Wondering about this Kobudo set

[Neo Dragon]

I was thinking about buying this because Im very interested in Kobudo and there arent any instructors in my area who teach it. I was wondering if any of you have this and how good is the quality of instruction.

http://www.centuryfitness.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&storeId=10051&productId=87765&langId=-1&product_parentId=13754&crumb=13501&categoryId=13754&parent_category_rn=13753

[Rick_72]

Kobudo is kind of a tricky subject in my opinion. While there isn't a lot of practical use's for the weapons your learning (besides maybe the bo), it does teach you some biomachanic's for the use of expediant weapons. I mean really, who has their razor sharp kama's in the back seat of their car, and would break them out in the event of a physical altrication?

That being said, the reason I study Kobudo is for traditional reasons, and I enjoy the conditioning my upper body gets for manipulating the weapons. So considering the traditional movements for weapons manipulation, I think it could be very, very easy to pick up hard to correct bad habits by learning Kobudo from video. There's no one to correct your mistakes, that you will often miss when trying to learn it from scratch.

I would think it best to find someone who can teach you the basic manipulations of the weapons, and train those until you can find someone that teach's weapons kata.

[stoneheart]

I recommend some private lessons with a qualified sensei before even looking at videos. Fly if you have to, but I think you could engrain some bad habits which would be difficult to correct later unless you have proper instruction with the basic grips and stances.

Kobudo is invaluable practice for the serious karate-ka. Many of the movements in kata and kihon practice are clearly related to kobudo work, and weapons practice will only help your empty hand and vice versa. Many aikido students study the sword for this exact reason.

[bushido_man96]

Well, it looks like you are getting a lot of videos for $100. Hopefully, they are good quality. Unfortunately, you won't know until you get them.

As for learning without an instructor, I say if this is your only option, then go for it. Perhaps later on you will be able to find someone to teach you.

[Jiffy]

As mentioned, if you study Kobudo, it's more for interest in the techniques and traditiion than practical use.

As for the kit, it's quite good. I have the "Mastering the Kama" video and it's not too bad.

[Neo Dragon]

Im am of the opinoin that it is better to study under an instructor and I would normaly not even really look into this; but there aren't any schools around my area that teach it. Ive found though that by doing it infront of a mirror that tends to help show some of your mistakes. Thanks for the suggestions guys.

And sorry about putting it in the wrong place. Wasn't sure where it went.

[Jiffy]

If you have a video camera, that's also a very good training tool for this scenario.

[bushido_man96]

Good call, Jiffy. The video camera is great for feedback, and you can slow it down and freeze it to really evaluate the details.

[Brandon Fisher]

Nishiuchi Sensei is one of the top instructors and I have seen some of his tapes. However I think that Hanshi Heilman's are very precise and clear.

[Neo Dragon]

Havent thought about using a video camera before. Good idea.

Nishiuchi Sensei is one of the top instructors and I have seen some of his tapes. However I think that Hanshi Heilman's are very precise and clear.

Do you think that his instruction is reasonable quality though? And do you have a link to any of Hanshi Heilman's equipment?