Want to start a sword art

[3hitKO]

Hey everybody,

 

I'm interested in beginning a type of sword art, like Iaido, Kendo, Kenjutsu, ect.

 

The problem is, there are no dojos in my area (Manhattan, KS) that teach any of the above, so if I were to learn it I would have to learn from a book or a reputable website.

 

Any thoughts on learning this from books or websites when no instructor is available? Like would I get the real grasp of it if nobody was teaching me directly?

 

thx in advance

[Taku-Shimazu]

I am no expert on Kendo but I do not think that you could grasp it in the slightest way without actually having anoather Shinai coming at you and having to defend a real attack, But after all I am no expert on Kendo.

 

My advise would be to at least to get a partner.

[Hogosha]

Iaido is very good, I've been doing it for like a year mainly on my own.

[Rathe]

Hi 3hitKO,

 

I currently teach the blade in the Philadelphia region. A shame I can't give you some instruction but it would be a heck of a commute.

 

There are some good books out there that teach singlular techniques as well as partner routines. So find a friend that could potentially be as enthusiastic as you and go to work. This book gives good routines that will help you learn. If you have any questions about anything I've been training with the sword for 15 years, feel free to email me at Sensei@swordtraining.com.

 

Good luck!

 

Link to the book:

 

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=oL5FahsAzE&isbn=0834803003&itm=1

[fangshi]

Not sure if it is available in your area but the Aikido dojo I trained in did do private instruction in Iaido and kendo . From my exp. in traveling many schools that have boken or sword training within their style do give semminars and private instruction in them . Not sure if it helps but it might be worth a try

[3hitKO]

hey thanks for the replies

 

that book looks good, but unfortunately there isnt a Barnes & Noble in the city I live in, but I suppose I could look for it in other bookstores

 

I think private instruction might be a good idea

 

A friend of mine takes alot of MA around here and he tells me that I might be able to get some sword lessons from the instructors

 

I suppose the next step would be talking to an instructor to ask about private instruction

 

what to do...

[aefibird]

Good luck! I hope you find an instructor.

[PrideampPoise]

...unfortunately there isnt a Barnes & Noble in the city I live in, but I suppose I could look for it in other bookstores

If you have a credit card you can purchase it on line. If not, perhaps you know someone who could purchase it for you and you could pay them the cash? (Of course, if you can find it for an equal or better price at a bookstore, there is no need).

Another thing to think about is that some arts teach the sword as part of the regular curriculum. That's not to say you should take up an art just because you want to learn the sword part, but its just something to think about.