making your own style

[kiba no chi]

im a little wierded out here, people say you cant make weapons styles without being taught by a qualified instructor, well how about miyamoto musashi? he made his own style without being taught any and he was, IMHO the best or one of the best, i mean, 73 i think it was victories with no defeats, thats quite a record, so why cant people make thier own styles with no former training like he did?

[karate_woman]

The story of Miyamoto Musashi is a mixture of fiction and fact. It is the stuff of legends - I wouldn't base any hypothesis or attempt to "prove" anything with his story.

According to some quick online research, Miyamoto Musashi was born into a samurai family. As such, I doubt he was completely lacking in any sort of training.

According to Japanese historians, he fought as a mercenary in numerous battles, and according to his own account, had a lot of duels. He was therefore very experienced in battle, and as such, more qualified than many individuals today to create his own style; at least his moves were tested in battle.

You theoretically could make a style on your own, with no formal training, but without testing the techniques out, how would you know they work? You'd need someone to practice with you, and in effect, teach you what they know, so you can find out. This "practice" is a form of learning, so you couldn't really say you were self taught.

Just my two cents.

Edited July 9, 2005 by karate_woman

[kiba no chi]

heh, thanks, its kinda true, but if you took some time out to design the moves and field test them on an opponent (like i do, and what you said ^_^) then you would have an effective style, no?

[Menjo]

Well anyone could, however the human body can only perform so many techniques(which is alot) however there are alot of martial arts and to try to make an effective new one is unlikely. especcialy one that is untrained, also people that have no training generaly dont know whats really a real technique and how it really works outside the television box. They would have a hard time using body connection and developing a series of movements that really flow with each other...but it is very possible

[kiba no chi]

im trying to develop my own style with the katana based on centrifugal force and some iaido/ kenjitsu techs that i know so its kinda hard but i think its coming along nicley ^_^

[Menjo]

good luck with that, anyone else train with you?

[kiba no chi]

thanks, and yeah, a couple of MA and streetfighting friends

[UseoForce]

Sure, anyone can do anything.

It doesn't mean your style will be combat effective.

But if all you're looking for is a sport or game, go for it.

Hey, it might even improve your conditioning, coordination, etc.

Just be careful.

[kiba no chi]

thanks, and i will...

... i was thinking about going to a kendo school somewhere arround me and challenging someone to a friendly, not competitive match to see how actualy effective the style is so far (no sarcasm there) but

1) i dont want to look like an idiot and

2) i dont think kendo schools even accept chalenges anymore, not even for fun, maybe a kenjitsu school would be different? ill try and call sometime ^_^ but as for efectivness so far, ive beaten a MA friend that was using a staff, so, i dunno ::shrugs::

[Sauzin]

A match with shanai's right? Well if you have the gear I don't see why a Kendo school wouldn't let you participate but there's a reasonable chance they would make you look pretty bad. After all that's really what Kendo is about. Beating the crud out of other people with bambo shanai's.

Still I wouldn't phrase it as a challenge. I would go in asking if they wouldn't mind if you participated in a sparring match. Tell them that you've had informal training with shanai's and they might let you. If you don't know how to use the gear though they'll probably ask to show you a few things first.

Kenjitsu is a whole nother ball of wax. And to put it frankly I wouldn't waste your time. Like most non sport martial arts, they aren't about "challenges".

And in regards to the subject of the post. Sure you can make your own style but in my opinion it would have a negative effect on yourself and anyone you taught it to. This is of course just my opinion.