View Full Version : Sword art styles and schools?
Joss
26th October 2000, 23:31
All,
I'm trying to get a better understanding of what differences the different schools / traditions of sword arts. I would appreciate if practitioners of different tradition could give me their perspective. (I know, it's a vast subject...)
Thanks!
JD
Blues
1st November 2000, 10:07
You can look here for more info. I'm not an expert but if you have questions I'd be happy to try to answer them... ^_^
http://www.ii.uib.no/~kjartan/swordfaq/
Meik Skoss
2nd November 2000, 14:52
J. Delage wrote: "I am trying to get a better understanding of what differences the different schools/traditions of sword arts. I'd appreciate it if practitioners of different tradition could give me their perspective. (I know, it's a vast subject...)"
Why not first read some of the better books now available? The ones that will be of most use are Donn Draeger's three book set on the "Martial Arts and Ways of Japan" (published by Weatherhill), the book, *Japanese Swordsmanship* that he co-authored with Gordon S. Warner (also Weatherhill), the one DFD co-authored with Robert W. Smith, *Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts* (published by Kodansha International) and (ahem! pardon this shameless plug...) and Diane Skoss' two volumes, *Koryu Bujutsu* and *Sword and Spirit* (these are published by Koryu Books, the first two volumes of our series, "Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan").
Hope this helps.
Sal
13th November 2000, 23:16
Phew! As far as I know there are *litteraly* hundred of styles. I practice Iaido and there are two main styles- Jikiden muso ryu iaido & shinden muso ryu iaido. The kata (seite) are exactly the same with maybe one or two variations in cuts & footwork but the main difference being the noto (putting the sword away) Jikiden is done over the top of the scabbard whereas Shinden is run horizontally over the scabbard. In England, only about 25% of practitioners do Jikiden (which I do-to be honest, the Jikiden style seems more practical) When you get to about 1/2 dan, you may be taught 'Koryu' which is basically the old school of iaido with many wierd looking kata (there's 64 kata in koryu-i think) & then there's stuff like Kami-sama done by two people, Tachi Uchi no Kurai, and dozens of more styles which a lifestyle of study would not permit one from learning.
ghp
14th November 2000, 04:40
Sal,
Away to the "Three Bulls Heads" or the "Blackbird Inn" (Ponteland), then a few stanzas of "Cushy Butterfield" before you post again!
Who is teaching iai in NE4??
And by any chance do you know in Harry Cook (karate) Haltwhistle?
Regards,
Guy
kid
19th November 2000, 21:39
Guy Power Sensei or to whom it may concern,
How pleased I was to learn that the Kenshinkan Dojo run by Guy Power
Sensei was in the bay area. I live in San Mateo, and have been interested in
katana for some time but have only recently started acquiring them (so far a
Chen practical and a Nosyuiaido steel iaito that cuts). I would like to know
how I would go about learning iaido at the Kenshinkan. I also would like to
know your programs, especially any one day a week classes, weekend classes or
private lessons. I work in the Silicon Valley, study Japanese, go to school
and train in Chinese Martial Arts so I am a bit pressed for time.
However I love the Japanese culture past and present, and would like to learn
true iaido from a respected Sensei, not just instructionals. I have to say I
am not well versed with ancient weaponry, but am a fast learner when I am
enthusiastic about my undertaking. I look forward to hearing from you.
I hate to post this here, but the link to e-mail on the Kenshinkan page is down.
please direct any info you can here or at firipinjin@aol.com
kid
20th November 2000, 02:18
I was advised by a forum member that using my real name is recommended for my query. I have nothing to hide, if anyone has any info on what I have posted above please send to firipinjin@aol.com
Respectfully
Mark Flores
ghp
22nd November 2000, 20:48
Hello Mark,
Sorry for being so slow, but I haven't looked at this thread since Sal responded off line.
The Kenshinkan Dojo is located on NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Ca. -- which means it is due east of 101 at Mountain View.
Where in Silly-Con Valley do you work? I teach only on Sunday evenings, from 5pm ~ 7pm. No class this Sunday as I take as many "3-day holidays" as the federal government chooses to give me -- besides, long weekends are better spent with wives and families.
Studying Japanese is definitely helpful, but martial arts terms are archaeic and largely unknown to the modern cosmopolitan Japanese.
Either the Chen practical katana or the Nosyuiaido steel iaito that cuts is acceptable. However, I prefer you to begin with a zinc-alloy iaito. If you haven't one, you can borrow the dojo iaito during practice.
I'll send you my e-mail address separately.
Regards,
Guy
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