Hello Sensei-
First I would like to thank you for Shinkendo, I have looked for an art like this for quite a while and only recently discovered it.
I have never studied martial arts, and I am currently looking for a dojo. One of them in my area (Atlanta Budokan) has classes in Shinkendo as well as Aikibujutsu, Sensei Scott mentioned this dojo to me and I appreciate it greatly. What are your thoughts on a beginner taking both courses?
I have been reading back issues of the ISF newsletter, and I have a question about your article "Shinkendo's Practical Sword and Price" (August '99). It seems like there are many different swords on the market right now, particularly the Paul Chen swords from China. How do you see the sword market today? Do you think the prices of swords suitable for Shinkendo will stay the same? If the prices continue to increase, would buying a sword now be a good idea, even if I am not ready to practice with it?
Thank you-
Brian Busch