DOCSLIB.ORG

How to Master a Sword？ by Handmadesword.Com PR Dept

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
How to Master a Sword？ by Handmadesword.Com PR Dept How to Master a Sword？ By Handmadesword.com PR Dept. www.handmadesword.com Handmadesword.com, the wholesale Japanese sword House All rights reserved Handling swords is not an easy thing to master, it takes years of instruction to use one correctly, and even then you will still make some mistakes. Set short term goals in swordsmanship, with your long term goal always being to improve yourself. Please note, a knowledge of physics and geometry will only make this easier. Also, this is a very technical article, intended for people who are actually interested. Steps： 1. Start by clearing up a few myths: o "Ninja swords" are no different in construction than "Samurai swords." Although every sword is different, and the Ninja had their own specifications like any other sword school, they are all Katana (Nihonto), they were either forged as Koto (old sword) Shinto (new sword) or Shinsakuto (New Revival Sword). It is in recent years that people have begun to believe that ninjas used secret techniques and special swords. It IS true that they had their own fighting systems with a sword, but keeping sword techniques a secret was the regular practice of almost all japanese sword schools. If you want to learn Ninjutsu, Study with a Qualified Bujinkan Instructor. 2. o There is a saying: "The sword can protect, it was made to protect." It is false. The sword is a tool for killing. No matter whose hands it is in. If you want to master a sword, then you must be at peace with death, both your own and someone else's. o You cannot move at superhuman speeds just because you know how to use a sword. It does not make you faster or give you some kind of power. A sword is a special chunk of metal. The skills you learn after many hours of practice with a qualified teacher do not open up a floodgate of secret energy within you. Nothing, not even the samurai, is unbound by the laws of Physics and Geometry when a sword is used correctly. o You can't cut through trees in one slice. And if you try you'll probably ruin your sword, the cutting you see in movies is either faked or done with bamboo, which can be cut at such. 3. Study all of the eight directions. Yes, the compass directions. Stand facing forward, you can define four quadrants easily (think of this as though you're facing north, even if your not): north, south, east, and west. Now think about the four sub-quadrants, called octants: Northwest, northeast southwest, and southeast. These make up a total of eight ways. You can do a simple exercise to learn them, too. o Stand with your right foot forward, left foot back, pointed out to your left, they shouldn't be too far apart, but they shouldn't be too close together, either. Now step with your right foot and bring your left foot so that your exactly like you were before. That's one, or north. o Here comes the hard part: the pivoting technique. Examine your stance, with as little effort as possible, turn to the stronger side. In swordsmanship, a strong-side turn is simply turing to the side that will make you use lesser amount of effort when compared to the otherwise. (Whilst turning otherwise is called back-turn or weak-side turn.) If your right foot is forward, pivot back to your left, vice-versa. Now step in with your leading foot and turn back to your first direction. That's called Zango. Two directions of movement, and that's also how you do the eight ways. Move through on a strong side pivot to 3, which comes instead of the redirect north. Do zango. 5, 6, 7, and 8 are a little different. From 4, turn 45 degrees to your strong side by sliding your back foot (in this case, your right) in to face the fifth way. Zango from this and do the same to reach 7 and 8. When you hit 8, you should be easily be able to turn back to one. Do that 1000 times. If you want something a little more interesting, try stepping backwards instead of forwards. Then combine the two by doing both. That is Hachi Kata (Method of Doing 8 [ways], or Hachi Do (lit. Eight way). 4. A lot of japanese will pass your eyes and ears, so learn to pronounce it. It's a simple phonetic language and can be learned easily. Ask a native speaker to teach you to pronounce, or watch some subtitled anime, available on most DVD's and on Bittorents like weeds. 5. No matter how hard you try, you can't master the sword on your own, or with videos. So go join a Dojo. Try for any style done pre-17th century. Try to stay away from Kendo, it's a sport and you are not likely to do any real cutting, but if that's all you can find go for it. 6. The Draw. Stand with your body squared (just as though your standing with friends, but your shoulders need to be in line with your hips, and your back straight), feet should be shoulder width apart. Take the sword (still sheathed) in your left hand, blade side up (outside of the curve facing up) and by the upper part of the saya (sheath). Pull it up against your left side as though it were in your Obi (belt). Grasp (don't grab) the Nakago (hilt) right below the Tsuba (hand-guard), and pull straight out, as though you were using the Nakagojiri (very end of the hilt, the end cap) to hit your opponents stomach. STOP THERE. Imagine yourself in samurai armor. How would you stop from cutting your webbing and/or arm? Step your left foot back as you draw out and move the sword in an arc over, and point the tip as though you were pointing it at the chest of an enemy as tall as you. Set the saya aside and put your left hand on the nakagojiri, so the the bottom of your hand ends at the end of the sword. To look like you know what your doing, rotate the blade to the Ura (left) by a few degrees. Congrats, you're now in right-foot-forward- center(or middle)-guard position. 