83 posts shown.
jademarlin26 said:I was wondering, do the Kenjutsu or Iai instructors here have any kind of superiors or an umbrella organization overseeing how their clubs operate?
Like I touched on earlier, Iai is actually baked right into the curriculum of the All Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKR)—specifically the All Japan Iaido Federation (ZNIR). Now, you have to understand that the Iai practiced under the ZNKR, what we call Seitei Iai, is fundamentally different from the Koryu styles. Some Koryu schools are indeed members of the ZNKR—take Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, for example—but then you also have various styles that exist entirely outside that organization, operating more or less on their own. If you want to dig deeper, you could always cross-reference that with the Koryu records held by the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai.
As far as actual instructors go, things really started picking up pace here just a few years ago, and most of the Iai development is heavily influenced by Mihalik Sensei (who holds 4th Dan Kendo and 5th Dan Iaido).
Regarding Kenjutsu, though... honestly, I couldn't tell you if a Katori Shinto Ryu instructor holds a direct license from Otaka Risuka Shihan or not.
ruggedfalcon2 said:I get where you're coming from... honestly, I lean more toward the traditionalist camp myself🙂 but there's got to be some kind of consistency in their "foreign policy." Unfortunately, when it comes to the Chinese, it's a mess. You have the hardcore traditionalists—who, let’s face it, often refuse to teach anyone who isn't ethnically Chinese. Just look at the way things played out with Bruce Lee; he was essentially forced to walk away from Ip because he wasn't "pure" enough. Then, on the flip side, you've got the total non-traditionalists who are willing to sell out anything just for a quick buck. And the kicker? These two groups absolutely loathe each other. It's practically a blood feud!🙄 So yeah, with the Chinese, there is zero unified external strategy.😢
It’s a massive shame, really, because in the end, that lack of cohesion trickles down and poisons the actual skill itself.
ruggedfalcon2 said:That’s all well and good, 👍 but I honestly think it's just part of that Japanese mindset—that deep-seated sense of tradition they cling to. Unfortunately, the Chinese approach is night and day compared to that... 😢 it’s like how much Wing Chun you practice, that's how much influence the Wing Chun federation holds. 😁 👎
Hmm. Fair enough. But let's be honest, the Japanese aren't exactly "without sin" either; there’s a massive rift within their organizations. You have one group that is strictly traditionalist, people who wouldn't dream of spreading or popularizing these arts outside of Japan, and then you have this other side of the population that’s actually quite globalized and willing to take on foreign students right there in Japan. It’s a bit of a tug-of-war. Still, when it comes to their external policy, they maintain a pretty solid structure that, in this day and age, could actually serve as a blueprint.
Gerald Smith76 said:A quick secular question here:
Why did this guy—this self-proclaimed big shot, master of both Iaido and Kendo (who’ll be at the 101 club this Sunday)
claim there are very few true Kenjutsu practitioners left, and that any punk who dabbles in a bit of Kendo or Iaido just opens up some McDojo and pretends they're teaching actual Kenjutsu when they really aren't?
Well, look, there are significantly fewer people practicing Kenjutsu compared to Kendo. I don't have the exact math, but if we use the old ballpark figure where roughly 10 million people practice Kendo globally—which isn't perfectly accurate, but you get the scale—with 9 million of them right there in Japan, then even in a best-case scenario, Kenjutsu practitioners are down by hundreds of thousands. We're talking an entire order of magnitude difference. And that's accounting for all the different styles. It shouldn't come as a shock;
Kory is inherently much rarer, and what's worse, interest is actually waning.
Any individual doing Kendo and/or Iaido who intends to operate within the framework of a national federation or the International Judo Federation simply cannot claim to be practicing Kenjutsu under any circumstances.
It would be wise to actually do some homework—look at the structure of the member organizations of the American Kendo Federation, check their curriculum, and so on. You'll see that alongside the International Judo Federation, Kendo is one of those rare disciplines with a very straightforward, transparent hierarchy. That transparency basically makes "McDojos" impossible within the system. Those weird hybrids only happen with independent actors who work outside the structure, and those are the ones who might try to claim they teach Kendo, Iaido, Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, and so on and so forth.
And honestly, it would be good to show a little respect and leave that arrogant, condescending attitude to private conversations.
