Good Katana Kamae [Archive]

hyaku

01-29-2004, 04:42 PM

Yes I would like to see some too. I think half the problem is in who takes them. If they are taken or for that matter chosen by a trained eye it goes a long way towards a good picture.

Japanese mags are absolutely full of Krappy action shots. Vids are the same. On my instigation we now have a nice arrangement with NHK of being able to edit whats shown.

I like this pic. After the kamae, but he has cut and still retained nice focus with the kensen still threatening.

Hyakutake Colin

ulvulv

01-30-2004, 04:07 AM

dont know this guy

SLeclair

01-30-2004, 06:17 AM

Oshita Masakazu, 7 dan kyoshi from Japan. Always has a smile on his face :).

http://www.tateyamadojo.ca/gallery/english/gal/Iaido/Seminars/Guelph_2003_Spring_Iaido_and_Jodo_Seminar/dsc00526.jpg

yohimbo

01-30-2004, 11:04 AM

So we've seen a lot of snickering over people's lousy kamae, I'm curious to see what some of you come up with for examples of *good* kamae.
please check:
http://www.miami-komei-jyuku.org/learnmore/kamae.php

Earl Hartman

01-30-2004, 11:44 AM

Looked at the Komei Juku site. Some nice stuff, but I also recognized one of the Krappy Kamae posted on the other thread.

I have a question, though. Since when does the curriculum of MJER contain naginata?

Richie112

01-30-2004, 12:45 PM

Originally posted by Earl Hartman

I have a question, though. Since when does the curriculum of MJER contain naginata?

It says on the main page he is a 'Jikishin Kage Ryu Naginatajutsu Nobuko Shimizu Student'

gendzwil

01-30-2004, 01:34 PM

How come our lovely model's sageo is hanging loose in each photo?

yohimbo

01-30-2004, 02:05 PM

Looked at the Komei Jyuku site. Some nice stuff, but I also recognized one of the Krappy Kamae posted on the other thread.

Please show me what is a Krappy Kamae,

I have a question, though. Since when does the curriculum of MJER contain naginata?

Komei Jyuku members try to learn Traditional Japanese Budo MJER<Jikishin Kage Ryu Naginata-jutsu>Kendo <Kembu-jutsu
We did want to show different Kamae’s

About sageo, we don’t put a rules at our style if my master used that way, respect your sensei’s way

Earl Hartman

01-30-2004, 02:45 PM

I didn't post the picture in question, but there is a picture in the gallery of your site of a young man sittng in seiza with his sword in his obi, but the sword is sticking very far out of his obi at a very odd angle. Someone posted it as an example of how not to wear the sword, I suppose. I'm not exactly sure how to link to it, sorry.

My question regarding the naginata was not to say that I thought the kamae were bad. I don't think they are, and since I do not practice naginata, I would have no way of knowing if they were good or bad. I was simply curious as to whether the curriculum of the Komei Juku contained naginata, that's all. I think you have answered my question, thanks.

AAC

01-30-2004, 03:00 PM

Otake Sensei

yohimbo

01-30-2004, 03:07 PM

dear Earl:

Generally Komei Jyuku members use a long sword around 42-47 inches.
That iai-jin is over 5’ 6” and he use 43" sword.
His techniques is very good .someone ask about the color of the hakama, and said beautiful blue color,
is really important the color of the hakama?
Our sensei is over 5'4" and he use 48” sword
About Sageo Tsukau Kata,I know what is that but I am another student

Komei Jyuku members around the world try to learn different martial Arts :Kembu-jutsu, Naginata-jutsu, Kobu-do, Kendo, Filosfy etc.
this is Budo

hyaku

01-30-2004, 05:04 PM

Yohimbo At the risk of being rude can i ask you some questions about your Kamae.

Why is your chudan so high and so far away from the body. How can you control it with the body and tanden if is so far away?

Why is the Gedan Kamae so high? Kamae Otoku points at the opponents knee area even from a distance.

In the Jodan Kamae why are the elbows pointing out?

Why is Hasso Kamae so far forward away from the body?

Why is the sword not hidden in Waki Gamae? Even fro that angle i would not expect to see much of it.

Looking forward to your answers.

Best regards

Hyakutake Colin

Brian Owens

01-31-2004, 02:53 AM

Originally posted by gendzwil
How come our lovely model's sageo is hanging loose in each photo?
Some sensei teach to tie your sageo to the hakama himo to the left of center, some say to the right of center. Some don't tie it to the himo but wrap it around the saya in a figure-8. And some just pass it behind the saya and let it dangle.

None is more "correct" than the other.

