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A thread to discuss Japanese weapon based martial arts and our own martial journey with like minded people, discussion of other Asian systems is welcomed too.

>what is kendo?
Kendo is a modern Japanese budō that uses shinai (bamboo sword) and armor for combat, in its modern purpose is a way to strengthen body and spirit and develop character.

>is kendo a martial art?
Kinda

>what do I need to start kendo?
A shirt and sweat pants your club will likely borrow you the rest when you start

>what is iaido?
Is a Japanese martial art, influenced by zen practices based on different kata (drills) and subdivided in different schools with solo drills based on drawing the sword from the scabbard to defend from an imaginary opponent.

>what is kenjutsu?
Is a old form of Japanese budō based on the use of various weapons as they were used back in the day by the samurai, depending on ryūha you can have various way of teaching, weapons, presence or lack of sparring and time/place of origin.

>what do I need to start kenjutsu/iaido?
Sweat pants and a shirt again, depending on club ryūha you may be required to buy additional equipment but at the very start you don’t need anything.

Recommended reads
The book of five rings
Kendo, culture of the sword
Kendo jidenroku (Hiroo Hanazawa)
Musashi’s ken, kendo nito ryū waza & the rationale
Kendo kyohon (Takano Sasaburo) (in general have a look at his works and publications related for a look at pre war kendo)
Kurikara: The Sword and the Serpent
Strategy and the art of peace
Unraveling the cords (Nakano Jinuemon Shumei)
Katori Shinto ryū (Otake Risuke) (hard to find, if someone has a pdf please link it)

NFT

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