7. The Six Ways. Stand in Center guard with your right foot lead. Now raise the sword up, so that it's blade points about 45 degrees behind you (i.e. straight up would be 90, straight back would be 0). This is Right foot forward upper position. 8. Stand in right foot upper, and move the blade down, until it forms a 45 degree angle pointing down, don't move your shoulders off your center. This is right foot lower position. 9. Move to right foot upper and step your left foot in so that it is in the lead and your right foot is pointed to your right side, do this without moving the sword. This is left foot upper. 10.Move the sword out to the side of your head, pointed about 15 degrees off of the 90, but don't hold it right next to your head, because your still wearing a helmet, and a wide one at that. This is left foot lead, middle. 11. Square up your body, while still keeping your right foot behind, and your left foot forward, move the handle of the sword to your center, while the blade is still pushed back. This is left foot forward lower. 12.Try not to think of these as positions, the are merely springboards to your movements. Practice moving between these on your own, but not fast. Move slowly and fluidly, speed will come later. Then get a partner and have him move while you match, then match him a-symmetrically, by doing something different, but at the same rate. Be the shadow to the eagle. Then have your partner be the shadow to your eagle. 13.Your first cut. start out in right foot lead, center guard. Raise the sword over your head into an upper-esque looking move, but not the same. Swing the sword down, and bring the handle to your center. That is called Shomen'uchi (downward cut to the head). Another thing to try is Yokomen'uchi, a downward cut to the side of the head or neck. (If your taking Aikido, all of these words will be falling into place shortly) The cut you just made is the primary technique of Japanese kenjutsu (swordsmanship) no matter what school. 14.Many, many more cuts. Kenjutsu is something that takes stamina, so you need to do some practice. Take the cut you just learned and do it 1000 times, sets of 5, 10, or 50. That burn your going to feel will teach you what you need to know. But remember, practice makes permanent, so if your doing it wrong, you'll keep doing it wrong. So join a dojo. 15.Other cuts. You can make a cut from any of the six positions explained earlier, and with either foot forward. They can be made by a slide (actually, it's a step, but it's a step with your lead foot, that's why your sword stance needs to have your feet close) a step, or just standing. Just remember to index your cut from above your head. That means to pick it up over your head before you cut, because you might have to turn around and cut an enemy behind you before dealing with whoever is in front of you.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Birankai Bokken Training Guide
    Birankai WEAPONS BOKKEN TRAINING GUIDE BASIC FOOTWORK STANCES 1) Footwork a. Suri ashi (forward and backward) b. Ushiro tenkan c. Ushiro tenkan with forward suri ashi d. Ayumi ashi 2) Stances a. Gedan b. Waki gamae c. Jodan d. Hasso e. Seigan EXERCISES 1) Katate Suburi a. Kesa / Gyaku kesa b. Shomen c. Yoko giri d. Nukitsuke variations of above 2) Morote Suburi (using above footwork) a. Shomen b. Tsuki c. Kesa 3) Shihogiri a. Right and left hamni b. Without and with tsuki 4) Happogiri a. Right and left hamni b. Without and with tsuki 5. 8-count Suburi a. Tachi-waza b. Suwari-waza 6. Uchi komi a. Shomen b. Tsuki PRINCIPLES c. Kesa 1. Execution i. Suri ashi with back foot 2. Extension ii. Suri ashi with front foot 3. Focus iii. Ayumi ashi 4. Distance Birankai WEAPONS BOKKEN TRAINING GUIDE TECHNIQUES 1) Kiriotoshi a. Exercises (with timing and distance variations for each) b. Variations i. Jodan i. Shomen (jodan) Suriotoshi 1. Slow / Medium / Fast 1. Inside (uchi) 2. Close / At a distance 2. Outside (soto) ii. Chudan ii. Tsuki (chudan) Suriotoshi iii. Gedan iii. Kote (uchi) Suriotoshi iv. Tsuki iv. Kote (soto) Makiuchi 2) Kirikaeshi a. Kirikaeshi Exercises (Partner work – from horse stance) i. Mawashiuchi ii. Suriotoshi iii. Uchiotoshi iv. Suriage b. Kirikaeshi Exercises (Partner Work – from hamni) i. Above four exercises ii. Variations 1. Any attack, above four exercises c. Kirikaeshi Applications (Tai-no-Atari) 3) Kumi Tachi (five encounters) a. Ichi no Tachi b. Ni no Tachi c. San no Tachi d. Yon no Tachi e.