Brian Owens

01-31-2004, 03:03 AM

Brian Owens

01-31-2004, 03:07 AM

Originally posted by Earl Hartman
I didn't post the picture in question, but there is a picture in the gallery of your site of a young man sittng in seiza with his sword in his obi, but the sword is sticking very far out of his obi at a very odd angle. Someone posted it as an example of how not to wear the sword, I suppose. I'm not exactly sure how to link to it, sorry.
Here's that photo, for reference to posts.

yohimbo

01-31-2004, 05:07 AM

My sensei said:
Budo is like sing a beautiful song: example Georgia in my mind or Shimauta why not.
Many singers and many interpretations, Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Michael Bolton, Willy Nelson ,different colors, different point of view ,different angles and different feelings
After 26 years in Budo practice you must find your own way.
I had to explain my way many years ago to my sensei because many people have any natural limitation and however want to practice Budo and I am one of them
In a Way of the Sword history many Ryu survived hundreds a years with they own interpretation about Happo Gamae ( I do not know what is your style and your rank but try to find information about it; I sorry)

When do you use a long and heavy sword the heights change and keep the edge close your face is very dangerous.
In classic Iaijutsu; Hasso Kamae has different way but I have a big Kendo influence and for me FuriKabute or Furikaburi is more effective front your body always keeping far the tsuba from your face
You are right MY GEDAN IS SO HIGH, but in this position is where I have the control over that heavily and long sword

ulvulv

01-31-2004, 06:48 AM

Originally posted by yohimbo
e
You are right MY GEDAN IS SO HIGH, but in this position is where I have the control over that heavily and long sword

A bokuto is neither very "heavily" or "long".
As you wear a blue keikogi with tare and hold a bokuto, it is natural to believe that you should do a gedan as taught in kendo.
With that nice scenery behind you, it should be easy for your opponent to "look at a far away mountain" Not bad.:D

hyaku

01-31-2004, 07:51 AM

Originally posted by yohimbo
My sensei said:
Budo is like sing a beautiful song: example Georgia in my mind or Shimauta why not.
Many singers and many interpretations, Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Michael Bolton, Willy Nelson ,different colors, different point of view ,different angles and different feelings
After 26 years in Budo practice you must find your own way.

I had to explain my way many years ago to my sensei because many people have any natural limitation and however want to practice Budo and I am one of them
In a Way of the Sword history many Ryu survived hundreds a years with they own interpretation about Happo Gamae ( I do not know what is your style and your rank but try to find information about it; I sorry)

When do you use a long and heavy sword the heights change and keep the edge close your face is very dangerous.
In classic Iaijutsu; Hasso Kamae has different way but I have a big Kendo influence and for me FuriKabute or Furikaburi is more effective front your body always keeping far the tsuba from your face
You are right MY GEDAN IS SO HIGH, but in this position is where I have the control over that heavily and long sword

hyaku

01-31-2004, 07:55 AM

Kaoru

01-31-2004, 07:56 PM

Hi minna-san,

Ok, I have just read this thread, and now I am so curious...

I just went and looked carefully at all the photos Pla-sensei gave the link to. Then, I read people'a comments, particularly, Hyakutake-sensei's comments. So, now I am really wanting to know please... What does a Koryu person's kamae look like, in all these kamae in the photos Pla-sensei has given the link to as compared to a Kendoka's? What are the differences? Does anyone have any photos at all of each kamae done by a Koryu practitioner and then a Kendo practitioner? Oh, Pla-sensei, I am not meaning to offend, but Hyakutake-sensei said something above, about your gedan being influenced by Kendo, or something like that. So, I got the idea that maybe your Kendo is influencing your Koryu kamae? I don't know... I'm a little confused. Maybe I didn't understand his comment. But, I want to know please.

Please excuse me minna-san... I'm still learning. And, I probably didn't word this too well. Please, I am not intending to insult anyone. I just want to know, because Hyakutake-sensei asked a bunch of questions and made me start thinking about it all, and I want to know now, if there are any differences. I have only learned Jodan, chudan, and gedan-the ones a beginner learns. I haven't learned more than that yet. Oh heck... I know I got this worded a little funny. I'm sorry!

Chidokan

02-01-2004, 06:40 AM

beat these...

http://www.151a.net/iai/photo/photo_iwata.html

not bad for someone who is 91....

Ben Bartlett

02-01-2004, 12:25 PM

Originally posted by Kaoru
Hi minna-san,

Ok, I have just read this thread, and now I am so curious...

I just went and looked carefully at all the photos Pla-sensei gave the link to. Then, I read people'a comments, particularly, Hyakutake-sensei's comments. So, now I am really wanting to know please... What does a Koryu person's kamae look like, in all these kamae in the photos Pla-sensei has given the link to as compared to a Kendoka's? What are the differences? Does anyone have any photos at all of each kamae done by a Koryu practitioner and then a Kendo practitioner? Oh, Pla-sensei, I am not meaning to offend, but Hyakutake-sensei said something above, about your gedan being influenced by Kendo, or something like that. So, I got the idea that maybe your Kendo is influencing your Koryu kamae? I don't know... I'm a little confused. Maybe I didn't understand his comment. But, I want to know please.

