Then why is Thailand never winning in the WKC and America is? We never make it pass a level very often here, the Senseis are hardcore traditional Japanese that ignores the new IKF rules that you can advance more than 1 or 2 level at a time, but ignore that, I'm just bitter. It's different from America where you are easily awarded ranks, because the standard there for examination is rather low compare to Japan or Thailand. Of course, this is a generalisation, and there are tons of strict and traditional dojos with high standards in the US, I do not doubt that. But since its a big country and there are tons of dojos, of which many gives out the ranks, shall I say, a little easy .. it may seem to you that Kyu players are inexperienced.

I speak of experience. I have a friend who was a san-kyu here, and he went to the States to continue his college education. (To where he went in the states, I would like to keep that confidential, I do not want to put any specific dojo on the guillotine here, only that there were no Japanese senseis present at the club) ... he was trying hard here in Bangkok to pass san-kyu level, but never did, his basics weren't good enough. He tried in Japan (he was Japanese so he flew back to for summer) he did not pass there either. However, this bloke is brilliant in Shi-ai I tell you, he always advance far in a tournament and score points for team competitions. In the States the first time he took the test (not very long after his failure in Asia), he was awarded Ikkyu, and their next examination, the Shodan. He came back to Thailand, proud of his Shodan, and was given a good lesson by his fellow mates who is now supposedly his kohai. The senseis here even questioned how he passed the test. Of course this is an example of just one person, so it can't speak for all, but generally it is known here that it is easier to pass ranks in America ... there's a joke, if you can't get Shodan, go to America.

So after that is put into view, the high kyu players here are very good. Sure they might not be able to understand a yodan level, it doesn't mean they are not aware. They're no joke. Most have very good understanding of Kendo. Not trying to make myself look good or anything, but it is true, I speak for many good kyu players that could whoop Dan players (not above 2 dan of course, im talking ni-dan, shodan) and it is not just lucky. Also, some just didn't bother to take the test, ever thought of that? They may have been playing for years =) ... rank is not important, it is your Kendo that is important. So I sense a lot of prejudice here, don't judge anyone unless you really know them. True I am a 4th Kyu but I am no beginner. I don't play mostly beginners, I am able to tell if someone is good or not, whether they are coming down to my level plus a little more more or not, and I usually ask them not to. So there we go again, people do this all the time, so there must be people who do it to Mr. Small (Oh! he has disabilities, lets go easy), but thats beside the point. Ultimately, the point of this post is never to underestimate a player because of their rank. You could learn a thing or two from a Kyu player too. We might want to start with humbleness and respect ...

You could argue that this post is anything but humble, but I'm sorry I just have to explode. I was quite annoyed with it since this is not the first time I got the impression people are not taking other kendokas seriously just because they are of a kyu level. I already had an encounter in the "Strong Kamae" thread with, I reckon another Dan American by the username of halcyon, he was implying that I wouldn't know the difference between a strong kamae and a stiff one because I am merely a kyu player. But I didn't say anything, thinking 'ah, just some American that's full of himself' Let it go. But now, Mr. Ignatz, a member who I respect for a long time, someone I enjoy reading the comments of and learn from, looked down on me ... I just had to stand up for Kyu kendokas. Both Mr. Ignatz and Mr. Halcyon made a small remark of course, they were really something minor, but the ignorance ticked me off. So I hope I have made a point here and sorry for the essay ... (Mr. Ignatz, I still love you, don't worry =D please continue to advise me)
You know what? This was nothing but sheer arrogance. It is wrong to say you are not a beginner just because you are 4th kyu. You ARE. How long have you been training? Even a shodan is considered a beginner who is just beginning to put out branches and grow.

Also, you sure have a warped view of Americans. Please do yourself a favor and visit the US before saying things about Americans that are not true. And, don't give me this, "I don't want to." One must broaden his/her horizons and educate themselves first before making decisions on what people are.

You are not better than anyone, the same as anyone else is not.

And, I find it amazing that you ask Mr. Ignatz to still advise you after being so rude and arrogant. If it was me, I'd be much too embarrassed to dare ask someone to advise me after such a post. I'd be downright ashamed. Haven't you any humility or kindness in you? Don't say nasty and arrogant things and then expect people to reward you with advise.