    [Show full text]
  • Anleitung Für Die Kendo Rüstungen Handhabung Und Pflege Von Shinai, Kendokleidung Und Rüstung
    Anleitung für die Kendo Rüstungen Handhabung und Pflege von Shinai, Kendokleidung und Rüstung (Vielfältigung dieses Buches ist unzulässig) INHALT Vorwort Kendo ohne Gefahr…………………………………………………………………………………………1 1. Das Shinai (chikutou)竹刀 1-1 Allgemeine Beschreibung（Gewicht und Länge）…………………………………………………………………2 Shinai-Pflege nach jedem Training nicht vergessen !…………………………………………………………3 & Zur Kenntnis: Über das Shinai…………………………………………………………………………………3 1-2 Shinai auseinander bauen………………………………………………………………………………………5 1-3 Splitter entfernen…………………………………………………………………………………………………6 1-4 Gebrauchte Shinai-Teile zusammen bauen.……………………………………………………………………7 1-5 Sakigawa (Leder-Spitze) zusammenbauen………………………………………………………………………8 1-6 Tsuru (Schnur) zusammen binden………………………………………………………………………………9 1-7 Das Binden der Nakayui (Lederschnur)…………………………………………………………………………12 1-8 Tsuba und Tsubadome…………………………………………………………………………………………13 1-9 Wie man das Shinai trägt…………………………………………………………………………………………13 & Zur Kenntnis: Shinai / Bokutou Bokken(Holzschwert) / Katana (Schwert)…………………………………14 2. Das Kendogi (Jacke) 剣道衣 2-1 Allgemeine Beschreibung)………………………………………………………………………………………15 & Zur Kenntnis: Warum Baumwolle, warum Indigo-blau? ……………………………………………………15 2-2 Anziehen…………………………………………………………………………………………………………16 2-3 Waschen…………………………………………………………………………………………………………16 2-4 Zusammenfalten…………………………………………………………………………………………………17 3. Das Hakama (Hosenrock) 袴 3-1 Allgemeine Beschreibung…………………………………………………………………………………………18 & Zur Kenntnis: Interessantes über das Hakama………………………………………………………………18 3-2
    [Show full text]
  • Seminar on Japanese Swords 7 February 2005
    Tsurugi-Bashi Kendo Kai University of Cambridge Kendo Society Seminar on Japanese swords 7 February 2005 Revised proceedings Proceedings editor: Nicholas Taylor Copyright c Tsurugi Bashi 2005 http://www.cam.ac.uk/societies/kendo/ Table of Contents Preface FrankStajano....................................... ...............3 A visit to a sword polisher's workshop FrankStajano....................................... ...............4 The parts of the Japanese sword NeilHubbard........................................ ..............7 Katana and Kendo: Background and Reigi HyoWonKim.......................................... ...........9 Functional differences between European medieval and Japa- nese swords SabineBuchholz...................................... ............11 Manufacture of Japanese swords RichardBoothroyd..................................... ...........13 Zen and the Way of the Sword KristiinaJokinen................................... ...............15 Metallurgy and the Japanese Sword NicholasTaylor..................................... ..............17 2 Preface On a sunny morning in December 2004 I happened to pass by the British Museum and my attention was caught by an elegant black poster featuring a beautiful Japanese sword blade. I immediately went in and was delighted at the chance to admire a won- derful exhibition of the Museum’s magnificent collection of about a hundred Japanese blades, all recently restored in Japan. Once back in Cambridge, I set out to organize a visit to the exhibition for members of our kendo dojo, Tsurugi-Bashi. Although, as one might expect, many of our kendoka have an interest in Japanese swords, none of us is really knowledgeable, let alone an expert or collector. We therefore needed some preparation and guidance in order fully to appreciate the visit. In the spirit of encouraging people to find out more about the subject, I there- fore requested that members wishing to join the guided tour carry out a little research about some aspect of the Japanese sword, write it up as a short essay and present it to the others.
