PDA

View Full Version : Sword Style schools in Minnesota?



Kenji Himura
29th August 2004, 01:22
Hello,
I'm new to all of this, but I've always been at least moderatley interested in learning the sword -- so -- the most logical question to ask is: Where do I start?

I've done a little bit of research, minimal at best to be honest, and have found Kenjutsu, Batto-Jutsu, and Iai-do to be of interest, though I am not horribly sure what the differences are between them all.

How does one decide which is right for him?

Once I decide which would be best, how do I go about finding a dojo?

I unfortunatley live in a place right now that isn't exactly what one would call the cultural exchange of the world, but will soon be moving to Minnesota, so hopefully that would bring about more opportunities

Any information that could point me in the right direction would be most appreciated.

Thanks

S. South

Carlos Estrella
29th August 2004, 01:42
Hi, and welcome to the forums. Just so you know, someone will probably suggest that you give us your first name or something, so we can properly address you. It's a forum rule that you have to sign posts with your "real name." It helps us out, and makes it easier to avoid problems.

If you are new to the sword arts, please review the many threads here (click on the links). Also, if something from a moderator says READ, do us a favor and read it. It'll help, I promise :D .

There are a few folks who teach JSA (Japanese Sword Arts) in MN. Just saw one here in Orlando at the 2004 Orlando Tai Kai (Sword Tournament). Nice people up there (in the cold country... brrrrrr). Rather than give you advise in what's best to study, let me make a suggestion: think about what you WANT, and see if it's available. Just remember... contrary to The Last Samurai and other movies, wielding a "real sword" is not easy and is not cheap. Also, it's HARD WORK. I should know... I didn't put enough hard work in, and I lost in that aforementioned Tai Kai though I KNEW what forms to do and how to cut. (In other words, I knew, but I DIDN'T KNOW... when you find a good teacher, they'll explain THAT one!)

If you want to know the differences between iai, batto, etc. (and some people will tell you there ISN'T a difference, but that's another story <g>), look around here for a while. It'll help.

Well... I've babbled enough. Please feel at home here, and remember to LOOK FIRST, READ A BIT, **THEN** ASK OR RESPOND.

All the best,

Carlos

Kenji Himura
29th August 2004, 02:01
Yeah, never thought it'd be easy, but it's definitley something thats piqued my curiousity.

Anyways, yeah, I'll look around a bit more. Maybe I'll find what I need. If not, I'll simply pester you more =P

And, as for the Full name thing, my appologies. I thought I read something that said you could post a first initial and a last name instead. May have been a mistake.

Not to be offensive, but I hardly feel comfortable posting my full real name to a group of complete strangers ^_~

Sean South

Kaoru
29th August 2004, 02:28
Hi!

Welcome to the forum!

Minnesota? I live there. There are three Kendo dojos, one of which is mine, and our dojo is on hiatus due to a lack of practice space.

Kendo is a Japanese sword art that is derived from Kenjutsu. It is lots of fun! There is no authentic Koryu Kenjutsu in Minnesota anywhere. I've looked all over. Koryu are the old Japanese swordarts developed before 1876, with a direct link to Japan. Anything after that, is generally considered Gendai budo.

There is one Koryu Iaido(Same as battojutsu. They mean the same thing.) dojo in Minneapolis though. I can't remember which Iaido Ryu(style) they teach. I believe it is MJER(Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu), but am not certain. Somebody please say if you know.

So, two Kendo dojo are in Minneapolis. The Minnehaha Kendo dojo and the Hokkyokusei Kendo dojo, and in Rochester MN, the main dojo of Hokkyokusei is there. There are only 3 recognised AUSKF(All US Kendo Federation) dojos in the entire state. The AUSKF is the official governing Kendo body in the US. There are also the regional Kendo federations that are also AUSKF related, that these dojos are also members of.

