#621 ·
Does Krav Maga get taught anywhere outside of the IDF? Like, is there any public training out there—and if so, is it just some watered-down version for civilians, or the full deal?
General Chat & Info Board
Started by Megan White4 · · 👁 105 views · 3.5K replies
#622 ·
velvetwolf17 said:Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone here could give me some insight into the current state of Japanese martial arts in the States. Specifically, does anyone know which local clubs are active for Kendo, or where one might go to properly study Iaido? On a related note, I’ve been curious about the technical side of things—could anyone explain the practical differences between a standard katana and one specifically designed for Iaido practice?
In short:
A genuine katana features high-grade steel, premium fittings (handles, guards, etc.), and a razor-sharp edge.
An iaido katana often uses a blade made from various alloys (aluminum, zinc, magnesium, or similar), paired with more budget-friendly fittings. The edge is relatively blunt—though you can still cut things with it—and these blades are generally much more prone to snapping if you attempt any heavy cutting.
#623 ·
When you're looking at Iaido, you’re dealing with an Iaito. Now, some of these can actually be sharp, though there’s still this subtle, nagging distinction between them and a true Shinken—you know, a real steel blade. If we're being precise about the "tool" used in Iaido, the correct term is Mogito. Usually, they're made from an Al/Zn alloy weighing somewhere between 750 and 850 grams, though you will run into outliers that feel almost like a real Shinken, hitting that 1200-1300 gram range. The edge is dull, making it nearly impossible to accidentally cut yourself, yet the kissaki—the tip—is incredibly piercing. You could still cause serious damage if you aren't careful. A Mogito isn't designed for any kind of cutting. On the flip side, an Iaito can actually be used for cutting tests, what people call Tameshigiri. The fittings, the koshirae, can get ridiculously expensive if you decide to go all out; it’s not uncommon to see a Mogito priced north of $1,000. But honestly, for practical use, you're looking at the $300-$500 range. Anything beyond that is just
overkill.
overkill.
#624 ·
Megan White4 said:In short:
A genuine katana features high-grade steel, premium fittings (handles, guards, etc.), and a razor-sharp edge.
An iaido katana often uses a blade made from various alloys (aluminum, zinc, magnesium, or similar), paired with more budget-friendly fittings. The edge is relatively blunt—though you can still cut things with it—and these blades are generally much more prone to snapping if you attempt any heavy cutting.
If it were sharp, you wouldn't be using it for training; isn't that precisely why it breaks when you try?
Iaido katanas:
these aren't shinken—genuine steel blades meant for slicing—but rather practice swords designed specifically for iaido drills.
#625 ·
Daniel Garcia said:Does Krav Maga get taught anywhere outside of the IDF? Like, is there any public training out there—and if so, is it just some watered-down version for civilians, or the full deal?
http://www.kapapacademy.com/schools.htm
#627 ·
silverdriver6 said:And honestly, where else can you even find anyone like them? I mean, they're the only ones I know who actually operate like this...
I actually have a couple available for sale—though, just to be clear, I won't go any lower than $12$0.00.
#631 ·
I’ve been thinking about starting Aikido, but I’m curious about how it actually differs from Jiu-Jitsu training—since I might end up leaning toward Jiu-Jitsu instead.
#632 ·
If you’re thinking about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, just know it's much more focused on ground fighting than Aikido is. It's also definitely more sports-oriented, whereas Aikido is really more of a martial art.
Your best bet is to go check out a session for both.
Your best bet is to go check out a session for both.
#633 ·
placidbison20 said:If you’re thinking about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, just know it's much more focused on ground fighting than Aikido is. It's also definitely more sports-oriented, whereas Aikido is really more of a martial art.
Your best bet is to go check out a session for both.
Aikido has almost no ground work at all.
#634 ·
And I don't want to spam... but what do you mean "almost gone"? It’s not even close! Or do you honestly think Suwari Wazu is some kind of partner here? 😂
(placidbison20 delete this as soon as you reply to me. 😁)
(placidbison20 delete this as soon as you reply to me. 😁)
#636 ·
placidbison20 said:If you’re thinking about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, just know it's much more focused on ground fighting than Aikido is. It's also definitely more sports-oriented, whereas Aikido is really more of a martial art.
Your best bet is to go check out a session for both.
Thanks. I guess I'll head over to check out a class for both, then decide.
#637 ·
Hey there, I’m a huge fan of all kinds of sword fighting techniques. Could anyone tell me if there are any well-known, solid clubs in places like San Diego or Seattle? As a thank you, I'll hook you up with a great source for high-quality Katana that won't break the bank.
Check out www.seppa.de. They have one of our guys working there, so communication shouldn't be an issue at all.
Miyamoto Katana
Check out www.seppa.de. They have one of our guys working there, so communication shouldn't be an issue at all.
Miyamoto Katana
#639 ·
Jerry Thompson said:And I don't want to spam... but what do you mean "almost gone"? It’s not even close! Or do you honestly think Suwari Wazu is some kind of partner here? 😂
(placidbison20 delete this as soon as you reply to me. 😁)
Look, I consider Suwrai Waza to be essentially ground work (I assume you're a bit closer to the mat than when you're standing up)... 🤔
😁
(placidbison20, don't delete it! 😁 )
#640 ·
Michelle Edwards5 said:I’ve been thinking about starting Aikido, but I’m curious about how it actually differs from Jiu-Jitsu training—since I might end up leaning toward Jiu-Jitsu instead.
With Aikido, you could grind away for ten years before you finally realize if it was the right move for you, but with BJJ? You'll know exactly where you stand after that very first session...
🔗 Similar threads
- Group chat drama and the "truth in Off-topic · Jul 29, 2026
- The "vibe shift" in the boardroom in Economy · Jul 29, 2026
- Keyboard shortcuts and the death of the mouse in Software · Jul 29, 2026
- The "insider" info bubble is getting out of control in Fans · Jul 29, 2026
- Is everything becoming just another AI chatbot? in Software · Jul 29, 2026