Note To Self...Go Train...

[SteyrAUG]

Do you know the names of the systems you studied or do you mean that you learnt some techniques/kata from certain systems?

K.

I do, but again we never studied any system exclusively so it really doesn't matter.

The reason I ask is because I’m interested in how you got it to work.

A Koryu system is the sum of its constituent parts.

Take techniques / kata out of any said system and they most likely become useless (or at least less useful).

Practicing kata out of the context of the system may look and feel very nice to do, but unless you know how to connect the dots it’s a pretty empty experience.

That’s why I was interested in the systems from which you say you have knowledge of kata and how you linked them up to the bigger picture of your training.

K.

Well I can spend about 5 years showing you how we did it, but that probably isn't practical. I don't know that it could be explained in sufficient detail over the internet without me writing a book.

But suffice to say it wasn't nearly as difficult as you make it sound. The systems I studied weren't nearly as confining as you suggest and there were plenty of common denominators.

I found that the techniques we were using worked just fine outside of their parent system or even combined with methods of other systems. Connecting those dots wasn't terribly difficult for anyone with a decent foundation.

Certainly we weren't the only school practicing Kenjutsu's "greatist hits." I have found most schools have similar fundamentals and it is only advanced techniques, kata and concepts that set them apart. My experience seems to be different from yours.

As stated previously, it was hardly anything revolutionary.

[Kusotare]

My experience seems to be different to yours.

Seems to be, but that could be because (unless I'm mistaken) you have never trained in, or been a member of a Koryu!?

K.

[SteyrAUG]

My experience seems to be different to yours.

Seems to be, but that could be because (unless I'm mistaken) you have never trained in, or been a member of a Koryu!?

K.

Probably best for all if you simply continue with that assumption.

But I consider any unmodified "pre Meiji" system to be koryu. As a result I've actually studied quite a few koryu systems and styles. So have a lot of other people.

[Kusotare]

But I consider any unmodified "pre Meiji" system to be koryu. As a result I've actually studied quite a few koryu systems and styles. So have a lot of other people.

Not really!

You are either a member of a koryu - or you are not.

If you "dabble" in it, you can say that you have knowledge of techniques that belong to a koryu - but that doesn't mean you "do" koryu or have any great understanding of its raison detre.

K.

[Kusotare]

Have you trained outside of the US?

[SteyrAUG]

Have you trained outside of the US?

Does Iowa count?

[Kusotare]

Not really!

Why Iowa btw?

K.