The Minneapolis Hokkyokusei dojo(My dojo) is the one in hiatus right now. I currently practice at the Minnehaha Kendo dojo with permission from my sensei and the sensei there, since I live far North of the main Rochester dojo. All three are excellent, and you can't go wrong with any of them.

Oh, the sensei for the Rochester Hokkyokusei is the same one as for the Minneapolis one. So, no need to list his name twice.

Here are the dojos:

Kendo
------

MWKF(Midwest Kendo Federation)
Hokkyokusei Kendo Club
Rochester, MN
Contact: Stephen Voss (507)281-3163

-----------

MWKF
Minnehaha Kendo Club
4744 Chicago Ave.
Minneapolis, MN
W F 8:00-10:00pm
Contact: Robert Cochran (612)823-6715

-----------

Iaido
------

MWKF
Mutokai Iaido Club
2390 University Ave
St. Paul, MN
W 8:00-9:30pm Sa 1:00-2:30pm Su 4:30-6:00pm
Contact: Karl Peterson (763)533-4126

---------------------

I pulled this dojo information from the AUSKF site:

http://www.auskf.info/mainpages/schools.htm#CO

You should go there, and read about Kendo for more information on it, to see if you are interested.

Also, before you show up at a dojo once you move here, you should call the sensei first of each dojo and ask permission to come to watch a practice. This is standard, and proper etiquette. You ought to go to visit both the Kendo and the Iaido dojos to make a choice, since you need to see the art, to know what it is all about. And, make sure each sensei knows you are visiting different dojos, when you talk to them. And, tell them which one you end up choosing once you decide. It's just polite.

Oh and if it is two hours from you, no complaining, because that is how far I have to go to get to the dojo. :D Getting there is part of your training. It shows dedication, and sensei will be happy that you made the effort. And, it is ok to not make all the practices, if you can't. Just practice at home in between practices. I can only go twice a month because of the distance, so I make up for it, by practicing a lot at home. So, you can too. :) Well, I do hope you get lucky and you will be closer than I am to one of the dojos.

One thing... How soon is soon, in terms of moving here? And, where do you currently live? I could probably find you a dojo, especially if your state is in my dojo list I keep. Others may know too.

Oh, and for more information on what Kenjusu and Iaido is, do a search here. There are tons of good threads to be found on these subjects.

Also, please check out Koryu.com here:

http://koryu.com/index.html

Lots of good articles on the Japanese sword arts here.

Hope this helps!

Kenji Himura
29th August 2004, 02:37
Wow! Kaoru, what can I say?? Thanks for all your help! With people like you here I feel quite welcomed. ^^

Anywho, soon is like....within 2-3 months soon, so while I appreciate your offer of looking up my state, it'd prove to be fruitless in the end. =)

As far as which dojo and which type of Japanese Sword Art I choose, I'll definitley take your advice, and visit the dojos. And, who knows, I may even end up in yours! Bwahahaha...pheer. lol

Well, thanks again, I really appreciate it! =)

Sean South

Kaoru
29th August 2004, 03:19
Originally posted by Kenji Himura
Wow! Kaoru, what can I say?? Thanks for all your help! With people like you here I feel quite welcomed. ^^

Anywho, soon is like....within 2-3 months soon, so while I appreciate your offer of looking up my state, it'd prove to be fruitless in the end. =)

As far as which dojo and which type of Japanese Sword Art I choose, I'll definitley take your advice, and visit the dojos. And, who knows, I may even end up in yours! Bwahahaha...pheer. lol

Well, thanks again, I really appreciate it! =)

Sean South

Hi Kenji-san!

You are very welcome! That would be awesome to have you visit and even join our dojo. We'd be happy to have you. :) (At either dojo.) I hope we find a practice space soon. All are quite good though!

That's soon, 2-3 months. :)

Well, maybe I'll see you if you visit Minnehaha or mine, if we finally get a place to practice.

