Posts by crimsonbison10

silenthawk9 said:Why wouldn't you just dive straight into kenjutsu? It’s basic math, really. You save yourself the time, and honestly, you'll probably save a few bucks too if you don't spend months doing the introductory stuff first.😁

So why not just jump straight into Kenjutsu? You’ll save yourself a ton of time, and honestly, you'll save some cash too.😁

What kind of gear do I actually need for Kenjutsu? Just a bokken and a kimono, or do they usually hand those out when you first sign up?
Also, what does the training actually look like at the beginning? Like, when do you finally get to go at it and spar with someone else?

What kind of gear do I actually need for Kenjutsu? Just a bokken and a kimono, or do they usually hand those out when you first sign up?
Also, what does the training actually look like at the beginning? Like, when do you finally get to go at it and spar with someone else?
Look, just ask them directly. They’ll give you the rundown.

silenthawk9 said:Why wouldn't you just dive straight into kenjutsu? It’s basic math, really. You save yourself the time, and honestly, you'll probably save a few bucks too if you don't spend months doing the introductory stuff first.😁

So why not just jump straight into Kenjutsu? You’ll save yourself a ton of time, and honestly, you'll save some cash too.😁

What kind of gear do I actually need for Kenjutsu? Just a bokken and a kimono, or do they usually hand those out when you first sign up?
Also, what does the training actually look like at the beginning? Like, when do you finally get to go at it and spar with someone else?

What kind of gear do I actually need for Kenjutsu? Just a bokken and a kimono, or do they usually hand those out when you first sign up?
Also, what does the training actually look like at the beginning? Like, when do you finally get to go at it and spar with someone else?
Again, they’ll tell you. But generally speaking, you don't really "spar" in kenjutsu. It’s not like some street brawl or even certain types of MMA. The core of the training revolves around kata—structured patterns of movement. It's more about precision and form than just trading blows.

silenthawk9 said:What even is kenjutsu?

I don't know, man. Maybe it’d be better to start with Kendo first and then maybe move into kenjutsu later on. Also, where do they actually hold Kendo matches in Spain?

I don't know, man. Maybe it’d be better to start with Kendo first and then maybe move into kenjutsu later on. Also, where do they actually hold Kendo matches in Spain?
Maybe I should just start with Kendo and then move on to kenjutsu later. And where do they hold Kendo in Spain?

Why wouldn't you just dive straight into kenjutsu? It’s basic math, really. You save yourself the time, and honestly, you'll probably save a few bucks too if you don't spend months doing the introductory stuff first.😁

silenthawk9 said:Hey, I’m looking to get into Kendo training. What kind of gear am I gonna need to get started, and roughly what's the damage gonna be for the price tag?

http://www.kendo.org/clubs.html

Look, you don't need anything right out of the gate. Just standard monthly dues—think like a local YMCA membership here in the States—plus whatever club equipment they provide. Later down the road, once you're actually committed, you can buy your own gear through the club.$67

What even is Kenjutsu, anyway?

silenthawk9 said:That’s the whole issue right there. What’s even the point? Like, what am I actually gaining from these sports? Honestly, I’m way more interested in Kenjutsu. What’s the actual purpose behind it?

The whole point of Kenjutsu was essentially teaching warriors how to keep their heads attached to their shoulders, primarily by using a katana.

silenthawk9 said:So, Zelio wants to get into some kind of martial art where the focus is mostly on blades. Honestly, what's even the actual difference between kendo and kenjutsu? And more importantly, which one do you guys think is actually better?

Better for what exactly!?

He won't be the youngest, obviously, but he’ll likely find someone in his own age bracket. Right now, the heavy lifting is being done by the college students.

rapidbear4 said:Hey. I have a few questions for you guys. I’ve been looking into kendo for a while now and did some digging to see what's out there. I live in Chicago, over by the North Side, and the only kendo club I could find is Agatsu over in the West Loop. I was wondering if they take older students? Not that I’m old or anything—I'm 17. Also, would it even be worth my while to try kendo considering I’m about 6'1" and weigh around 250 lbs? I’ve been playing tennis for six years and wanted to try something involving actual combat, which is what led me to kendo. Does anyone know how much monthly training costs, or which train line gets me out there? I’ve lived in Chicago for three years now, so I’m still getting the hang of things.
Thanks a lot 😁

Just shoot them an email at agatsu@kendo.hr. I'm sure they can walk you through the details and give you directions on how to get there 😁

Paul Campbell3 said:Without order and discipline, you've got nothing. Period. The issue is just that discipline isn't the only thing you need to actually achieve something. 🙂

I'm not trying to kick anyone out—this thread could actually be useful for anyone looking to broaden their perspective by seeing the same subject from two different angles. Though, honestly, I think fighters often stay quiet about certain things just because they're terrified of being laughed at, so they just stick rigidly to "the method." 😉

When we all pull together, we can push back against those prejudices... hehehe. 😉

It's just like on the MMA forums; everyone here is still fighting over whose dad is the toughest. Only difference is, the "dad" here is a little less material and a lot harder to spot, hahaha.

I can get behind that. But look, it’s the bedrock. Especially during those first ten or twenty years 😁 when you're just trying to find your footing—it’s probably the most critical factor there is. You can't even start building the actual structure until that foundation is set.

Paul Campbell3 said:Haha, look at this crowd from the local MMA gym... guys, this is about spirituality, so watch your step. I assume you just wandered in here by mistake thinking we were talking about kickboxing. 😉

In other words, we aren't here to obsess over the physical side of things—not that anyone besides you and Belki said it wasn't important. But that’s not what this is about. 😉

Don't worry, Father, everything is under control. We only brought up the physical stuff to keep the casual bystanders on this ridiculous thread from getting a Hollywood-style, romanticized view of martial arts and all the psychological baggage attached to them. I'll just bow out of this "expert" debate now.🙈

graniteharbor502 said:To discuss Eastern martial arts while completely disregarding the spiritual element is quite similar to attempting to play tennis without a ball.