Please excuse me minna-san... I'm still learning. And, I probably didn't word this too well. Please, I am not intending to insult anyone. I just want to know, because Hyakutake-sensei asked a bunch of questions and made me start thinking about it all, and I want to know now, if there are any differences. I have only learned Jodan, chudan, and gedan-the ones a beginner learns. I haven't learned more than that yet. Oh heck... I know I got this worded a little funny. I'm sorry!
Well, I have a lot less experience in these matters than some of the other people posting in this thread, but it's my understanding that each ryu has its own kamae. I was lucky enough to be in Guelph when the current head of the Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu came there, along with Hyakutake-san, to give a seminar, and I can tell you for certain their kamae looks absolutely nothing like the kamae in MJER. Aside from the fact that in both cases you're holding a sword, that is. ;) At any rate, maybe someone whose had more experience with various koryu than I can further elucidate this point, but that's my understanding of the situation.

Martyn van Halm

02-01-2004, 12:29 PM

Originally posted by Earl Hartman
My question regarding the naginata was not to say that I thought the kamae were bad. I don't think they are, and since I do not practice naginata, I would have no way of knowing if they were good or bad. I was simply curious as to whether the curriculum of the Komei Juku contained naginata, that's all. I think you have answered my question, thanks.

Naginata no kamae of the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. The girl in the coloured photographs trains with us. The ones in the black-and-white photographs are probably deceased by now.

http://aikidojo.nl/ksrkamae.html
Gedan kamae
http://aikidojo.nl/uploads/images/113/naginata_gedan_kamae.gif
Ten no kamae
http://aikidojo.nl/uploads/images/119/naginata_ten_no_kamae.gif
Ten no kamae
http://aikidojo.nl/uploads/images/188/nag_tennokam.JPG
Kubi
http://aikidojo.nl/uploads/images/186/2003_1227ksr_kubi.JPG

And no, I cannot get you a date with her.:D

yohimbo

02-01-2004, 01:31 PM

Hyaku-sama:
The human being believe that knows everything, but knows how to express our opinion is a very hard for many.
Exist almost 300 ryu in a Japanese fencing and I didn't see any photo of the japonese masters of this post is at Kamaes, why do you tries with offending to me?
about naginata search how many style exist.
if you want i can send you many pictures about it.

Kaoru

02-01-2004, 01:42 PM

Hi Pla-sensei,

He wasn't trying to offend you. He just wanted to know, that's all.
There is nothing wrong with asking. Don't worry about it, ok?

yohimbo

02-01-2004, 01:51 PM

very good Carol:
specially if you said that,because you know who i am how is my budo,and how i teach.
but ...
thank you everybody,i promise to be better in my koryu
Hyaku-sama i hope to visit Saitama at the end of the year,please teach me

hyaku

02-01-2004, 05:12 PM

Originally posted by yohimbo
Hyaku-sama:
The human being believe that knows everything, but knows how to express our opinion is a very hard for many.
Exist almost 300 ryu in a Japanese fencing and I didn't see any photo of the japonese masters of this post is at Kamaes, why do you tries with offending to me?
about naginata search how many style exist.
if you want i can send you many pictures about it.

Mmmm well.... is was not me who mentioned Naginata. I use a Nagamaki. If you would like to skip back to (1) on the thread and read again you will see I made no mention of Naginata.

You have point about not many Japanese masters posing for Kamae shots. That really is a thought worth pondering over. The thing is who would think themselves worthy enough to pose anyway?

I would never dispute that there are so many different Kamae. A lot do have certain principles in common. Such as the use of a weapon as an extension of the body and its connection of powering the sword using Kahanshin (lower body power) Lets face it a Kamae is a ready position and not a pose. Maybe I am wrong but I generally associate seeing the hands away from the body as breaking that link.

I think what puzzled Kaoru and a few more people that did not respond was exactly which Kamae are yours.

Teaching Iaido and Kendo students to a Yudansha level and practicing/studying Kenjutsu, I spend a lot of time trying to clearly differentiate between which is which and why we do them.

It would help if we knew what Kamae you were doing so we can all learn from it.

When you said Saitama. Did you mean the IKF Kitamoto Camp. Never go. July, beginning of August is Japanese Kendo's busiest period.

For Imai Masayuki Nobukatsu - Judai and Iwami Toshio Gensho Ju-Ichidai and I, this year around the first week in August is the Hyoho Niten Ichiryu Kenkyukai in Canada if everything goes to plan.

Minnasan Yoroshiku Onegai Itashimasu.

Yohimbo I really wish you the best in your practice and would not wish to offend you. Just doing what the forum is for and debating things.

Hyakutake Colin

Jock Armstrong

02-01-2004, 05:38 PM

Every ryuha has it's own way of doing certain things. I just started Toyama ryu- the students there are friendly and helpful. One of the best things is that Ishikawa sensei has grades in Toyama ryu MJER and experience in a few others. He corrected some flaws in balance and stance that I had developed due to injuries accumulated over the years [not MA training!]. He also noticed in my cutting action -from the "chamber" or kamae that previous influence was TSKSR and Kashima shinto ryu- and explained why the Toyama ryu people use the kamae they do. most enlightening
. I love the tamaeshigiri [also there are no kneeling kata- I can manage the simpler "han sonkyo" kata from TSKSR but seiza is beyond my shagged out old ankles and knees!!]

