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View Full Version : Does Kendo complement Iai ?



Gmason
21st June 2000, 17:23
I have been practicing Kendo for about 8 months now, and really enjoying it.

I have been thinking about starting Iai which is also taught at the dojo where I practice. I was wondering if anyone had an opinion on, if Iai would be of any benefit to my Kendo or indeed the other way round.

Gareth

Ruediger
21st June 2000, 17:50
Hi Gareth,

first of all...ask your sensei. If it is o.k for him, there should be no reason why you shouldn't start iaido.
From my point of view, iaido is beneficial if one practice kendo (also vice versa). At my last trip to japan, i was at the budokan in kyoto, watching the kendo group. At the end of the lesson the sensei said something (my japanese is poooooor) like:

"if you want to understand the sword, kendo alone is not enough"

(Hey, Kendo-ka, 'was not me saying this :))

Best Regards

Ruediger Meier

Earl Hartman
21st June 2000, 18:32
Gareth:

If you can, you should definitely practice both.

Earl

Scott Fallin
22nd June 2000, 00:23
I belive both arts complement each other quite well. When I took up Iaido, I noticed my Kendo improving - not overnight though ;)

What I found most surprising is what Iaido began to do for my spirit. I cannot recommend Iaido highly enough. It has become a very deep part of my life.

-s