Anyweay, really, if there's Kendo in your state, and one is near you, please check it out while you are there. You can find out if there's a dojo in your state by going to the AUSKF page I posted in my previous post. You'd know sooner then, if you like it. If you are too busy packing or whatnot(Moving is the pits!), then, I hope you find what you like, here. :)

I hope your move goes smoothly!

Kenji Himura
29th August 2004, 03:40
Well, checked out my ((Current)) state, Mississippi, and to no avail. Like I said, not exactly the place one would call a cultural cross-roads. lol. Chances are, I'dve been better off looking into this stuff last year when I was in colorado where thats concerned, but C'est La Vie.

Anyways, once we have a place picked out as far as where we're to live, I'll shoot ya a PM. I've no idea the geography of the different places in minnesota, and the fact that we could move anywhere doesnt help that much -- the job is a work at home job as a sales rep for the Mid-West, so so long as we live somewhere within driving distance of the different companies, its good.

Sorry bout ranting, you probably don't wanna hear anything about my RL crap. =P

Sean South

Carlos Estrella
29th August 2004, 14:12
Hi Sean, and again welcome! I am glad you're already getting responses.

I checked on one of my teachers websites and got this info:

Twin Cities Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu Robert Steele
Karate Junction Training Center, 1565 Como Avenue, St. Paul, MN
toyama_ryu@yahoo.com www.geocities.com/toyama_ryu

The gentleman above (Robert Steele) is both nice and skilled in Toyama Ryu, a gendai budo sword art. I'm sure more qualified people here can describe it to you, so I'll just say that it has proven its effectiveness on the battlefield in relatively recent times, yet is practiced with a grace that is beauty to behold.

Kaoru's posts I am sure are helpful as well; I hope you're getting what you've asked for here and appreciate your interest in the arts.

Warmest regards,

Carlos

Kenji Himura
30th August 2004, 01:54
Thank you sooo much Carlos, Kaoru, I really appreciate both of your help, and will definitley check in on the different dojos you've listed for me. Just pray that I end up living somewhere near St. Paul, lol

Sean South

Brad Olson
20th September 2004, 15:57
If anyone has any information on the koryu iaido in Minnesota, I would appreciate a post or a shout. I have scoured the net, but can't seem to find any information.

Thanks,
Brad Olson

Brad Olson
22nd September 2004, 15:25
It seems Toyama Ryu will be my most viable option in the area. Does anyone know anything about this place? http://www.chikaradojo.org I think the sensei's name is Alan Kilgore (sp)?
Or this art? http://www.scjma.com

Charles Mahan
22nd September 2004, 17:48
Originally posted by Brad Olson
It seems Toyama Ryu will be my most viable option in the area. Does anyone know anything about this place? http://www.chikaradojo.org I think the sensei's name is Alan Kilgore (sp)?
Or this art? http://www.scjma.com
Can't tell you much about the Chikaradojo, because their website is exceedingly vague about what they do. Here's a quote from their sword page:



SWORDSMANSHIP

The samurai sword. Everyone has heard of it, very few know anything at all about it. To samurai of old, swordsmanship was a daily matter and the refining of one’s skill was often a necessity. Swordsmanship practice is broken up into several groups. Two of which are known as iai jutsu (pronounced eee-ai joot-su) and ken jutsu. Iai is the act of drawing the sword smoothly and quickly at the correct time and cutting. Ken jutsu is the practical application of sword techniques after the blade has been drawn. Swordsmanship training is offered at this school to advanced level students age 11 and above. The training is highly detailed and rigorous. It is real bujutsu training, and has never before been offered in this area.



That's about the extent of the information available. It's not exactly encouraging, but as it is very vauge it's not really conclusive either. Is this the Toyama Ryu place you were talking about?

The scjma.com site links to a Kaze Arashi Ryu dojo. KAR's lineage is... controversial at best. You can read about it at http://www.e-budo.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9264&perpage=30&highlight=kaze%20arashi%20ryu&pagenumber=1

I suggest reading the entire thread before deciding to sign up so that you know what you're getting into.

