Katana Training

[Sauzin]

Thank you Sauzin, you voiced my thoughts in a most...artful manner.

Thanks for the compliment. I can get a little expressive when I bring out the soapbox. I think that is the first time anyone called it artful though:P.

 

What Shorin-ryuu, Gunyo Kogusoku, and Hudson said is exactly what I mean. Now what Kchenault needs to ask himself is, why would we all be in agreement? Are we all conspiring just to get students and keep people from learning, or is it possible that our experiance has taught us the same thing?

[TSDforChrist]

I would like to slightly disagree...I'n not totallon the side of the self-taught, but with a basic foundation, understanding of the concepts behind swordplay (of any form) and as a bonus expereince in an open-hand style similar to the particular sword style, an instructor can be foregone out of necessity. It's not the best choice, but if one has been taught the basics, further ability can still be acheived. It just takes longer with no one but yourself to correct your mistakes.

[Gunyo Kogusoku]

TSD for Christ,

 

If it's a hobby and just for kicks, OK. Fair enough, the practicioner wants to further

 

If it's someone who's who's teaching himself and going to teach others NO WAY! Unacceptable behavior. There are enough McDojo in the world as it is.

[Gunyo Kogusoku]

To further illustrate my point. watch the sword related video clips on this site here. http://www.knowitallvideo.com/about_director.jsp?i=1082340377121

 

His posture is terrible, his kissaki (tip of the sword) too high when in seigan no kamae , his ashi sabaki (footwork) stunted and the execution of technique is so stiff, that I'd wager that he had an iaido/kendo manual on hand and was just filming it as he was learning how to perform the techniques on the hop.

 

"Learn how to cut like a real Samoorye!!"

 

"Learn how to stab like a samoorye!"

 

Another TKD blackbelt trying to cash in on the last Samurai. (Apologies to real, honest TKD blackbelts who teaech their arts properly.)

[Sauzin]

Geeezzzze, and you know what is sad? The guy in that video would be considered a "master" here in the states. Why? Because he's actually gripping it reasonably well, his feet are in the right position (though his posture is terrible), and he's at least able to imitate a proper arc with his swing. You see what I mean? The old arts are in serious danger of being lost here in the states. I have to admit myself that I don't know enough about the Japanese sword to be able to recognize many of his mistakes. How could a person off the street tell the difference between him and a legit sword instructor? How do you know if what is on the tape is worth a dime?

 

And why do we have such a problem with quality control here in the states? Well a lot of it has to do with people professing to know an art when they have merely seen a video. Another reason is it seams the subtleties that make these arts what they are, are lost on many of us! I don’t think people know what becoming proficient at the sword means. You can’t learn a few basics and then get the rest from a video! Chances are it isn’t even on the video let alone recognizable by someone who has just the basics. The more people who settle for imitations, the less of the real thing we can expect to see out there. That is a horrendous shame.

If it's someone who's who's teaching himself and going to teach others NO WAY! Unacceptable behavior. There are enough McDojo in the world as it is.

 

here here!

[Gunyo Kogusoku]

The reason why quality control is so *ahem* $"it is because everyone wants a shortcut and an easy way to get skilled and proficient in as short a time as possible.

 

Weapon disciplines (note I underline discipline!) take years of dedication, research, reading and training and patience. It's not a skill that you pick up in a few months.

[Rathe]

I've trained with the sword for 14 years of my 17 year martial art career, I had by far in my opinion one of the best sword masters ever in that time. I know I'm biased. Anyone believing a video will teach them the katana is only fooling themselves. I'm not bashing them or anything like that, but trust me, I've done this a long time. Without a teacher you will form a thousand bad habits. Bad habits that lead you to being off balanced, and flimsy.

 

I've had so many self proclaimed sword masters train with me. Trust me, those videos are no replacement for a proper teacher. Those "masters" quickly learned that Highlander isn't very accurate. And after one bloody nose when twirling the sword quickly learn that.

 

Just my thoughts on the matter... I figured if someone is talking about Katanas I should throw in my two cents.

[Gunyo Kogusoku]

According to your website, you don't teach any particular ryuha. What is it you exactly teach?