In The Northwest US

[Initiate]

I live in Olympia Washington and I am interested in finding a dojo that teaches the sword. Any ideas?

Thanks Rick Bradford

[Initiate]

I just found this site a few days ago after buying a Criswell. After reviewing the site more thoroughly I realize there is a association that I should look at. By reading your posts I feel lucky to have stumbled upon this group of interesting people.

I read the sword sharpening thread; even if mine is a working blade I do not think I should try to sharpen it because I would change its geometry.

My first step will be to study and find a teacher; my nephew used to study kendo with a wooden sword but he gave it up-I believe it was a passing fancy.

Hello to this fine group; perhaps this thread will be read but I am learning a great deal just by reading across this site.

One rule that I greatly appreciate here is that we must leave our real name.

Rick Bradford

[Charles Mahan]

Well if you're willing to put up with a bit of driving, there are litterally tons of really good training oppurtunities in the Seattle area. Seattle has probably the highest density of traditional Japanese sword styles found anywhere in the US. And taught by a lot of very high ranking folks. You are really quite fortunate.

My advice would be to search the forum for "Seattle". You'll turn up plenty.

[Initiate]

Mr. Mahon

Thank you kindly for your thoughtful reply. I think that Puyallup is the closest I will find in terms of rudimentary sword art. Yes, I can drive a great a long ways as I saw there were very many dojo in the north. I do not know that tapping armored persons with a bamboo shiven sword will help me to be more than an initiate. However I will start in Puyallup which is now registering. I think I would rather learn with bokken and learning to draw it from saya. I have been reading translations between 800 and 1400 in Japan, which is to say before the Tokawawa shogunate, when Samurai practice the art of battle, but did not actually battle (which of course you know). Often it is not more about sword than the spirit in the translations. I also spoke with a friend of mine who grew up in Kyushu, and I have a friend who grew up in Okinawa. Of course the latter is not technically a Japanese person but he is a person of great spirit and tactical skill.

I am glad that I live in a place which provides a rich environment for learning.

With humility, initiate

Rick Bradford

[Charles Mahan]

What will you be studying in Puyallup? Kendo? Do not discount Kendo as a good place to start your training in JSA. Later if you feel like you want to study a koryu(old school) sword art, there are lots of options a little north of you. There are people all over the country that wish they were as close to Seattle as you are. One of the moderators over at another forum, recently moved from San Antonio to Seattle in order to be closer to her instructor.

[Initiate]

Mr. Mahon

Of course you reach the kernel of the matter. In a rich man might buy sword in United States. As I intimated in my reply to your instructive note, I need to learn more about wielding anything in my hands than a live steel. Still when I look at the Criswell I recently bought I understand that if I can learn to use it my psyche would benefit.

Then I shall start with Kendo.

With humility, Initiate

Rick Bradford