Brad Olson
22nd September 2004, 18:49
Thanks for youir input, Mr. Mahan. The aforementioned Chikara dojo is not the Toyama Ryu. The one I was speaking of is the one Mr. Estrella posted.

http://www.geocities.com/toyama_ryu/

They seem honest about their lineage. I believe the Chikara dojo practices "shinkage ryu" sword arts. So, I am skeptical to say the least.

Thanks Again Everyone,

Brad Olson

Yuma
22nd October 2004, 06:43
Good evening. I've just joined this forum and am reading everything I can find..... when I came across this thread. I live in Minneapolis, and have been considering training with Sensei Cochran (sp) of the Minnehaha Kendo Club. I've been to watch an entire practice, which I am told by one of the students that night, not many people do, lol.... time is my only issue, but since their beginner's and kids class is only on Saturday, once a week is fine for me as a start.

I am also very interested to know if the dojo on 'hiatus' is active again. The Iai instruction is near me as well, just off Hwy 280 & University in St. Paul.

I'd love to hook up, cyber-wise for now, with someone who trains, especially for mind and body discipline.

Thanks for listening; I hope to learn from you all.

Appreciatively,

Elizabeth Chase
---just call me Lizzie

Kaoru
22nd October 2004, 09:23
Originally posted by Yuma
Good evening. I've just joined this forum and am reading everything I can find..... when I came across this thread. I live in Minneapolis, and have been considering training with Sensei Cochran (sp) of the Minnehaha Kendo Club. I've been to watch an entire practice, which I am told by one of the students that night, not many people do, lol.... time is my only issue, but since their beginner's and kids class is only on Saturday, once a week is fine for me as a start.

I am also very interested to know if the dojo on 'hiatus' is active again. The Iai instruction is near me as well, just off Hwy 280 & University in St. Paul.

I'd love to hook up, cyber-wise for now, with someone who trains, especially for mind and body discipline.

Thanks for listening; I hope to learn from you all.

Appreciatively,

Elizabeth Chase
---just call me Lizzie

Hi!

I am currently training at Cochran-sensei's dojo in place of my own dojo(St. Paul) since it is on hiatus still.

Yes, the St. Paul Kendo dojo is still in Hiatus, unfortunately. We just can't find a space yet. And the main dojo in Rochester is way too far. It's 4 hours South from me! It is about an hour and a half from St. Paul. Both sensei are excellent. :) You can't go wrong either way.

Anyway, I try to get there twice a month on Saturdays, since that's the only day I can go. Maybe I will see you this Saturday if I get to go. Did you come to practice just this last Sat. to watch? I was there.

Please enjoy Kendo! :D

Sincerely,

Yuma
22nd October 2004, 23:18
I'm hoping to take beginner's lesson tomorrow, if I can complete an assignment tomorrow. I think if I show up by 4 p.m., I should be fine.


At your service,

Elizabeth Chase

Kaoru
23rd October 2004, 06:01
Originally posted by Yuma
I'm hoping to take beginner's lesson tomorrow, if I can complete an assignment tomorrow. I think if I show up by 4 p.m., I should be fine.


At your service,

Elizabeth Chase

Hi!

You should get there no later than 3:30pm. He begins practice on time, at about 3:45pm. You need to meet with him before practice. He's not going to stop for you if you show up late. If you do show up late, please remove your shoes and step up on the dojo floor, bow and then walk up to the red line and either stand there before that line quietly or kneel in seiza until he notices you. Oh, and remove all jewellry.

Did you ever talk to him at the class you observed? I am assumig you did, but just in case, if you did not, it would be a very good idea to call him in the morning if you think you will be that late. Well, even if you will be on time, call him anyway. He needs to know you wish to start. (Am hoping you get this in time.) Still, if you will be late, that is what you do. :)

Wel I am not sure yet if I will be able to be there tomorrow, but if I am, I wil see you there. If I am not, I hope you enjoy your first class! :)

Yuma
23rd October 2004, 14:55
I certainly appreciate your tips, Kaoru. Jon Berry, a senior student gave me a different impression..... that practice doesn't usually begin until about 4:30, because people show up at 3:30, but they're not usually ready to be on the dojo floor until then. I certainly wouldn't want to make a bad impression from the beginning.