I did notice that Toyama ryu guys tend to have their hands closer together than I'm used to but I think it may be because of the stanard military hilt size of officers' gunto, since my sword has a longer hilt than most to accomodate my big hands and nobody was worried about the distance between them.

renfield_kuroda

02-01-2004, 06:55 PM

Kanai-bashocho (actually Tanaka-bashocho now that she married Tanaka-sensei) showing how you keep your eye on the fallen enemy:

http://www.npo-hougyoku-kai.jp/hp/04fukei/000/photo03l.jpg

renfield_kuroda

02-01-2004, 06:59 PM

Tanaka-sensei gettin' it on:
http://www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/%7Emugairyu/sizan008.jpg

renfield_kuroda

02-01-2004, 08:10 PM

BigTony demonstrates proper kiai:
http://221.114.251.44/mugai/03menber/news/html/kaigai/images/tonysake.jpg

ulvulv

02-01-2004, 11:31 PM

StanLee

02-02-2004, 01:28 AM

Some great kamae of very experienced people. Oh and some great looking females too!:D

chris davis 200

02-02-2004, 03:31 AM

Soke Fumon Tanaka

http://217.33.73.68/jujutsu_current/newsite/images/grapstrike/sokepic2ab.jpg

http://217.33.73.68/jujutsu_current/newsite/images/grapstrike/sokePIC3ab.jpg

Steve Delaney

02-02-2004, 03:40 AM

Riiiiight.

StanLee

02-02-2004, 03:53 AM

Originally posted by chris davis 200
Soke Fumon Tanaka

http://217.33.73.68/jujutsu_current/newsite/images/grapstrike/sokepic2ab.jpg

http://217.33.73.68/jujutsu_current/newsite/images/grapstrike/sokePIC3ab.jpg

Bloody hell, look at the size of that sword! I've never seen anything like it.

Brian Owens

02-02-2004, 04:02 AM

Originally posted by StanLee
Bloody hell, look at the size of that sword! I've never seen anything like it.
That's a nodachi (field sword), sometimes called an odachi (although odachi is also another name for the larger of the two paired swords -- odachi/kodachi, daito/shoto, etc.).

I've never heard of a nodachi being used in nitto fashion, but who am I to question him?

Steve Delaney

02-02-2004, 04:06 AM

Do a search on Tanaka Fumon on this very board and you'll find a lot of people have questioned his legitimacy.

chris davis 200

02-02-2004, 04:13 AM

Its just a pose - i dont think he is using it Niten Ichi Style.

chris

StanLee

02-02-2004, 04:22 AM

Originally posted by Yagyu Kenshi
That's a nodachi (field sword), sometimes called an odachi (although odachi is also another name for the larger of the two paired swords -- odachi/kodachi, daito/shoto, etc.).

I've never heard of a nodachi being used in nitto fashion, but who am I to question him?

I knew that it was an odachi. But I've never seen it in that context.

But cheers for letting me know.:)

Brian Owens

02-02-2004, 04:42 AM

Originally posted by chris davis 200
Its just a pose - i dont think he is using it Niten Ichi Style.I just said "nitto" (two sword), I didn't say Niten Ichi Ryu.

Many schools have nitto waza -- Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, Tendo Ryu, Shingyuto Ryu, etc., but I've never seen any use a nodachi in nitto waza. (I'm not saying it doesn't happen, just that I've not seen it or heard of it).

In the photo he's not just posing with two swords displayed, he's definitely striking a kamae -- at least it appears so to me.

chris davis 200

02-02-2004, 04:55 AM

Ok - i am just saying that i was not aware of nitten waza in the ryuha he teaches, thus assumed it was a pose for the photo.

Appologies

Kind regards

Chris

Charlie Kondek

02-02-2004, 07:21 AM

Originally posted by Chidokan
beat these...

http://www.151a.net/iai/photo/photo_iwata.html

not bad for someone who is 91....

Awesome.

hyaku

02-02-2004, 07:43 AM

OMG Time to start another thread. I think it got mixed up with the KKK one?

I wonder how he draws the third weapon?
Oh silly me, that's after he's dropped the big one.

He is striking a kamae? If he strikes someone he will fall over.

Flame me if you will. The picture says it all.

Hyakutake Colin

Dan Harden

02-02-2004, 10:28 AM

Now Now Colin
I think you should sign up immediately. And make sure to hold the Nodachi with your finger sticking out. You need some experience with a big thing in your hand.
..........runnin and duckin

Dan

Chidokan

02-02-2004, 02:21 PM

I've played with Colin's 'big thing'(ooerr missus) and I'll be damned if I could cut with it holding another sword as well... the question is, how do you draw it with the LEFT hand??