    [Show full text]
  • About Zen Bu Kan
    About Zen Bu Kan Zen Bu Kan is an iaido dojo of the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu lineage located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Zen Bu Kan was started by Jules Harris Sensei. Having studied in New York, Harris Sensei moved to Utah to study Zen at the renowned Kanzeon Zen Center in Salt Lake City. A scholar, warrior, and spiritual leader; Harris Sensei taught without thought of personal gain, only to pass on the lineage. He moved back East, to Pennsylvania, to further his spiritual studies. Zen Bu Kan is now led by his students Jason Hankins Sensei and Dick Beckstead Sensei. More recently, Zen Bu Kan has begun to teach kendo under the direction of Robert Stroud Sensei, 7th dan renshi. Stroud Sensei leads a dojo in Boise, Idaho, and serves as a kendo mentor and instructor to Zen Bu Kan’s sensei. Iaido students at Zen Bu Kan begin by learning the basic fundamentals of iaido. Having learned the fundamentals, students then begin to learn the twelve Seitei kata. The Seitei kata are the standard by which iaido practitioners (iaidoka) world-wide begin their training and upon which they are tested. Eventually, students move on to learn the Omori-Ryu and Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu kata. Zen Bu Kan does not operate for profit and is solely supported by its students at cost. This allows the school to keep the price of tuition to a minimum, but it also means that the school is heavily dependant upon its students to remain in operation. The students form both the body and the support staff of the school.
    [Show full text]
  • A History of Our Okinawan Martial Arts Weapons
    A History of Our Okinawan Martial Arts Weapons Preface: A Continuity of Generations At the start of my martial arts journey, I felt something that I couldn’t quite put into words at the time. It was as if I were joining a brotherhood of mankind that not only spanned geographic barriers, but also the barrier of time itself. I had no knowledge of martial arts history in those early days, but I sensed a continuity of generations, as if the martial artists of centuries past were practicing alongside me. I wondered how many had come before me and learned these same forms, practiced these same techniques. It was probably this perception of continuity that spawned my interest in the history of the forms and techniques that we practice within our Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo association. What I found during my research is that this subject is apparently of interest to many others as well. Several excellent documents have been published on this subject, both within our association and elsewhere. One of the most complete texts I’ve found is Dan Segarra’s “Untold History of Tang Soo Do” Version 2, which is available as a PDF download on Facebook. Because so much had already been written on the history of the Moo Duk Kwan, Taekwondo, and Tang Soo Do, I decided that my paper should take a less travelled route. Instead, I have focused on the history of the weapons practiced by our association. Although, it should be noted that any attempt to trace the history of our weapons is going to be somewhat speculative, because there isn’t much hard evidence to document their history.
    [Show full text]
  • 6−4．How to Keep Your Men Well
    ６－４．How to keep your men well. When you have finished using the "men", immediately wipe it with a well- wrung damp cloth and then dry it. Sweat and dirt breed germs and will smell. Even when the outside dries it is hard to dry the inside, so you should hang it in a well ventilated place, or put newspaper or a desiccant inside. When the cloth on the inside of men futon and the edge of men futon rubs against each other to the shoulder can thin completely, let's have Mr. protector shop apply the cloth and leather before inside cotton and the rug are seen. Adjusting the lengths of the men cords Put your "men" on and tie the cords. Adjust the cords so that they are hang 40cm below the knot, and then cut off any excess. ① Unthread the ② Wrap the two ③ Tie them tightly ends for 3 or 4 cm. strands once and arrange them Take two or three round the whole neatly. of the threads and cord. twist them into two strands. - 41 - ７．The kote ‘gauntlets'小手･甲手 ７－１．The construction of the kote Kashira ‘hand part' namako ‘sea slugs' (There may be none, one or two, they add flexibility) kote-bu or hiji ‘elbow' ‘forearm part' (Cylindrical section) The kote is made of indigo dyed cloth and deer hide, silk (or equivalent) ornamental thread, cotton or blanket material, the hand-part is made of deer hair (or equivalent) and two cords. Size; It is not easy to use when it is too large, and when it is small, can <hand> do the diligence.