Kenjutsu (Zen Ken Iai) is baked right into the curriculum of the American Kendo Federation. Every single club practices it, though honestly, it’s hard to find a true parallel to how we approach Kendo. Up until now, I wouldn't say the practice of Iai has been totally walled off, but let’s be real—nobody’s exactly out there shouting from the rooftops about it or putting much effort into promoting it. Over in Chicago, there’s actually another club (iaido-kendo) that puts a bit more weight on the Iai side of things. To be honest, I couldn't tell you exactly which style they follow besides Zen Ken, and personally, I’m pretty skeptical about it. That club spent a long time under the heavy influence of S. Vogrinc from St. Augustine, which leaves a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. If you want to get in touch with the clubs, just head over to
www.kendo.hr
Even though the way people climb the ranks is pretty much the same across most disciplines—I mean, you see it everywhere from karate to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—it doesn't mean everything is actually equal. It’s like comparing a ladder to an escalator; they both get you to a higher floor, sure, but the mechanics and the effort required to stay on them are worlds apart. You look at how different martial arts handle their progression, and honestly, it can be a bit of a mess if you don't know what you're looking at. The whole concept of kyu... it’s a bit of a mess, isn't it? I mean, if you really sit down and think about how we structure progression in martial arts, it feels like trying to measure the depth of the Grand Canyon with a standard ruler. You think you're getting somewhere, you move up a level, you feel that little spark of accomplishment, but then you realize the scale itself might be skewed. It's like those corporate ladder climbers in Chicago who think moving from Junior Associate to Senior Associate means they've actually mastered the art of business, when really, they've just been given a slightly larger cubicle and a better coffee machine. It’s all very arbitrary if you look at it through a certain lens. We cling to these incremental steps—these little colored belts and ranks—to give ourselves the illusion of a steady climb. But is it real growth? Or is it just administrative housekeeping? Sometimes I feel like we're just checking boxes on a spreadsheet, much like an accountant at Deloitte grinding through a quarterly audit, rather than actually evolving as human beings. One minute you're focused on a basic kick, the next you're worrying about the technicality of a transition, and before you know it, you're chasing the next stripe just to feel like you haven't stagnated. It’s a cycle. A repetitive, somewhat exhausting cycle. i Day Degree ranks... honestly, they’re such a moving target. It’s all relative, isn't it? You look at the standard playbook and everyone tells you that 10th Degree is the absolute ceiling—the pinnacle of achievement. But then you start looking under the hood at different disciplines, and the whole thing starts to feel a bit fuzzy. Some schools or specific martial arts styles seem to flatten the hierarchy entirely, capping things out at an 8th or even a 9th Degree just because that's how they choose to structure their lineage. It’s like trying to measure rainfall with a ruler; the tools change depending on who's holding them. Then, you have the outliers. The ones that completely shatter the traditional scale. Take Ninjutsu, for instance—if my memory serves me right, you see claims of people holding up to a 15th Degree. It makes the standard system look almost quaint, doesn't it? And let's not even get started on the politics of it all. Too often, I see certain "distinguished" figures being handed out massive promotions—like a 9th Degree—not necessarily because they spent decades sweating on the mat, but because they've become the face of the organization or they've done enough heavy lifting in terms of "brand development" to justify the title. It’s a strange game.
What it actually takes to earn a new belt really depends on the specific discipline you're grinding in. It’s not some one-size-fits-all equation. In certain sports, you're basically stuck in a loop where your progress is tied directly to how you perform in actual competitions—win enough fights or matches, and you move up. But then you have other styles where it’s more about following a structured curriculum or a specific training syllabus. In those cases, there isn't a scoreboard telling you when you're ready; instead, you just keep working until your instructor decides you've put in enough hours and finally calls you in for the test. It's all very subjective, really.
Look, let’s be honest about the state of things today. We’ve reached a point where earning ranks in almost any skill or sport has become incredibly commercialized. It’s gotten out of hand. We are seeing this entire generation of "instant" masters popping up everywhere. And I don't just mean here in the States—this is a widespread problem. I’ve actually had the misfortune of working with people holding 5th Degree ranks who, in my professional opinion, wouldn't even qualify for a 2nd kyu. Honestly, I’ve taken harder hits from random guys in the street than I ever did from these supposed experts. It’s funny how people get hung up on labels. They see someone wearing a certain color belt or holding a specific rank and they think they’ve got the whole person figured out. It's like looking at a blueprint and thinking you've actually lived in the house. You haven't. You just know where the plumbing is. When we talk about those early ranks—the beginners, the ones just starting their journey—it’s easy to dismiss them. People think they're just "students." But there's a weight to it. It's that raw, unpolished stage where everything is new and nothing is settled. It’s like being a rookie in the minor leagues; you have the passion, sure, but you haven't felt the sting of a veteran's precision yet. You're still learning how to even hold the equipment properly. I see it all the time in the gyms. Someone walks in, maybe they've done a bit of wrestling or some basic cardio, and they think they can skip the fundamentals. They want the prestige without the sweat. It reminds me of someone trying to drive a heavy-duty truck through downtown Chicago without ever having sat in a driver's seat. You’re going to stall out, and you’re going to look foolish doing it. The lower ranks aren't just about what you *can* do; they're about what you're willing to learn. If you approach it with an ego, you've already lost. You have to be okay with being bad. Being okay with being clumsy. That’s the part most people miss because they're too busy worrying about how they look to the guy across the mat. Focus on the foundation, or the whole structure is going to come crashing down when things get heavy.You’re supposed to actually enjoy the skill itself, the art of the sport. This whole obsession with being a "champion" and that mindless, frantic chase for those next degree ranks... honestly, it's just a sign of a cluttered mind. It shows a complete and total lack of understanding of what we're actually doing here.