AAC

02-02-2004, 03:36 PM

Dear Moderator,

Please remove my posted image of Otake Sensei ASAP. I have learned this is the copyright image of Mr. Francisco Comerón, the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu representative of Spain.

Sincerely,

Antonio Cobb

George Kohler

02-02-2004, 04:30 PM

Originally posted by AAC
Dear Moderator,

Please remove my posted image of Otake Sensei ASAP. I have learned this is the copyright image of Mr. Francisco Comerón, the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu representative of Spain.

Sincerely,

Antonio Cobb

Done

Gene Gabel

02-02-2004, 11:57 PM

Originally posted by Jack B
That looks like a Kaishaku kamae, not a fighting posture. Nice though.
.....................................

I thought that at first,(MJER kaishaku) BUT, then I noticed that the kissaki was lower than eye level so it had to be something else from another style.

Gene Gabel

Steve Delaney

02-03-2004, 01:01 AM

It's Ryuto (Uke Nagashi) from Muso Shinden ryu iaijutsu.

jest

02-03-2004, 02:07 PM

would this be classified as (n)odachi? (http://www.sho-shin.com/yasusada.htm)

Brian Owens

02-03-2004, 03:09 PM

Originally posted by jest
would this be classified as (n)odachi? (http://www.sho-shin.com/yasusada.htm)
Hmm. Not sure. I think anything between 2 and 3 shaku would be considered a katana or tachi (depending on shape and mounting), so this one would be at the extreme end of the katana range.

When I think of nodachi, I picture nagasa of 4 shaku or more.

I not an authority on sword classification, though, so don't count on my opinion too much.

hyaku

02-03-2004, 04:54 PM

I am no really familiar with the term Nodachi. We use the term Cho-Ken.

The Tokugawa Shogunate standardised the size of swords in Japan to Jo-sun. This is written as Tei-sun meaning designated length. This was 2 shaku 3 sun (64.7 cms) [one shaku is just under a foot], whereas one sun is just under one and a quarter inches. Shaku, sun, bu, rin is a decimal system]. So anything over 2.3 was illegal. They then then policed the country but some carried on using longer ones in secret.

Usually one refers to a 3.0 as Sanjaku.

Not much sori on the one shown. Hard to draw for some I am sure.

Hyakutake Colin

John Lindsey

02-04-2004, 11:12 PM

Though Mr. Dean probably does not have any formal training, I think he shows good form with this fish, even though he is holding in in a gyakute fashion. Or, maybe he is getting ready to stab the fish into his belly....

Gene Gabel

02-04-2004, 11:15 PM

Originally posted by John Lindsey
Though Mr. Dean probably does not have any formal training, I think he shows good form with this fish, even though he is holding in in a gyakute fashion. Or, maybe he is getting ready to stab the fish into his belly....
.........................................

If you will notice, his second, in the background has his blade hidden under a cloth so as not to upset his master in the committing of fishaku.

Gene Gabel

IZA

02-04-2004, 11:37 PM

Sam17

02-05-2004, 08:13 AM

Originally posted by Dan Harden
Now Now Colin
I think you should sign up immediately. And make sure to hold the Nodachi with your finger sticking out. You need some experience with a big thing in your hand.
..........runnin and duckin

Dan
Hahahahahahaha:cool:

pgsmith

02-05-2004, 04:45 PM

Apologies Colin, but this is one that I've always liked ...

http://www.hyoho.com/Embu2.jpg

(As an aside to the Miami Komei Jyuku, this is a really large sword.)

Cheers,

Jock Armstrong

02-05-2004, 06:14 PM

I want one...............I have a small wee wee- that should make up for the deficient inches nicely. Then again, I'd still want it if I was hung like John Holmes!!

hyaku

02-05-2004, 06:39 PM

Originally posted by pgsmith
Apologies Colin, but this is one that I've always liked ... (As an aside to the Miami Komei Jyuku, this is a really large sword.)

Cheers,

Gaaaa you posted me! Quick, quick I must explain before everybody laughs...... this is not a Kamae. Its a just a bit of zanshin just before noto.

What I particularly noticed about Komei Sensei was his blades are really wide. Perhaps one of his students would be kind enough to tell us why he seems to have gone for this?

Hyakutake Colin

A. Bakken

02-05-2004, 08:45 PM

This is not a kamae either, but I like the strong display of determination and concentration.

http://www.rjgeib.com/thoughts/real-power/iaido.jpg

pgsmith

02-05-2004, 09:17 PM

Its a just a bit of zanshin just before noto.
I kinda thought that was self explanatory! That's why I've always liked that shot ever since you put it up. Noto is just about to happen, the balance and posture is damn near perfect, and you can practically feel the concentration radiating outward. It's always said a lot to me for just a picture. One of these years my posture's going to be that good too! (dammit!)