I have his phone number, and will call him before I leave for my library commitment this morning, that will last until at least 3 p.m., up in Lino Lakes. If I can't get there on time, I'll need to wait 2 weeks since I work next weekend (I'm a nurse.)

I spoke to him briefly last Friday, but more to Jon Berry. Sensei Cochran had literally just come from work and he was late on Friday, and already very tired, so I didn't want to bother him much.

Thank you again, and I hope that my day goes smoothly enough to start today, otherwise I'll meet you and the others in 2 weeks.

Grateful,

Elizabeth Chase

Ric Flinn
23rd October 2004, 17:45
I must have been sleeping and missed this post originally, but I've trained with the Mutokai Iaido club several times in St. Paul. They're a koryu iaido club that practices Muso Shinden Ryu, great group of people. They don't have much of a 'net presence, but they meet regularly at the aikido dojo in St. Paul (the address and Karl's phone number in Kaoru's post are accurate I believe). If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and check them out. PM me if you'd like more details.

Yuma
23rd October 2004, 23:30
Well, I just pulled in from my library 'gig'. I am part of a feudal Japanese re-enactment group and the Society for Creative Anachronism; our demonstration was up in Lino Lakes, and so many people were interested we ran twice as long as we were booked for.

I think most of the group have trained in some form of Oriental sword art, except me and one other person.... who incidentally is a Fire Dancer.... if he isn't using real flame, like today, he uses silk streamers colored like flames. Very kewl.

And yes, I am interested in Iaido.... in fact, the general 'Way'.... not largely to fight, mostly for what lies between my ears and in my heart. I like kata most of all in Shotokan karate, but it takes application (in kumite, not on the street 8-} to test the moves you have trained and to hone reflexes; so, too, it seems with the sword. I am to the point in my life that I greatly appreciate the grace, the beauty, the strength, and the mental clarity that I learned in karate. I consider the sword arts as adding to that education.

The TC Aikido Center is about two miles from me... but only a mile as the crow flies, lol, because I live on the west side of the river. I had planned to call and request permission to watch a class session this week.

Thanks to Kaoru for her information and input, and for your offer of assistance. Perhaps we will cross paths soon.

Bowing,

Elizabeth Chase

Kaoru
24th October 2004, 04:21
Originally posted by Yuma
I certainly appreciate your tips, Kaoru. Jon Berry, a senior student gave me a different impression..... that practice doesn't usually begin until about 4:30, because people show up at 3:30, but they're not usually ready to be on the dojo floor until then. I certainly wouldn't want to make a bad impression from the beginning.


I'm glad I was able to help.

Well, he's got it a bit wrong. Everyone starts showing up at around 3:30pm sometimes earlier, and practice usually begins at about 3:45pm or a little after that. He tries to start on time. We are always well into practice at 4:30pm. (I like knowing what time it is. I look at the clock if I happen to be near it.)

Did you get a chance to call Cochran-sensei?



Thank you again, and I hope that my day goes smoothly enough to start today, otherwise I'll meet you and the others in 2 weeks.


You're welcome! :)

Sincerely,

Kaoru
24th October 2004, 04:26
Originally posted by Yuma
Well, I just pulled in from my library 'gig'. I am part of a feudal Japanese re-enactment group and the Society for Creative Anachronism; our demonstration was up in Lino Lakes, and so many people were interested we ran twice as long as we were booked for.


Well, I ended up not getting to go today either. :cry: But, I will probably be going this coming Saturday, if my Mom can take me. I normally go every other week, but sometimes, it ends up being less than that. :(



Thanks to Kaoru for her information and input, and for your offer of assistance. Perhaps we will cross paths soon.