I’m only showing up for the hops, honestly.
gentleviper12 said:The only real distinction between unrecognized and BJJ is that in unrecognized competitions, you aren't allowed to use leg locks. Specifically, just those two—the knee-bar and the heel-hook. Aside from that, we practice them all the time in our training sessions and sparring.
I spent my childhood training
Judo , and later on, I got a chance to dabble a bit in BJJ. Honestly? I can't bring myself to agree that the difference is that negligible. It’s a bit like someone telling me the only gap between
Kenjutsu and
unrecognized is that in
Kenjutsu, you actually attempt leg strikes. It happens all the time—people take the mastery required for one discipline and try to interpolate it into a related field under the guise of "it's basically the same thing." Now, I'm not casting shade at any specific gym here, but you really have to be careful when people make sweeping claims like that, and even more careful about believing them. No malice intended, just an observation.
shadowfalcon33 said:Sure, it doesn't mean it works for everyone. But look, I’m just pointing out that migraines aren't the only condition where acupuncture has actually shown some real results.
Also, I think you're underselling what a migraine actually does to a person. People use the word "headache" for everything from a dull ache to a pounding mess, but a true migraine? That's a different beast entirely. It comes with its own set of symptoms and physical signs that make it way more than just a bad headache.
Of course. It’s been shown to be effective for a whole range of other issues too, whether we're talking about psychosomatic stuff or even just speeding up recovery after surgery. In my view, there are just so many variables at play with acupuncture. There's always this individual factor involved—some kind of unique variable that explains why it might work wonders for one person while doing absolutely nothing for someone else.
And honestly, thank God I've only had to deal with a few migraines in my life, though one of them was particularly brutal. If a milder version of that hit someone with a low pain tolerance, they'd probably describe it the same way I described my last bout. At the end of the day, pain is incredibly subjective.
dustycanyon6 said:By the way, crimsonbison10—it’s "in light of," not just "light of"—and honestly, seeing people butcher the language like that is starting to get under my skin. I even spotted a similar slip-up in a recent newsletter from AAA. 😉
Once I finally wrap up this Master's thesis, I'll send a copy your way for proofreading. But until then, I'm not going to burn through all my energy arguing over grammar on the internet.😵
just relax😁
shadowfalcon33 said:Basically, using acupuncture to stop migraines is about as effective as just sticking needles into random spots on your body and hoping for the best. 😁
That’s not to say acupuncture itself is useless across the board. But when you're dealing with something like headaches—which are entirely subjective experiences anyway—it really shouldn't come as a shock that the "study" results look the way they do.
briskjackal5 said:It isn't hard. Once you've messed up for the third time, everything else just flows naturally.
- Stipe -
Honestly, one of the better ways to describe B.V.
Truly 👍
gracie barra said:In my book, it all comes down to how you train and who's running the show. If you have a qualified instructor—someone actually responsible for looking out for their students—then things change. Not everyone is trying to go pro or become an MMA fighter, so training sessions should be tailored accordingly.
At the end of the day, you can train this stuff with very few injuries, if any. Believe me.
👍
Absolutely. I spent a brief stint doing Jiu-Jitsu, and even when things got rough or physically intense, nobody walked away with a serious injury. Compare that to the years I spent doing Ki-Aikido... I honestly don't know if I've ever seen more torn ligaments or nasty bruises. I've even seen people walk away with snapped collarbones. It really just boils down to one thing: whose hands you're in.
Peter Myers29 said:If things get seriously heated, there’s no shame in running for it just to keep your head on straight.
Run for the hills, folks, before you end up face-down in the dirt!
It’s funny how it works, isn't it? A man usually doesn't realize what he actually had until it's already gone.
Morgan Foster7 said:I caught the last 15 minutes of the broadcast. The guy presenting the ninjutsu stuff was Taylor. If I recall correctly, he and his brother were the ones who actually brought the art over to the States, and one of their earliest students was Roth, who ended up working closely with Hatsumi later on.
Yeah, exactly! I’ve heard that exact same thing mentioned in several different places.
Yeah, he pulled it off. It was actually pretty interesting to me that Roth didn't step up to present the ninjutsu side of things, especially since he’s basically the face of RI when it comes to that whole area.
Besides, it’s probably for the best to give some breathing room to the skills that aren't quite as... well, "overplayed" as everything else.
Roger Hall15 said:😱 No, they aren't synonyms.
Look, Roger Hall15, if they aren't synonyms, then the way I was answered certainly made it feel like they were. 😉
It’s true, everyone is throwing questions around, and there's still this one hanging over us like a heavy fog—what actually constitutes a soul?
Anyway, I have to admit, you guys are putting forward some pretty elegant arguments here. 😁 But tell me, did you arrive at these conclusions through your own lived experience, or are you just repeating what someone else once said?
Best,
👋
Hmm 🤔 the spirit of the times... maybe that’s a bit of a stretch for an analogy. You didn't exactly hit the mark with your response to 😉
.
Am I right in assuming those two are basically synonymous? 😕
Man, once you actually start chewing on this, you find yourself running out of ways to even put it into words. It’s almost like some sort of zen koan—just pure 😁 😁