Cheers,

chrismoses

02-05-2004, 10:25 PM

Well at the risk of seeming like an egotistical a%%...

http://shinto-ryu.net/tame-1.jpg

Here's another from the "Not quite kamae, more like zanshin" corner. Yes it's me, I really don't have that many photos so it'll have to do. Couple years back in Fuji city for our anual enbukai.

The good (or at least the OK):
-Target is falling nearly straight down.
-Sword is only inches away from the target.
-I'm still on the target, not drifting my attention.
-Target still hasn't hit the ground yet, but there's no other movement going on.

The bad:
-My back foot is turned out too far, hips/shoulders are a bit open/rotated.
-That extendo-soul patch was really not the best idea I've had.
-The shinken we were using was the dojo loaner, since none of us could get our gaijin-to into the land of the rising Yen. I think it's some kind of cruel joke to give the (relatively) tall white guy a 2-3 blade to cut with. That's like a tanto for Big Tony...

OK Charles, you're next. I'd post a pic of Scott Irey, but he's so fast that only Ninjas can even see his waza! Luckily since he studies the unfathomable art of Iai, they have no idea what they have seen...

Scott Irey

02-06-2004, 12:08 AM

Have I ever demonstrated my empty-handed-de-soul-patching technique? Amazing really...a de-soul-patched chin is something to behold...much like a shorn scrotum...truly breath taking....

Mekugi

02-06-2004, 12:23 AM

Originally posted by Martyn van Halm
And no, I cannot get you a date with her.:D

DAMNIT...married too soon I am (NOT);). What a bunch of cuties!

Mekugi

02-06-2004, 12:28 AM

Originally posted by Saitama Steve
Riiiiight.
Hey Steve, don't ya think there is something wrong with that picture? I mean, I don't see a kodachi on the floor anywhere....

Steve Delaney

02-06-2004, 01:11 AM

Hee hee hee. You devil you. Don't remind me. :laugh:

Tanaka does a lovely nukiuchi, then noto, and then PLOP! feckin' kodachi falls out of his belt on to the floor like a dead trout.

Brian Owens

02-06-2004, 01:16 AM

Originally posted by A. Bakken
This is not a kamae either, but I like the strong display of determination and concentration.
That's a great picture, Aage. Artful and powerful.

He appears to be preparing to insert the sword into his obi while in iaigoshi. Can I assume he is not an exponent of MSR or ZenKen Iai? (TSKSR maybe?)

Brian Owens

02-06-2004, 01:20 AM

Originally posted by chrismoses
Well at the risk of seeming like an egotistical a%%...
That looks pretty good to me, as an uninformed outsider that is.

The motion blur of the falling chunk of goza shows that it was shot at a fairly slow shutter speed, and yet there's not a hint of ghosting on you or your sword. You must have been rock-steady.

IZA

02-06-2004, 01:38 AM

Originally posted by pgsmith
Apologies Colin, but this is one that I've always liked ...

http://www.hyoho.com/Embu2.jpg

(As an aside to the Miami Komei Jyuku, this is a really large sword.)

Cheers,

ah! ie desu. :D Hyakutake sensei

greetings from your dojo in the Philippines

hyaku

02-06-2004, 02:54 AM

Nice one Aage

Maniwa Nen Ryu?

Hyakutake Colin

ulvulv

02-06-2004, 05:01 AM

Originally posted by hyaku
Nice one Aage

Maniwa Nen Ryu?

Hyakutake Colin

katori shinto ryu, noda sensei
he was 82 when the picture was taken, and it appeared in the book "martial arts" by michael random, first published in 1977.

ulvulv

02-06-2004, 06:57 AM

I like this: action, focus and intent
from a dutch iai-page, Morita sensei from kyoto again

Mekugi

02-06-2004, 07:17 AM

Thats spooky...the sheer intensity, the zanshin...makes one feel a little timid.
Originally posted by ulvulv
I like this: action, focus and intent
from a dutch iai-page, Morita sensei from kyoto again

Mekugi

02-06-2004, 07:30 AM

I have to ask this of Mr. Hyakutake!

re: the ultra dango-sticker:

How many years does it take before your arm-muscles stop feeling like they are going to jump off your body? (Seriously)!

I mean my arms get tired using my larger than normal iaito, that thing just looks like...oWe!

always,

-Russ

Mekugi

02-06-2004, 07:48 AM

Originally posted by Mekugi
Thats spooky...the sheer intensity, the zanshin...makes one feel a little timid.

Hay-sus!

READ : Zanshin as Seme.

That's it, either E-Budo makes their edit times longer, or I need to stop drinking brewskies and posting. Neither of which will happen, mind you;).

George Kohler

02-06-2004, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by Mekugi
Hey Steve, don't ya think there is something wrong with that picture? I mean, I don't see a kodachi on the floor anywhere....

Hehehe. Come on Russ let's not make fun of the kodachi falling. But you can make fun of the noto.

hyaku

02-06-2004, 04:50 PM

Originally posted by Mekugi
I have to ask this of Mr. Hyakutake!

