Blocking with a Sword

[Rei Ho]

Evasion with the body is probubly the best way to avoid the Katana, but just because I am curious, Which Koryu out there goes edge to edge, and which one goes Back of the blade to edge, or sides of the blade to edge? Please, just Koryu, if they want to answer. If not, it is
Tracy Crocker

[Charles Mahan]

This topic has been done to death. You can find a lot of info on it by searching the archives. Technically you were asking which way was appropriate, you asked which koryu used which, so...

I can think of examples of all three within MJER. Depends mostly on the particular situation. I believe the general preference is with the Shinogi.

[Rei Ho]

Sorry Charles, I don't live on the computer, so I wouldn't know this topic was done to death. I asked several questions I think? Can we get back to that?
Tracy Crocker

[Charles Mahan]

Actually, you only really asked one question, which koryu blocked in which fashion. And I believe I did address that question, as well as point you towards where you could easily learn more.

[chrismoses]

Start with the archives dude.

Many schools consider this kind of information private, regardless, do some work on your own.

[Rei Ho]

In a round about way, I said evasion is probubly the best way, so I thought I might get some words on that too, I did say if they didn't want to answer, It was cool. I completely understand someones wishes for privacy, I was just curious. I have researched this topic, but book research and applied research are two different things. You should know that you can't believe everything you read in a book, video, or e-budo. Right? Too many paper dragons and computer warriors today.
Tracy Crocker

[gendzwil]

So why the hell did you bother asking if you don't care to believe the responses? This topic has been done to death and you don't have to "live on the computer" to see the previous discussion, just use that newfangled "search" button at the top of the page.

[pgsmith]

Tracy,
You are asking for a simplistic answer on a very complicated question.

Which Koryu out there goes edge to edge, and which one goes Back of the blade to edge, or sides of the blade to edge? Please, just Koryu, if they want to answer.

Sekiguchi ryu has all three is the simplistic answer.
I'll try and clarify why the question you asked is basically unanswerable. Koryu have kata. The kata are designed to teach movement and manipulation of both yourself, your opponent, and both of your weapons. The kata may have edge to edge contact, or edge to shinogi, or edge to mune. This doesn't mean that the ryu is saying you should always (or ever for that matter!) block a stike like this. What the ryu is saying is that the kata has you doing this in order to teach a particular aspect of that manipulation. Too many people view kata as 'combat scenarios', when that is not their purpose. Everyone is instructed to approach kata as 'combat scenarios' in order to attempt to achieve the proper spirit and level of intensity, but they remain merely training tools. Some things that occur in kata are not realistic, but are necessary to teach a certain aspect. Therefore, the question of "which koryu has which blocks?" is basically irrelevant without knowing what the particular kata are attempting to teach.

Hope that didn't just add to the confusion!

Cheers,

[Rei Ho]

I appreciate it. Thought I was in the Ninja forum for a bit. I admit, it is a complicated question, that is why I wanted to hear various points of view. Your help was greatly appreciated. I reckon everytime I ask a question for now on, I better check the archives, huh? Thanks again.
Tracy Crocker

[renfield_kuroda]

Originally posted by Rei Ho
I reckon everytime I ask a question for now on, I better check the archives, huh?

No, you should search the archives BEFORE you ask a question.

Regards,

r e n

[hyaku]

For me "No blocks"

You hopefully avoid and parry at the same time. You parry in such a way that its followed by your own cut. So you should turn the blade to that position in parrying.

[Nsherrard]

Took me about 15 seconds to find this in the archives--as you will see, the subject has indeed been "done to death":

http://www.e-budo.com/vbulletin/show...g&pagenumber=1

[Mushin Ronin]

Originally posted by renfield_kuroda
No, you should search the archives BEFORE you ask a question.

Regards,

r e n

Meaning no disrespect or flame to anyone unless you feel some sort of guilt about it...but what's the big deal with asking a question that has been asked before? You may be tired of seeing it, but since he is new his question was valid. It can be said that yes...he can find and answer to his question in the archives...but what about newer members with just as much experience or insight to a topic that may have not been around when the question/s were first discused. Is he lazy for not doing the research, or are you lazy, arrogant and rude for not answering? I sure hope you don't treat your students in this fashion...because really that's what he is. Just refrain from comment at all if it's such a big deal to you about going over and over it. Where's the compassion?

From what I seen, if it wasn't for repeated questions, this part of the site or most of e-budo would be dead. Ask whatever you want...ignore those who have to make comments about it. You don't want their responses anyway. If you don't get a satisfactory answer...seek elsewhere...you will probably be better off.

J. Winter

[Ren Blade]

I've only been doing MJER Iaido for 2 1/2 months. As far as I have learned, there are a few katas that use shinogi to block. But Charles mentions that the edge and mune are used to block as well. It'll be interesting for me to see that when I learn the katas that use those parts to block with in the future.

[Daniel san]

I have asked a couple of people questions via PM and received no response at all. Their nonresponse was as telling and educational as having my question answered outright. It kept me going. "Wow", I thought. I must have asked a pertinant question that I had no business asking. I must be on the right track. Just another way to look at what might seem rude to some, nothing else.
To answer your question-it all depends on the situation, same as everything else in life.

Best,