Sword Fighting?

[slipstrike0159]

I have decided that it would be very interesting to enroll in some kind of sword fighting dojo or something of the sorts (nothing lame like fencing). I was just curious, even though many kids think about doing this, how many of you have actually gone through with it? Also, are there any places in Utah that i could learn swordsmanship?

[kylehaas]

Re: Sword Fighting?

lol. LOL.

look up the word BOFFER on the internet. it might help.
or go fencing. its your choice.
personally, i use star wars toy lightsabers.

[Neonatrias]

Re: Sword Fighting?

As far as I can tell, you're not going to learn any sort of artistic swordsmanship like you see in movies or whatever. Fencing is the best you'll get, though a rapier can be a hell of a weapon if you know how to use it.

The use of a broadsword or a katana by this age is out of the question. You will very likely not find anyplace that still offers lessons in medieval forms of combat. Mostly for the reason that if you've ever held a sword, even a small one, they're very heavy and the slightest slip could cost you your life. Nobody is going to want that liability, so at best you'd be using sticks of some sort (Or boffers, apparently). One of my friends was cleaning off a sword of his (Has his own little collection) and he barely dashed his finger against it. Bled for several hours.

In short, I highly doubt you'll find anything like what you're asking. But best of luck to you in any case. =)

[Wlfwnd91]

Re: Sword Fighting?

I guess the only thing that kinda got to me is that you called fencing "lame". You don't seem to know much (not an insult, as you seem to be somewhat willing to learn) but fencing is a deadly form of combat, and far from lame. It is actually very simple to find medieval forms of swordsmanship, especially of Japanese origin. www.google.com is your best friend. Kendo and iado would probably be what you'd end up looking at. It's pretty easy to find dojos in both styles. However if you're looking for something private and an actual specified school of swordsmanship then it will be very difficult unless you actually go to Japan.

[inflames07]

Re: Sword Fighting?

I've taken basics on kendo/bushido along with many other martial arts. I train in MMA and will be participating in official MMA fights in about a month or two. Learning how to use a sword is very fun, especially sparring with Bokkens. Your very first session with sword training will make a huge difference in the way you wield a sword. There's so many mechanics that only trained people know about. Google would be the best place to fight out where dojos are located.

[beaner692]

Re: Sword Fighting?

I stick to playing video games myself

[acknerr]

Re: Sword Fighting?

I would learn swordsmanship if someone taught it. Of course any type of sword fighting can be useful if you know how to handle yourself properly. Just try not to get pwned because the end result can be a lot worse. Don't rule out any particular styles just because they don't seem cool and actiony like in anime. (Yes I know "actiony" is not a word).

[inflames07]

Re: Sword Fighting?

However if you're looking for something private and an actual specified school of swordsmanship then it will be very difficult unless you actually go to Japan.

That's very true. The only dojos in my area are for Karate and Tae kwon do. It's ridiculous how many there are. My dojo/gym is for all martial artist to come and train. We teach everyone what we know, and we perform it along with counters. Weekends are for straight up sparring. During the week is all for instruction with certified trainers. The great thing is that every trainer in my gym has several MMA bouts already, so they know what they're doing. (We also have an insane Jiu-Jitsu teacher )

[Velious]

Re: Sword Fighting?

lmfao dojos

[g4z33b0]

Re: Sword Fighting?

Fencing isnt lame. Swordmanship is lame.

[Ice wolf]

Re: Sword Fighting?

We can count on a guy like slipstrike to want to learn swordsmanship.

[Squeek]

Re: Sword Fighting?

Fencing is more of a sport than it is a means by which to learn swordsmanship.

Go for Kendo. It's the most popular (meaning you are more likely to find a school around your area) and actually teaches you things.

I know a lot of universities with a Kendo club, so it shouldn't be too hard to find one. In fact, my friend is in one. Or was. At least he got to keep his Shinai.

[Pichu_XP]

Re: Sword Fighting?

I recall seeing a dojo in a nearby mall that offers some weapons training.

I think.

[purebloodtexan]

Re: Sword Fighting?

As far as I can tell, you're not going to learn any sort of artistic swordsmanship like you see in movies or whatever. Fencing is the best you'll get, though a rapier can be a hell of a weapon if you know how to use it.

The use of a broadsword or a katana by this age is out of the question. You will very likely not find anyplace that still offers lessons in medieval forms of combat. Mostly for the reason that if you've ever held a sword, even a small one, they're very heavy and the slightest slip could cost you your life. Nobody is going to want that liability, so at best you'd be using sticks of some sort (Or boffers, apparently). One of my friends was cleaning off a sword of his (Has his own little collection) and he barely dashed his finger against it. Bled for several hours.

In short, I highly doubt you'll find anything like what you're asking. But best of luck to you in any case. =)

Forgive me wrong, but don't students start off with wood or some softer material before they move on to metal blades?

[inflames07]

Re: Sword Fighting?

Yes, they're called Bokkens. They are either wooden or a very solid plastic.

Forgive me wrong, but don't students start off with wood or some softer material before they move on to metal blades?

There are Iaido blades though, but they're expensive. I have one myself though. They have thicker blades, and are not sharp at all. Purely for training or show.