How many years does it take before your arm-muscles stop feeling like they are going to jump off your body? (Seriously)!

I mean my arms get tired using my larger than normal iaito, that thing just looks like...oWe!
always,-Russ

For me the training was a gradual process with doing Kendo and Iaido for years It did help.
But I think the main thing is to go out and find something bigger, heavier and in the case of choken longer and go work on it. I warm up with large suburito with just the fingers now. I also try and do one handed stuff. Its the fingers that need the work.

First problem was I ripped out shoulder muscles. It was not the nukitsuke but trying to stop the damn thing as it came down For a period I wore supporters to prevent further injury.

One easier thing is that there are few no shomen cuts. Its not so bad using cutting angles to the neck. I know recommended angles for Tameshigiri are usually 45 but I visualize and cut a little flatter. That cost me first place in a national as I my technique was good but the finished cut was too shallow.

Damn its never ending. Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu use a different grip and set up muscles. Now I get on to some serious nito it starts all over again using two hands independantly.

One thing for sure is theres no rest. Any short lay offs are detremental.

Warm Regards Hyakutake Colin

Mekugi

02-07-2004, 01:26 AM

;) Sassy!

Originally posted by George Kohler
Hehehe. Come on Russ let's not make fun of the kodachi falling. But you can make fun of the noto.

Mekugi

02-07-2004, 01:41 AM

Thanks! Much appreciated.

OK I don't mean for this to sound like "20 Questions" but one more little thing:

Is focusing on grip and hand strength is the key to handling such a large sword? Would everyone be different in the respect of training/conditioning to use such a "physically challenging" sword? ( okay I know this question is rough and could be worded better...)

-Russ

Originally posted by hyaku
For me the training was a gradual process with doing Kendo and Iaido for years It did help.
But I think the main thing is to go out and find something bigger, heavier and in the case of choken longer and go work on it. I warm up with large suburito with just the fingers now. I also try and do one handed stuff. Its the fingers that need the work.

First problem was I ripped out shoulder muscles. It was not the nukitsuke but trying to stop the damn thing as it came down For a period I wore supporters to prevent further injury.

One easier thing is that there are few no shomen cuts. Its not so bad using cutting angles to the neck. I know recommended angles for Tameshigiri are usually 45 but I visualize and cut a little flatter. That cost me first place in a national as I my technique was good but the finished cut was too shallow.

Damn its never ending. Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu use a different grip and set up muscles. Now I get on to some serious nito it starts all over again using two hands independantly.

One thing for sure is theres no rest. Any short lay offs are detremental.

Warm Regards Hyakutake Colin

Brian Owens

02-07-2004, 02:06 AM

Originally posted by Yagyu Kenshi
Can I assume he is not an exponent of MSR or ZenKen Iai? (TSKSR maybe?)
Originally posted by ulvulv
katori shinto ryu, noda sensei
he was 82 when the picture was taken, and it appeared in the book "martial arts" by michael random, first published in 1977.
Does this mean I get the next question?

What? This isn't the "I Ask, You Answer..." thread? :D

ulvulv

02-07-2004, 02:29 AM

Originally posted by Yagyu Kenshi
Does this mean I get the next question?

What? This isn't the "I Ask, You Answer..." thread? :D

I guess we could have a long thread on krappy budo-books as well, but this "random-book", is a very good book, beautiful pics and nice texts, that probe deeper into the matter than most of the crap you see around. highly reccommended.

The ryu that are covered in the book:

maniva nen ryu
tskr
takenuchi ryu
shinkage ryu
smr
jikishin-kage ryu
ichin ryu
bokuden ryu
hoki ryu
mujushin ken ryu
omori ryu
arakiryu
yagyu ryu
itto ryu
niten ichi ryu
tenjin shinyo ryu

and of course
sumo
yabusame
aikido
karate
kendo
judo
kyudo

Brian Owens

02-07-2004, 03:08 AM

Originally posted by ulvulv
...this "random-book", is a very good book, beautiful pics and nice texts, that probe deeper into the matter than most of the crap you see around. highly reccommended.
I just got all three volumes of Diane Skoss' Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan, but I'm always looking to add to my library.

Do you know if Mr. Random's Martial Arts is still available anywhere?

ulvulv

02-07-2004, 03:49 AM

Originally posted by Yagyu Kenshi
I just got all three volumes of Diane Skoss' Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan, but I'm always looking to add to my library.

Do you know if Mr. Random's Martial Arts is still available anywhere?

It is out of print, my book is from -87.
very hard to get, people use to keep this one
I think it is printed in french also, so if you parle some francaise, you can look for the french version as well.

nicojo

02-07-2004, 07:47 AM

I have a feeling Mr. Owens and I are now going to be scouring the internet in competition for this book. May the best googler win. :D

I had a bid for an ebudo guy's ebay'd Dave Lowry books, but was quickly out bid...but I saw some of them around here anyways, so that's all right.

hyaku

02-07-2004, 08:09 AM

Originally posted by Mekugi
Thanks! Much appreciated. OK I don't mean for this to sound like "20 Questions" but one more little thing:

Is focusing on grip and hand strength is the key to handling such a large sword? Would everyone be different in the respect of training/conditioning to use such a "physically challenging" sword? ( okay I know this question is rough and could be worded better...)-Russ

Not if one was using the hips to cut. I would imagine that if anyone had not got to that stage they would have quite a few problems.