And, as for the comment you made on Smalls-sensei, you'd better think first before speaking. What you just did, was show how you honestly think about disabled people. And, as I am one with a disability, it makes me really annoyed that you think like that.

There is no "poor thing" about him. You meant that. Otherwise, you'd not have said it.

The best idea? Realise you are not perfect either.

You know, there is a little feature called "Preview Post" at the bottom next to "Submit Reply." It is a good idea to preview your post and read it several times for quality of content before posting it. I do that myself. It helps, trust me.
Somebody told me about that last year, and I've been using it since. Please try it. That might help you out when posting. If you can read what you wrote before posting it, you will be able to tell if what you said is kind or not or if it was arrogant or not. You must learn to be able to have empathy for others and feel kindness. That could help you see it.

:)

Kaoru

[bobdonny]

I have never been to a training session so i think that makes me the ultimate beginner...

BUT...

I have life experience, and some shotokan.

You can look at it from eery angle you like it all adds up! When you close your mind to anything --- its closed!

Think about the similarities (please correct me) between kendo, zen, buddahism, the budda left his content and wealthy life to go on a path of enlightenment. He believed that even the most ignorant person had an opinion, and that might just be the RIGHT opinion, so he went and sought it out.

When i am in a position of authority, i always work with my staff not over them and i take everything everyone says equally, regardless of their rank-i do also demand respect for rank, there is a difference, but the respect i hold amongst juniors comes partly from accepting the critiques they offer! Think about it.

[bobdonny]

also why is everyone so hard on The bear.....

As far as i am concerned he has an opinion, it may be wrong, but maybe its good because he is eager.....

I dont think he said anything incorrect, perhaps maybe just the way he said it!
I speak from lower than his grading level! But i understand the IDEA he is trying to get across!

[jimswanson]

Less talk, more pictures. Thank you.

[bobdonny]

Less talk, more pictures. Thank you.

you know what?
I am really unsure how to take that?

[Rurouni Kenshin]

you know what?
I am really unsure how to take that?

Like stop flaming poor Bear (cuz I have the feeling some ppl just jumped in on some quotes and didnt even take the time to follow the entire thread) and start posting some more hardcore kendo pics as the name of this thread says.....

[jimswanson]

Like stop flaming poor Bear (cuz I have the feeling some ppl just jumped in on some quotes and didnt even take the time to follow the entire thread) and start posting some more hardcore kendo pics as the name of this thread says.....

Yes, thank you. This is multimedia, not flames.

[ScottUK]

OK - pic thread - here's one for you:

http://ca.c.yimg.jp/sports/1122686897/img.sports.yahoo.co.jp/news/maip/20050730/20050730-00000014-maip-spo-view-000.jpg

Now, to answer above. You say something stupid/bigoted/arrogant/racist etc you get tsuki'ed... that's the way life works. Better he learn it here than get his features edited on the street.

[Gregory]

What the hell was the guy in the above pick trying to hit? Shoulder?

[nodachi]

That has got to be an attempt at do. It's probably the wierd angle of the camera that makes it look funny and the other guy seems to be twisting in a funny way so it looks like his shoulder is dipping. Looks like a nice application of yonhonme from kata.

[Kendo ISB]

probably too much strength was put into it, so when the other guy blocked it slid down. I don't see that kind of blocking much.

[Ignatz]

Looks to me that red was doing hiki kote from tsubazerai and white blocked it If he was quick enough he could then do hiki men on a 45 degree but you got to be quick. I personally like that block, but many people don't as it is considered "old fashioned" and slow for the counterattack. But I'm just guessing, good picture though. The red guy looks like a beast.

[kendokamax]

[QUOTE=Ignatz] I personally like that block, but many people don't as it is considered "old fashioned" and slow for the counterattack. QUOTE]

old fashioned?

[nebosuke]

I don't think that red is doing hiki kote, his tasuki is trailing indicating he is moving towards the opponent. I think white was in jodan and red went for kote, white blocked instead of turning the kote away and is about to follow up with do, judging by his left foot moving out that way.