You are very welcome! :)

Sincerely,

Yuma
24th October 2004, 07:38
It's also quite possible that I misunderstood Jon, too. He was kind enough to visit with me for awhile. I met Toby as well. There was another gentleman, and a woman named Amanda, but we did not speak. Sensei Cochran was very kind, tired, and seem preoccupied, even before the class started, so I didn't bother him much. Perhaps I will have more of an opportunity to visit with him after I've trained for a few months. My son will need to prove his own tenacity & interest.


I have a question that may surprise you, but as I am a mother, too, I'd just like be comfortable with having your mom know who I am, so that she has one less thing to worry about. I try to not monitor every moment my kids spend online, visiting forums, playing online games, and whatnot.... they usually volunteer what they're into. They've reported 'stange behaviour' and other stalking type question to the list-owners ( of a different forum)

So, you seem to have a good head on you, and a kind heart to guide your actiosn. You've been training longer than have I, so you are my sempai, Kaoru-dono. Please do me the favor of telling her to whom you have been visiting. I'd like to make her acquaintance some time down the line.....

Hey! How about those Red Sox!!!!!!

I think you mention checking out Kendo World as well. Perhaps tomorrow, after I've slept sinfully late........ My kids are Milwaukee with their dad; this house is quiet, and I can sleep as long as I like.

REally tired now, falling asleep at the wheel, lol.....

Lizzie

Chase

Kaoru
25th October 2004, 02:13
Hi Yuma-san,



It's also quite possible that I misunderstood Jon, too. He was kind enough to visit with me for awhile. I met Toby as well. There was another gentleman, and a woman named Amanda, but we did not speak. Sensei Cochran was very kind, tired, and seem preoccupied, even before the class started, so I didn't bother him much. Perhaps I will have more of an opportunity to visit with him after I've trained for a few months. My son will need to prove his own tenacity & interest.


Yeah, it is possible he did. I don't think I have met the sempai you mentioned, yet. I don't get to go on week-days(Live too far.), so I only get to meet some of them.

Well, when you come to practice, you need to make a point of talking to Cochran-sensei right away. He needs to meet you and teach you the proper etiquette and all that. You can't just join the class and not tell him you and he wish to participate in practice. That would not go over well... (I mean no offense. I just want to make sure your first day in class goes well. And, make a point of calling him if you haven't already, before you go, to let him know you both are coming. It is just good etiquette. :) )



I have a question that may surprise you, but as I am a mother, too, I'd just like be comfortable with having your mom know who I am, so that she has one less thing to worry about. I try to not monitor every moment my kids spend online, visiting forums, playing online games, and whatnot.... they usually volunteer what they're into. They've reported 'stange behaviour' and other stalking type question to the list-owners ( of a different forum)

So, you seem to have a good head on you, and a kind heart to guide your actiosn. You've been training longer than have I, so you are my sempai, Kaoru-dono. Please do me the favor of telling her to whom you have been visiting. I'd like to make her acquaintance some time down the line.....


No, I don't mind at all. Actually though, I guess I should have clarified that I've already graduated from college. My Mom drives me because my vision isn't good enough to drive a car. But, I will tell her anyway, because it will make her very happy to know who you are. She hates the internet and she thinks people online are scary and always wishes she could meet the ones I know. It bothers her that she can't see them face to face, and does not really approve of me making online friends she can't meet. Sigh... Besides, off-line, she just expects to get to meet people I know whether it's a girl or guy. Old fashioned I guess. :D So, she will be only too pleased to get to meet you. :)

Another RK fan? :D I haven't been called that for a long time. Kaoru-san is just fine.
"Dono" is too fine an honorific. I hardly deserve that.



Hey! How about those Red Sox!!!!!!


I don't know a thing about baseball... :D



I think you mention checking out Kendo World as well. Perhaps tomorrow, after I've slept sinfully late........ My kids are Milwaukee with their dad; this house is quiet, and I can sleep as long as I like.