To be honest if you dont use them there is little cutting motivation. The arms alone wont do it. You need a strong hip twist to cut koikuchi and draw up into a big swing. Not so much effort to bring it back down.

The other pic on my home page shows just that. Starting form tatehiza the edge is traveling up and the left hip is still coming in the right leg still twisted in. By the time the cut is complete all will be square but the right hip loaded.

http://www.hyoho.com/K1.html

Wow I gave that book away years ago. Could be worth something now.

Hyakutake Colin

allan

02-07-2004, 08:40 PM

Hi all,

That picture of Noda sensei (and many other great pictures) is also to be found in a book by, and I am only going on memory now, John Corcoran(?). I think it is called A DICTIONARY OF MARTIAL ARTS.

Regards,

Michael Wert

02-08-2004, 11:58 AM

The Randmon book is great, and I see it a lot on ebay selling for really cheap which always suprises me. Just keep doing book searches for "martial arts" and you'll find it eventually. I've bought a couple of copies from ebay and gave them as gifts.

The text isn't so good but the pictures are great. One major mistake is a caption on one page that says "the white sticks of araki ryu" but it's really nenryu.

You could also find the book here www.bookfinder.com
"the martial arts" by Michel Random

ulvulv

02-08-2004, 04:09 PM

I have always liked this pic, not because of technical "showmanship", but more the whole situation, where the aging mentor shows the eager youth what and how. sagawa sensei and sekiyama sensei in hamburg 1997. His metsuke has been lowered a bit, but then he has been standing in that position quite a while while sagawa sensei have been explaining some points

Diane Mirro

02-09-2004, 10:36 AM

Originally posted by Yagyu Kenshi
I just got all three volumes of Diane Skoss' Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan, but I'm always looking to add to my library.

Do you know if Mr. Random's Martial Arts is still available anywhere?

I just found--and purchased--a copy at my local used book store. Tons of mistakes and unintentional laughs in the text, but the photos convinced me that I had to fork over the $14 to get it home and browse at my leisure. I'll let you know if I get tired of it...

ulvulv

02-20-2004, 07:12 AM

Anytbody know this old guys name?

lehndal

02-21-2004, 07:28 AM

Don´t mess with me!

TimoS

02-21-2004, 11:08 AM

Personally, I've always liked this photo

Dave Violago

02-22-2004, 10:08 AM

From the Brussels Yaegaki-Kai website. I like this gentleman's presence.

Gene Williams

02-22-2004, 10:34 AM

That ain't "presence" that's "IT!"

Chidokan

02-22-2004, 12:30 PM

looks like Nishimoto Chiharu sensei...wouldnt think he had polio as a child would you...;)

SeventhSentinel

02-23-2004, 03:55 AM

nice i dunno whats sharper his sword or his eyes

Ren Blade

02-24-2004, 09:33 AM

http://www.kolumbus.fi/hikari/iaido/galleria/98041.jpg

Erik Tracy

02-27-2004, 11:15 AM

The zanshin is literally palpable off the screen!

http://members.cts.com/king/e/erikt/Pictures/papercut.jpg
Miura Sensei, MJER, Nippon Kobudo Jikishin-Kai

-------
Erik

Andy Watson

03-01-2004, 05:05 AM

Roar

It looks like an "au" for blue as the first character on his nafuda. Maybe it is Aoki or Aoyama.

Regards

ulvulv

03-01-2004, 11:52 AM

Originally posted by Andy Watson
Roar

It looks like an "au" for blue as the first character on his nafuda. Maybe it is Aoki or Aoyama.

Regards

piercing metsuke mr watson, it is well done to read something intelligible on the zekken from that angle. I will post another pic of this gentleman when I get home late this evening. I am downtown now to buy a new keyboard, as I spilled sugared coffee in my old one, in a distracted moment. So much for zanshin.
On the other pic, you can see the entire zekken. Nafuda? Is it the same as zekken?

ulvulv

03-01-2004, 04:06 PM

Originally posted by Andy Watson
Roar

It looks like an "au" for blue as the first character on his nafuda. Maybe it is Aoki or Aoyama.

Regards

there it is. At least part of it.

Andy Watson

03-02-2004, 01:26 AM

Well that just goes to show how wrong you can be, in this case I got it utterly wrong. In fact I don't even recognise that kanji.

The area he is from begins with the character 'me' but there are no prefectures to my knowledge that begin with that.

Nafuda is technically the right word to use for the name plate you affix to your dogi, the zekken is the number which you affix when grading. The two however are freely interchanged by a lot of Japanese sensei these days.