    [Show full text]
  • Basic Guidelines Iaido & Budo
    Basic Guidelines for Iaido & Budo Compiled by the Japanese Swordsmanship Society Courtesy & Etiquette (Reiho & Reigi) Guidelines for Training “I know nothing about how to win over others, I only know the way to win over myself” —Yagyu Tajima No Kami Munenori 1. Always treat your Sensei and fellow students with courtesy and respect. 2. Never question your Sensei’s abilities. 3. Always be in control of your actions and emotions. 4. Practice your techniques as often as possible. 5. Take constructive criticism with an open mind. 6. Never be arrogant about what you know. Never think that you know everything about something. 7. Remember that you can learn something from anyone. 8. Never say, “I cannot.” Have a positive attitude. 9. Remember all techniques are ultimately self-taught over time. 10. Always look inward and try to improve yourself. Entrance 1. The uniform must be clean, worn correctly, and adjusted properly. At the end of every class, the hakama, keiko-gi and obi must be neatly and respectfully folded up. 2. No jewelry, patches, emblems may be worn within the Dojo except approved ones. An exception to this rule will be allowed for wedding rings that cannot easily be removed. 3. If a student arrives late for a training session, he/she will bow-in away from blocking the entrance. From there, he/she will wait at the entrance of the Dojo and wait to be recognized by the Sensei. After recognition he/she will bow-in using the correct manner and may then join the class at the Sensei’s direction.
    [Show full text]
  • AJA Newsletter 2016-07.Pub
    AJA NEWSLETTER Volume XXXIX, Issue II Summer 2016 A Tribute to Professor George Kirby Thomas Salander It was a Road Trip. Baltimore, knowledge later. There was ties, their styles, their attitude Maryland to Mount Airy, North value in that: each instructor towards students and towards Carolina for the American JuJit- had a different focus, a different each other — there was the su Association (AJA) National take on how to move, how to bigger picture. Convention, a first for us. “Us” execute a technique, how to ... was Will Harris, Mark Burton, defend yourself. Prof. George Kirby, Founder Mike Parks, and me. This was and Chairman of the American something new; I had started It was too much to process at JuJitsu Association, the driving taking jujitsu to learn self- the time, and long before most force from the beginning, has defense, and now I was going to of us carried movie cameras in retired from the AJA Board of a convention? What happens at our pockets. Returning home, I Directors. He has not retired a self-defense convention? tried putting things together, as from teaching, but after decades if every instructor gave me a of being “The AJA”, he is now As it turned out, it was (at least piece or two of a giant jigsaw “just” a member of the AJA. To Inside this issue: for the four of us) a series of puzzle. I thought there might be many members of the AJA he’s training sessions with different a grand picture where all the a name, an author, a video in- BOD Bio: Dave 2 instructors.
    [Show full text]
  • The Art of Hojo Undo
    The Art of Hojo Undo POWER TRAINING FOR TRADITIONAL KARATE MICHAEL CLARKE YMAA Publication Center Wolfeboro, N.H., USA YMAA Publication Center Main Office: PO Box 480 Wolfeboro, NH 03894 1-800-669-8892 • www.ymaa.com • [email protected] ISBN-13: 978-1-59439-136-1 ISBN-10: 1-59439-136-X All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Copyright ©2009 by Michael Clarke Cover design by Axie Breen Edited by Susan Bullowa 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Publisher’s Cataloging in Publication Clarke, Michael, 1955- The art of hojo undo : power training for traditional karate / Michael Clarke. -- Wolfeboro, N.H. : YMAA Publication Center, c2009. p. ; cm. ISBN: 978-1-59439-136-1 Includes bibliographical references and index. 1. Karate--Training. 2. Martial arts--Training. 3. Muscle strength. I. Title. GV1114.3 .C53 2009 2009933388 796.815/3--dc22 0909 Disclaimer: The author and publisher of this book will not be held responsible in any way for any injury of any nature whatsoever, which may occur to readers, or others, as a direct or indirect result of the information and instruction contained within this book. Anyone unfamiliar with the tools or exercises shown should exercise great care when commencing his own training routine. Hojo undo training is not suitable for children under the age of sixteen or adults who are unable to undergo regular martial arts training. If any doubts exist, consult a doctor before repeating the exercises found in this book. Printed in Canada.
