Kendo and obi

[Po5i]

what do you think about using the obi (iaido) in the kendo training, A sensei who is visiting us said that is excellent, I will try it today.

[KendokaJim]

I started wearing obi for kendo a year ago, and I think it really helps you to remember to breathe and move from the tanden. I still haven't quite figured out how to remember to do it all the time though....

[yohed55]

I'm interested, How does it help?

[KendokaJim]

You have a something pressing on your tanden, so if you're not breathing from it, you won't get any feedback from the obi as your tanden stretches out as you breathe in. It also helps with posture... maybe someone with more experience can elaborate more (and better).

[Po5i]

Yeah! I tried today, it really helps in posture and elegance.

[JSchmidt]

When I'm doing iaido, I remove mine before starting the kendo class. It does nothing that the hakama doesn't do (apart from holding a sword nicely).

Jakob

[Michiyo Akimoto]

I fashioned a used Obi for a Shinai bag!

[Omnis]

Does the Zekken have an Obi-like wrap? I was watching Sensei Rivera from Shidogakuin Miami at a demo they did today and it looked like he was wearing what looked like an obi, which then looked like it was attached to the zekken.

[Andoru]

I've been using one for over a year now. Highly recommended!