New to Kendo. Help?

[Dance of Death]

Hey all, I'm pretty new to kendo...I've dabbled in sword play for a long time...but I've not done much at all in kendo.....Do any of you care to share with me what I should do to further my knowledge..

[JSchmidt]

Your first step should be to find a dojo.

[Dance of Death]

Done that.....Unfortunately, there are none in my area. Hence the reason I've come here....maybe glean some training tips...or places online I might go to get some tips on form and what not...

[Neil Gendzwill]

Sorry, we don't do that here. Where are you exactly, we may be able to help you find a dojo.

[MikeW]

Unfortunately you can not reliably train without getting the necessary feedback on your form and technique that a sensei will be able to give you. To learn properly you really need someone that knows what they are doing teach you. If you don't then you are almost assuredly going to develop bad habits that will mess you up even after you are able to go to a dojo to learn. There are a myriad books, videos and even websites that go through techniques, but none are meant to take the place of a sensei. Where abouts do you live? Are you sure there are no dojos within your reach?

[Dance of Death]

I live in Kansas....I've done a dojo search...but I've not been able to find one in my area....the closest one I've found is over 150 miles away

[rainmaker]

arrrrrrr. This really sucks... I know your pain and agony. But I have to advise you to wait. Watching Starwars 1-6 won't help your Kendo skills that mucho !!!!


I live in Kansas....I've done a dojo search...but I've not been able to find one in my area....the closest one I've found is over 150 miles away

[MikeW]

Hmmm... well that is unfortunate. The only dojo in Kansas I know of is in Overland Park (just a bit over the line from Mo in Kansas City). But it is still not really advisable to try and learn kendo on your own using just reading material or even videos.

[samurai999]

All I can think of is that guy who came on a month or two back saying that there are too many asians from california in kendo and that there is a good 'ol boys network of asian kenshi.

If you are reading this, HERE! Start an officially recognized dojo in Mo or KS. Put your money where your mouth is and start something in KS.

Tim

[joekc6nlx]

Think of it as wanting a Big Mac, but since there are no McDonald's in your area (hypothetically), you COULD make one of your own, since you know the ingredients, right? Oh, except for that "special sauce", that is the teaching you would receive from a sensei, you can't do it on your own.

[Paikea]

I live in Kansas....I've done a dojo search...but I've not been able to find one in my area....the closest one I've found is over 150 miles awayEverything is 150mi away in KS. Again, exactly where do you live?

[nodachi]

Mr. Data: Captain, we are picking up a distress call on an open emergency channel requesting kendo teaching through comm channels only.

Capt. Picard: Send the usual recorded message number five Mr. Data. I grow tired of this and want some earl grey tea... hot....

Comm. System Automated message: Dear lost vessel seeking internet kendo training... have you emailed the nearest dojo and asked them if there are any smaller groups or clubs near your location that do not advertise and are not listed on the internet. Many sites and groups only find each other through the word of mouth communications from the bigger groups. Send them an email or a call. They may know somewhere closer than you know. Research isn't always easy, but that far away dojo is your first clue. Work from there.

End of communication.

Meanwhile...
Capt. Picard: I hope the crew doesn't learn that I have reprogrammed the replicators that when I order earl grey tea it is really spiked with sake... gulp...

[Dance of Death]

Haha, I haven't tried the star wars thing...though I know a few who have, but I know better than to rely on theatrics as a teacher....

[ScottUK]

Hey Dorothy, these guys will be able to help you more if you say whereabouts in Kansas you are.

[Dance of Death]

South Central.....wichita.....Name's Jake by the way...*bows*

[Ignatz]

Try contacting these folks, they are in Kansas City but maybe can point you in the right direction.
www.geocities.jp/kc_kendo/index.html

[Dance of Death]

thanks..I'll look into them..much appreciated..

[nothing]

I recomend you find an art/sport that you can actually participate in. I had a heated discussion about this one... Let's just say you live no where near a ski resort or mountain, and would like to learn to snowboard.... are you going to build a snow hill in your backyard? Then teach yourself, or ask for advice online? You CAN fly/drive far away ever couple of days to a mountain/resort and train and learn there. but otherwise.. no matter how much the activity interests you. You can certainly admire Kendo, and read about it, but certainly not teach yourself and/or expect to achieve ranking.
I say, find an Iaido Dojo if it's sword arts that interest you, or find a Dojo that also teaches weapons that may be close to your house. otherwise I say sorry man, your outa luck...