    [Show full text]
  • Japanese Sword Arts 101
    Japanese Sword Arts 101 Basic Drawing and Cutting Techniques of JSA Originally Written by Darren McNamara as an article for the SBG Sword Forum Edited for ebook format by Paul Southren An SBG Publication www.sword-buyers-guide.com (c) 2008 - All Rights Reserved This ebook is freeware and you are welcome to distribute, give away or otherwise share (though not sell) to anyone you wish on the condition that none of the material within is changed or edited in any way. Published by www.sword-buyers-guide.com Page 1 In the Beginning... It is hard to know where to start this. As this is not my first study of a sword related art, I do not want to confuse people or mix traditions by sounding too definitive about my text or reasons. I have been studying various types of Kenjutsu for 18 years now on and off, along with other Japanese traditional weapons arts, however until now have just looked at myself as a student and probably always will. The handling tips I refer to here are based my learning’s from the Shinto ryu school of swordsmanship, and are only a guide for those with an interest in the subject that may not have a sword school in their area. Nothing else replaces true instruction by a highly dedicated teacher or instructor, but please look at this as just a taste of what you could learn with proper one on one tuition. This was also inspired by the amount of cheaper katanas that are available on the market nowadays and the rather young or inexperienced hands (sometimes!) that seem to be obtaining them.
    [Show full text]
  • Clan 46 Jade and Magic 47 Player Characters 47 Adventure Notes 48 Spell Research 50 Jade Magic 50 Acknowledgments 51
    Legend of the Five Rings Point-buy House Rules Summary Hinode Monogatari Tales of the Sunrise Campaign Compiled Player Handouts Tales of the Sunrise Contents: Special Notes 3 Character Creation 4 Spending XP 4 Schools & Families 5 Basic Mechanics 5 Advantages 6 Disadvantages 7 Skills & Styles 8 Equipment 9 Nonhuman Races 10 Techniques 12 Custom Schools 12 Tainted Powers 17 Occult Senses 17 Spell Manipulation 18 Spell Lists 19 Exotic Magic 25 Heka and Jinn 25 Mantras 25 Nymic Magic 25 Rune & Totem 25 Kabari 25 Realms 25 Recondite 26 Techynics 27 Peasant Heritages 29 Combat Maneuvers 30 Social Maneuvers 31 Regaining Void 31 Historical Summary 31 Political Positions 32 Merchantilism 34 Naming 35 Breaking Things 35 Bonus Experience 35 Physics and Tech 36 Honor Guidelines 38 Glory Guidelines 38 Demographics 39 Kata 41 Playing Gaijin 42 Character Sheet 44 Samurai Westerns 46 The Cat Clan 46 Jade And Magic 47 Player Characters 47 Adventure Notes 48 Spell Research 50 Jade Magic 50 Acknowledgments 51 Special Notes: The Tales of the Sunrise campaign will involve traveling, interaction with people from various groups, and opposition to general threats to the empire. Do NOT create a character who is " a minion of the Shadowlands or the Lying Darkness. Having a bit of Taint or a few Shadow Points is acceptable however. " unwilling to be involved with other characters in or out of the group. " unable or unwilling to travel. " intending to betray the rest of the party. It’s too disruptive. " suicidal, whether due to past tragedy, utterly unreasonable honor, or excessive pride and violent tendencies.
    [Show full text]
  • The Socio-Historical Evolution of Japanese Swordsmanship and Its Correlation with Cultural Nationalism
    The Cultural Politics of Proprietorship: The Socio-historical Evolution of Japanese Swordsmanship and its Correlation with Cultural Nationalism Alexander C. Bennett Ph.D. Dissertation (Senior Supervisor – Dr. Kenneth Henshall) University of Canterbury School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics (JAPA) 2012 i ii COPYRIGHT Alexander C. Bennett 2012 iii iv Acknowledgements Although I started writing this thesis six years ago, I have been involved in kendō itself for over two decades. Guidance from the many wonderful teachers and friends I have met on this journey provided me with the knowledge to undertake the project. There are far too many people to name here, but I would like to especially thank the following people and organisations for their assistance and support. First, Professor Kenneth Henshall has been an incredibly patient supervisor, and has always given me wonderful advice enabling me to overcome many hurdles along the way. I feel greatly honoured to have had such an illustrious scholar as him for my supervisor. Professor Edwina Palmer was also involved at the start of my studies, but has since taken up a position outside the University of Canterbury. Her comments were invaluable in the completion of my earlier chapters. I am also indebted to Dr. Chigusa Kimura-Steven, and the other staff members in the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics (Japanese) at the University of Canterbury. I would also like to thank the Nippon Budokan and the All Japan Kendo Federation for their on-going support and willingness to provide me with many of the documents quoted in this thesis. I have also had considerable help from Professor Uozumi Takashi at the International Budo University, Professor Nakajima Takeshi of Kokushikan University, and numerous tantalising conversations about the state of kendō today with Professor Sakudō Masao and Professor Kanzaki Hiroshi at the Osaka University for Sport and Health Science.
    [Show full text]