Sword Fighting?

[Squeek]

Re: Sword Fighting?

They're also (more commonly (at least for myself)) called "bokutou".

And I'd assume people might use Shinai more often than bokutou. Shinai are bamboo swords. They hurt a lot.

[inflames07]

Re: Sword Fighting?

I've never seen it spelled "bokutou". And now that my post was edited, it doesn't sound the same at all.

[slipstrike0159]

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.

Alright alright, i didnt actually mean to call fencing lame, its just where i live people who get into fencing are often times really stupid and turn me away from it. Also, i just wanted something that involved a little bit more body movement rather than the limited 2D style movement that fencing shows. I guess what i was just saying is that i want something that uses a little bit more power and strength.
Also, i didnt decide to do something like this because of anime or things i have seen on movies because that would label me as some kind of 13-year-old "i wanna be like that anime guy, he is so cool..." kid. Mostly i came to the decision because i have a friend who is very well versed in the ways of Tae-kwon-Do, another who is into karate, another who is into this style of fighting whose name escapes me that is primarily composed of kicks and is a form of art when performed on a stage, etc. Watching them inspired me to get into something as physically active as that and since my uncle (who is crazy about sword collecting) got me to start liking swords i decided it would be very interesting to do something like that. Now i'm not talking of composing things primarily off of katanas and whatnot, but weapons like bowstaffs and other things would also be appealing to me. I only suggest weapon style fighting because it is harder for me to get into Tae-Kwon-Do or something like that mainly because being as short as i am (im only 5'7") and sparing against people over 6 feet tall generally works to my disadvantage.

[Squeek]

Re: Sword Fighting?

Ack, sorry, I meant bokutou. I originally had a little blurb in there about another word and mistakingly left it in there before posting it.

Edited.

And like I said, look into Kendo.

[Wlfwnd91]

Re: Sword Fighting?

No one was really accusing you of wanting to be "like that anime guy" or anything, but it is in the back of all our minds (at least the ones who are versed in even the basics of swordsmanship) especially since you seen quite fond of Kenshin. But, then again, anyone who wants to go straight into a japanese style kinda has that reputation at first, but if you stick with it then it's shed rather quickly. As has already been mentioned. Kendo would be your best bet by a long shot. Find a dojo near you and sit in on a class or 2 to make sure it's really what you're interested in before investing money. It may end up not being for you, and you may find that a european style would be more your niche. Long story short. Research research research!

[inflames07]

Re: Sword Fighting?

another who is into this style of fighting whose name escapes me that is primarily composed of kicks and is a form of art when performed on a stage, etc.

Wushu

Wushu combos are insanely hard and not useful at all, but it still looks cool and really pushes your body. My main teacher has a lot of background with Tae Kwon Do and Wushu, so he's great at showing off. Only take Karate or Tae Kwon do if you don't play on being a competition fighter. A lot of that stuff is pretty useless against the styles these days. I mean Karate is good..against Karate. I'm mainly a Muy Thai fighter with a lot of boxing/kick boxing background. I train in Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Aikido, TKD, and bits and pieces of some more (Not enough to say I have background in them).

Back on topic: I'm sure there's a lot more to fencing than "2-D fighting". I mean I probably couldn't keep up with the speed of a fencer if I sparred with one that was as experienced as I am. Sword fighting is great though, just people go into it thinking it isn't that hard but the first time you spar, you get bruised up and cut up (Not from blades, but getting hit on the knuckles is inevitable when two new leaners spar). I learned quickly that you don't try to pay attention to the sword, but you watch the hands. After getting hit hard a few times, that never happened again..

Search "Utah Kendo Dojos" a few things came up for me.

[fighting sword]

Re: Sword Fighting?

People just because my name sounds like a dudes name doesn't mean that I'm a dude....... remember always ask if they're dudes or not

[stretchypanda]

Re: Sword Fighting?

Whaaaat.