REally tired now, falling asleep at the wheel, lol.....


Hope you have fun having the house to yourself. :D Kendo World is a nice forum, and there are some 13 year olds there too. Your son might enjoy it as well as you, and learn something about Kendo there. :)

Sincerely,

matt henseler
25th October 2004, 03:24
I train at the Chikara dojo. Please excuse the website, i wasn't aware we had one, and i think it is very out of date.

The style we practice is Shinkage-ryu, kenjutsu, iai and the unarmed techniques, along with some spear techniques. Sensei Kilgore has been practicing swordsmanship for about 20 years i think.
The address on the website is correct, we are located on Rice St. near Co. Rd C, in little canada.

Yuma
25th October 2004, 07:04
Another RK fan? I haven't been called that for a long time. Kaoru-san is just fine.
"Dono" is too fine an honorific. I hardly deserve that.

**************

Kaoru-san (at your request),

My use of the suffix -dono stems from my early training, and current 'lifestyle' in my re-enactment group, between the years 600 & 1600. During those times, '-dono' was used when addressing a person of either perceived equal or greater status.

I accord you this honor as sempai in the kendo realm, and at least as equal as a human being.

I am afraid I must plead ignorance of your use of the 'RK', and would appreciate illumination.... of course, the only brain cells firing at this hour are in the stem, and those in my fingers that are skilled at remembering locations of letters on my keyboard. I had to stay up until my babies were home, you know (there's a second hobbit-haired half-elfling, too. He's 9 years old..).

I look forward to meeting both you and your mother. Please forgive my impertinent suggestion that you tell your mother with whom you are playing; my intent was not patronization or condescention of your age. That you are graduated from college and retain obvious traits of goodness, honesty, generosity and compassion --traits normally associated with younger adolescents --- does honor to you and especially to your mother. I wanted to accord you the same courtesies and safeguards that I would want someone to accord to my own children.

I will call Sensei Cochrane midweek before the second Saturday from now, for instructions, and arrangements before the class. Each sensei has his or her own protocol, and I think it best to always bring 'beginner's mind' and accept different practices as expanding my experience and education.

Just how far out do you live from the dojo? 30 - 40 miles? Yikes!

*******************

Matt,

My thanks to you as well for mentioning your training facility. I had to go back through the threads and find them. We'll most likely visit several places to check the atmosphere, ambience, and general attitude of the students and instructors.

*******************

Of course, nothing is going to go anywhere until the World Series is over. And I have two sewing project to finish (and to the 'between project clean-up) before I can start something else.

Matt--- does your sensei prefer a short conversation on the phone for a prospective student, then follow up with a visit to the dojo?

I'm really very much enjoying this thread, and the lovely visits with other folk who have been kind, generous, and honest. I'll warn you now that while I am not an ego-based fighter-wanabee, I do love the absolute simplicity of being the same energy from my brain to my heat and to my actions and beyond I find myself a touch wiser, whether I prevailed in the conflict or not. I , yeah, tend towards philostification when I get that energy flow going.....

I'm going to take advantage of the long pauses between thougts and just call it a night.

Hay you all be safe from harm, whereever you are, and at least at arms reach of those whom you love and they love you.

Yuma

Wout
25th October 2004, 12:03
Originally posted by Yuma


I have a question that may surprise you, but as I am a mother, too, I'd just like be comfortable with having your mom know who I am, so that she has one less thing to worry about. I try to not monitor every moment my kids spend online, visiting forums, playing online games, and whatnot.... they usually volunteer what they're into. They've reported 'stange behaviour' and other stalking type question to the list-owners ( of a different forum)


I think you mention checking out Kendo World as well. Perhaps tomorrow, after I've slept sinfully late........ My kids are Milwaukee with their dad; this house is quiet, and I can sleep as long as I like.