[tango]

http://southfloridakendoclub.com/images/tsuki.jpg

Is that Frank Nieves Sensei from NY Hamptons Dojo? If so, i saw he and his wife (a very intimidating opponent) just roll through an AEUSKF tournament last June... they are both very skilled Kendoka...

I don't believe he belongs to NY Hamptons Dojo. He's been in Florida a long time, though... as well as his sister, Kaitlin (sp?).. He's young.. maybe in his mid 20s now(?)...
see this link: http://www.southfloridakendoclub.netfirms.com/sensei.html

[slidercrank]

I don't believe he belongs to NY Hamptons Dojo. He's been in Florida a long time, though... as well as his sister, Kaitlin (sp?).. He's young.. maybe in his mid 20s now(?)...
see this link: http://www.southfloridakendoclub.netfirms.com/sensei.html

NY Hamptons Dojo... that should be Mark Grivas sensei, who is married to Misao Grivas sensei. He nanadan and she godan.

Yeah, they are pretty formidable in shiai.

[Kingofmyrrh]

old fashioned?

Although it's certainly not new, I wouldn't describe this block as 'old-fashioned'. This is sankaku yoke/tsukiage yoke, which most professional kendo teachers think of as the scourge of young people's kendo in the last decade or so. This is basically because, as Ignatz says, it's very, very slow in terms of moving onto the next technique. In other words, it is a passive block. While it may look like an application of kata 4, at that level that type of kaeshi movement adapted to shinai kendo would never see the hands raised so high. It would just take far too much time to reverse the strike and then move into your own technique, especially if the guy whose technique you're trying to reverse is a superman like Fujita from Kyushu Gakuin (who I think this guy is, although I can't be 100% certain), even if you do train at Sanyouki.

[Ignatz]

Although it's certainly not new, I wouldn't describe this block as 'old-fashioned'. This is sankaku yoke/tsukiage yoke, which most professional kendo teachers think of as the scourge of young people's kendo in the last decade or so. This is basically because, as Ignatz says, it's very, very slow in terms of moving onto the next technique. In other words, it is a passive block. While it may look like an application of kata 4, at that level that type of kaeshi movement adapted to shinai kendo would never see the hands raised so high. It would just take far too much time to reverse the strike and then move into your own technique, especially if the guy whose technique you're trying to reverse is a superman like Fujita from Kyushu Gakuin (who I think this guy is, although I can't be 100% certain), even if you do train at Sanyouki.

Hey King, "old fashioned" is the term someone from Japan used several years ago in a conversation. It is sometimes tough to get the right idea because my Japanese is not good and usually worse than the other person's English. I think that what he meant was that this type of block was used more in pre-war kendo that was more like actual swords (please don't anyone get their panties in a bunch about that)

I think that in order for this to work (meaning also execute the counter attack) against someone good and fast you actually have to start the technique at the instant (or even slightly before) the other guy attacks. That means you have to read the other guy's mind (or tells)

[Kingofmyrrh]

Hey King, "old fashioned" is the term someone from Japan used several years ago in a conversation. It is sometimes tough to get the right idea because my Japanese is not good and usually worse than the other person's English. I think that what he meant was that this type of block was used more in pre-war kendo that was more like actual swords (please don't anyone get their panties in a bunch about that)

I think that in order for this to work (meaning also execute the counter attack) against someone good and fast you actually have to start the technique at the instant (or even slightly before) the other guy attacks. That means you have to read the other guy's mind (or tells)
I don't deny that for a second, but nevertheless, what that guy is doing is something that I have heard every professional kendo teacher, without fail, try to get their students to stop. I've seen both of these guys' schools in shiai a number of times and they never use it as a counter technique; it's merely a block that protects the majority of kendo targets. I have to say that in every commentary I've read on the subject, it's been described as a reasonably recent phenomenon.

[Ignatz]

I don't deny that for a second, but nevertheless, what that guy is doing is something that I have heard every professional kendo teacher, without fail, try to get their students to stop.

Yep, and several sensei have tried to get me to stop too.:nervous:
Old habits are hard to break and I'm a bit of a thick head. Lately I have not been able to train so I do it in my head and I think the problem with this is that it is a "waiting" technique, i.e. you wait for the other guy to attack and then block with no real thought about counter attack. I'm trying to figure out how to use seme to make the other guy attack which would give me the extra fracion of a second to attack. That and the other several million things I need to do to do this simple thing we call kendo.