There's a kernel of truth there, I suppose. But honestly? Treating martial arts—or any combat sport, really—as if you can just sideline the grueling physical conditioning is equally absurd.

nimbleviper142 said:Piercings are easy, I can just take those out whenever. The real headache is the ones I’m not supposed to touch—even the old ones. It sucks if you accidentally bump one against a bruise, then you have to deal with putting the piercing back in... and yeah, that hurts like hell..
I looked into that Kendo stuff and honestly, doesn't seem my vibe. I don't see much footwork involved (which is a huge deal for me), it's mostly just swinging sticks around aimlessly. Seems kind of passive too, and frankly, I don't see how I'd actually drop any weight doing that. o.O
Like I said, my main goal is losing weight and getting some muscle definition, but I have zero interest in rotting away in a gym, an aerobics class, or some stupid fitness machine. That whole scene just puts me in a bad mood..
Since I have so much weight to lose anyway, I want it to be something actually interesting, where I get to move my legs a bit 😁 and feel like I'm facing a real challenge instead of this...

Whatever, I'll swing by on Saturday when it opens, just to check things out—tourist style (if that's even allowed). If I find something that actually works for me, great. 🙂 Oh, and where is it exactly? Over by the shopping mall?

Anyway, thanks a ton for all the help. 🙂

Look, if the whole concept of a martial art doesn't click for you, there's zero point in forcing it. There are no kicks in Kendo—if that’s what you meant by "footwork," then sure, from that perspective, it’s non-existent. I assume that's how you're defining the passivity, too. As for the weight loss part (which was actually my main reason for suggesting it in the first place😁)? Well, back when I was doing intensive training camps leading up to competitions, I could easily drop over three pounds per session. Luckily, I only had to do one of those sessions a day.

Kendo

blueorca57 said:Here are a few questions regarding the Agatsu Kendo club near the Trešnjevka area:

1. Does this club offer any Iaido training sessions?
2. What’s the monthly membership fee?
3. When does enrollment open?
4. What is the training schedule?

If you want the deep dive, just shoot them an email at the club's address. As for the specifics, yeah, they do have Iaido classes, but they haven't quite nailed down the schedule for the upcoming season yet. Also, just a heads-up—they aren't holding sessions in the downtown area anymore; they moved everything over to the West Side suburb.

God, this stuff

wiredtrucker282 said:Greetings.

I am based in Los Angeles and I am looking to enroll in a martial art. However, my "spirit" isn't particularly aligned with disciplines that rely heavily on striking and overt violence. I require something more "composed." My professional schedule also dictates that I can only attend morning sessions. After some superficial browsing, I find myself undecided between judo, kendo, or aikido...

If anyone has any meaningful recommendations, I would be grateful.

Just forget it.

wiredtrucker282 said:Greetings.

I am based in Los Angeles and I am looking to enroll in a martial art. However, my "spirit" isn't particularly aligned with disciplines that rely heavily on striking and overt violence. I require something more "composed." My professional schedule also dictates that I can only attend morning sessions. After some superficial browsing, I find myself undecided between judo, kendo, or aikido...

If anyone has any meaningful recommendations, I would be grateful.

I caught a glimpse of these long, blue transit vehicles carrying massive crowds of people. Some of them even run along dedicated light rail tracks. I’m pretty sure you could use them to get from one end of the city to the other without breaking a sweat.😁

blueorca57 said:I wonder, is there actually an Aikido club that holds training sessions near the newer parts of the suburbs here in the States?

No.
But honestly, I don't see why that’s even an issue. It’s like asking why someone would drive from New Jersey to Philadelphia just for a specific workout—it's a trek, sure, but people do it. Personally, I end up commuting all the way to Columbus or even flying out to Chicago just to get my Iaido fix. So, I really can't wrap my head around why holding a practice session on the other side of town would be considered some kind of insurmountable obstacle.

Honestly, if you’re looking for anything decent near the Fairgrounds, you’re probably out of luck. For Kenjutsu, there's DanGun over by Quartermaster Square. If you're into Iaido, you could look at KK Agatsu or KK Samobor, but don't bother unless you want to wait until the fall for enrollment.

blueorca57 said:I'm curious about what kind of martial arts actually involve using a katana—any kind at all—and where I could find training sessions. I’d also need to know about the costs involved. If possible, I'd prefer somewhere near the Convention Center.

Would a plastic one 😁work?

Look, if we’re talking about disciplines that involve working with a Japanese blade—the katana, specifically—you’ve got Iaido/Iaijutsu, Kenjutsu, Kendo, Ninjutsu... and I’m sure the other folks on this board can keep that list going. We’ve gone over the specifics of each one on here plenty of times already, so honestly, just make the search function your best friend.

irontiger29 said:Does anyone happen to know where I can find some decent Judo training around this part of the country? I'm looking for a good spot nearby, so if you have any leads, please let me know! Thanks so much!

Nowhere in the immediate area. If you're looking at Europe, maybe France, but beyond that, I assume it’s not exactly a priority for you anyway.

Bryan Brown said:So, like, is that kenjutsu training in the middle of the city actually legit? Can you even get a real session in over there?

I'm pretty sure it falls under that "Dan Gun" martial arts club—can't recall the exact URL, but if you just pull up Google, it should pop right up on the first page.