Chase


You should read thee top ten list of things that show you are obsessed with kendo (http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4150), kendo world is filled with scary people :D. But they wont stalk anyone, too busy with kendo :p :D

Wout
25th October 2004, 12:14
Originally posted by Yuma


I am afraid I must plead ignorance of your use of the 'RK', and would appreciate illumination.... of course, the only brain cells firing at this hour are in the stem, and those in my fingers that are skilled at remembering locations of letters on my keyboard. I had to stay up until my babies were home, you know (there's a second hobbit-haired half-elfling, too. He's 9 years old..).


Hay you all be safe from harm, whereever you are, and at least at arms reach of those whom you love and they love you.

Yuma

Rurouni kenshin is an anime series (like the series, but oav where soo much better), he always used the suffix dono when talkin to another character in the series named kaoru :).

Oh and thank you , although I'm not quite sure what 'hay' means, I'll think it's something good.

ulvulv
25th October 2004, 12:24
Originally posted by Wout


Oh and thank you , although I'm not quite sure what 'hay' means, I'll think it's something good.

Haybe it is.:D

Yuma
25th October 2004, 15:02
"Hay you all be safe from harm...."


LOL, it's good.....

I meant 'May'............. :rolleyes:

Must have been all that excitement about the Red Sox winning last night.

I must admit that I might be susceptible to the criteria of that top ten list.... I already like the color 'indigo' (goes well with my eyes.... I often dream kata (Shotokan karate)..... often carry my bo in my dreams (been a long while for the real thing, though :( ).....

I loved the 'kiai when you open an umbrella' line. Kewl!

Question: I am accustomed to the shorter kiais of karate & bo. What is the purpose for carrying on a kiai for 20 feet past your blow? If I'm not making sense, please help me find the right words.

Appreciatively,

Lizzie


Chase

Wout
26th October 2004, 16:48
well the kiai lasts as long as the movement you are acxecuting, a strike in kendo generaly lasts from kamai to kamai (kamai strike follow through turnaround kamai). Reason that you don't do a short kiai is that your body will almost automaticly stop/slow down if you inhale during a the follow through because it brakes the move whereas if you keep exhaling you will get further faster.



EH that's what I make of it sofar

Yuma
26th October 2004, 18:35
Thank you; it actually makes sense to me, as I can compare it to my Shotokan karate experience.

Domo arigato goziamasu, tomodachi!

Lizzie

Chase

Gyoza_Muncher
24th December 2014, 19:20
I know it's been over ten years since this information was posted, but I'm also looking for a place to learn Kendo or Kenjutsu. I found the Kaishin Dojo in west st. paul, and I would like more up-to-date information on the Minnehaha Kendo Club.

Kaishin is run by Al(an) Kilgore. I've been doing some reading and there seems to be controversy surrounding him and the legitimacy of his style. I would like as much information on him as possible from people who have dealt with him before.

Thank you for your time.

gendzwil
25th December 2014, 07:05
Avoid Kilgore. You should be able to get contact info for a proper dojo through the AUSKF website (http://auskf.info/dojo/dojolist.htm).

pgsmith
29th December 2014, 01:06
Hey Robin,
Welcome to e-budo! I have to definitely second Neil's opinion on Al Kilgore. There has been quite a bit of discussion about him on the web that can be googled. Suffice to say that if you're looking for traditional Japanese sword arts, don't look in his direction. In the Minneapolis area, I would recommend Toyama ryu at the Seiryuukan dojo run by Robert Steele ... http://www.seiryuukandojo.com/ or Muso Shinden Ryu at the Mutokai dojo, which I believe is run by Karl Peterson. There is also Kendo at the Minnehaha Kendo Club ... http://minnehahakendo.org/

Good luck!

CEB
7th January 2015, 21:44
Minnehaha Kendo Club is a good people. I've met a lot of them at TaiKai. I like Mr. Cochran a lot.

Kendo is often a good way to make legimate Koryu connections. The Japanese sword community is not that big.