[Ignatz]

NY Hamptons Dojo... that should be Mark Grivas sensei, who is married to Misao Grivas sensei. He nanadan and she godan.

Yeah, they are pretty formidable in shiai.

They sure are but the picture is, I think, Frank Nieves, sandan from Florida whose sister is a nidan. I've never met Fank's sister but the other three are all formidable.

[samurai999]

not quite sure what to make of this one:

http://www.anst.uu.se/matsa228/6832b230.jpg

Whoa.. I think I know how to counter mister kurukuru now. :ko: j/k!

Tim

[Darknails]

Here is a tsuki from the captain of Tokyo or Kyoto university when he visited our club in Dresden, Germany, two years ago. I set my media player in repeat playback mode, and enjoyed it for at least 10 mins...:square:

http://forum.kenvo.de/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11.0;attach=15

[Stefan]

Here is a tsuki from the captain of Tokyo or Kyoto university when he visited our club in Dresden, Germany, two years ago. I set my media player in repeat playback mode, and enjoyed it for at least 10 mins...:square:

http://forum.kenvo.de/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11.0;attach=15

Oooooooooooh... looks like ni-dan waza. Double tsuki?

[ShinKenshi]

DAMN!!!! I'm sure the guy who received the tsuki (double tsuki?) was freaked out by it.

[Bear of Doom]

Here is a tsuki from the captain of Tokyo or Kyoto university when he visited our club in Dresden, Germany, two years ago. I set my media player in repeat playback mode, and enjoyed it for at least 10 mins...:square:

http://forum.kenvo.de/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11.0;attach=15

Woa! I took your advice and put me media player in repeat ... definitely a feast :D reminds me of our normal practise over here, haha ... if you're ever around in Thailand, and enjoy seeing brutal kendo (for building up the fighting spirit), do look us up. Every practise guaranteed a kendoka tsukied to the ground by our Sensei (to whom like to refer to himself humbly as 'instructor'). Yep, the 'hickes' are a real plague at our dojo ... girlfriends can never be at peace. (Imagine the explanation "My Kendo Sensei gave it to me! ... wait no! Don't go! That didn't come out right, let me explain again!!")

Last week or so we received two visitors from the Czech Republic, they had good time. We're not a big club, two godan senseis, but runs in top on Thailand for sure, finishing up there (sometimes winning) in competitions. So fun promised! Especially after practise ... Bangkok is a great place for entertainment and good food! (why the heck am I advertising?! I don't know T.T)

[crux]

his kiai sounds like he's saying 'Guten Tag' :P

[Sôjirô]

Here is a tsuki from the captain of Tokyo or Kyoto university when he visited our club in Dresden, Germany, two years ago. I set my media player in repeat playback mode, and enjoyed it for at least 10 mins...:square:

http://forum.kenvo.de/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11.0;attach=15

... pwned....

[hunnysan]

this sux..the link doesn't work for me..when i download it..it just plays sound no vid??? boo boo for me...haha...

[Omnis]

his kiai sounds like he's saying 'Guten Tag' :P

I think that's someone in the background. The one who tsukied just belted out and random yell ("ERAAA!" etc.).

Man, that was super cool. How did the guy who hit the floor take it afterwards?

[Stimpson J. Cat]

this sux..the link doesn't work for me..when i download it..it just plays sound no vid??? boo boo for me...haha...

Windows media player seems to think it's a song for me also. Any media player experts able to tell me how to make it treat this thing like a video?

[Darknails]

you have to install the appropriate codec to see avi files. There are many packages, try K-Lite, for example.
http://www.codecguide.com/

[jediado]

Wow, talk about getting owned.

[Darknails]

I was told last week by a friend who was preseent that the guy was, at that time, the Taisho (captian) of Wasada Univerisity.

[Kitsune]

I was watching all the pics and I just can say 2 things

1- OUCH!!!!!:eek:

2- The shinai can really bent that way or is a nice photoshop?

[LarsCW]

This vid makes it very clear to me why my sensei and sempai keep telling me not to walk back during jigeiko.