Search:

I was told years ago to have a 'devil face' in taikai by a Japanese sensei, this sensei was also very critical of people who blinked too much. So I am pretty sure I know where the OPs concern has...

This is a fascinating topic and I hope for it to continue. However I don't believe that it should continue on this thread regarding a particular seminar. Maybe a mod can move the posts regarding this...

- must spread more rep!

In my opinion...

There is a bit of a dead space between nidan and yondan, where the learning and changes in the technical aspects become smaller in general physicality. As such there is a...

I would contact paypal, ebay or the credit card company you used to purchase it. Tell them you received a damaged item or an item that was not as described ie. bent.

How much did you pay for it?

Think of the geometry of a true sword, the cross-section is actually shaped like an elongated apple seed. The "meat" at the side of the blade before the edge (ha) is referred to as niku. Niku is...

Many thanks for uploading this!

... we have a saying down this way and I mean no offence - "take a cement pill" :D

... further to this footwork in B and C. I was told at a seminar a few days ago with a senior Japanese sensei, that while both versions of the footwork are correct. The first step and cut MUST...

If you want to do the more "complete kuritsuke" I suggest that this is done in Sotae dosa not Tandoku dosa. Not only is this wrong for Tandoku dosa but it is also confusing for the students and...

That last technique is ZNKR Seitei, the rest are all Tamiya. Note the previous kata the sword travels from Jodan no Kamae to Gedan before Chiburi - this is a signature of Tamiya. Note the right hand...

Good quality Honey is always a great present. Very expensive in Japan.

My condolences to the family and students. I am sorry for your loss.

I normally do the following; first step is always normal, second step (on three step kata) will be a smaller 'preparatory' step, kind of loading up for the nuki, third step is determined by how far...

Actually neither, my apologies for the vagueness and wording of my response. My comment was more to say that the original comment flies in the face of what I was told in personal instruction from a...

BS I think

Cheers Peter, Yep, thankfully I did pass Iai and Jo Yondan on that trip! There was another concept that was important to my development. I can't recall the exact term but I think it sounded...

When I was in Japan doing my training for a yondan shinsa at a dojo who many of my Brit friends will know and love. I was told by Sensei that my shape was okay, but I now had to introduce "fighting"....

... we live in an age where - I want, I want, I want, is the norm. "If I want to do it left handed, who is to say I can't?" - Iaido is a discipline not a democracy. I have lefties in my dojo and they...

the trailer is up for the remake of Hara Kiri. THe original is one of my favourite Samurai films.

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/harakiri/

Hi Aden

It is quite likely that the timing of the student in question was slightly late and his instruction in the UK was a learning tool specific to him/her to attempt to correct this rather than...

If I were you, I would write (as in paper not email) a letter to the current dojo, thanking for their time and instruction. Tell them that you would like to attend another dojo that you feel will be...

This is similar to Tamiya Ryu (but not having the thumb on the centre top of the tsuba). The rationale is that the sword is brought back to around the beginning of the habaki. A good fitting sword...

Indeed this is a great loss to the Australian kendo, iaido and jodo community. I only met Bennett Sensei once many years ago and I remember his character very well, he carried himself without airs...

Very well said Peter, this in fact was the thrust of my recommendation to one of my students a few hours ago who will be attempting sandan in two months. He was asking what do I need to do to make...