Page 48 - Martial Science Magazine Feb/2014 #1

from dawn to dusk six days a week and of course
tournaments on Sunday.

What did you learn from Japanese lifestyle?

I immersed myself into my kendo studies, which is
part of the Japanese lifestyle and culture. Since no
one spoke English and everyone there were serious
kendo students. These students practiced kendo
from a very young age. They all started practicing
around the age of 5. I immediately came to the con-
clusion that if I did not learn the lifestyle I would
never learn kendo. Thus I did not speak English for
almost a decade.

Can you tell us the difference between the Iaido,
Kendo, and Chambara?

I could talk about this for years. But to be brief: Iaido sed samurai that dates back hundreds of years; all
is the art of drawing the sword executing a cut and is learned through kendo and its intense training
then sheathing the sword. This is where one learns methods. Kendo makes the man and through
the subtleties and ritual of the steel sword. Kendo kendo the next generation of Japanese children will
is the sport of the sword using bamboo shinai. This understand how to live in society as a good and
is where one learns how to execute technique at full helpful citizen
speed and power, which is challenging for most since
it requires a lot of energy to practice. Chanbara is a Can be adapted to modern life the code of Bushido?
modern version of kendo where instead of wearing
kendo armor and striking with a shinai. Chanba- Yes, it can easily be adapted to the code of Bushido.
ra uses synthetic swords that allow you to fight and The clothes and fashion of Japan may change
practice without all the cumbersome armor allowing from century to century. The ancient code of the
for a more realistic approach. samurai warrior or the modern code of the Japanese
“salaryman” are and have mostly remained the
Of these three. Which one do you prefer? same.

Then you practice all three the choice is difficult. What has it meant for you the way of the sword?
To teach beginning American students, chanbara is
best. Later then student understands the complexi- The path one seeks to become a productive member
ties of sword technique kendo is the best. Although of society and to oneself. It is well documented that
when one is practicing Iaido that becomes a very in- if one follows the path of the sword will also become
volved art in itself. As a general rule kids in Japan self-reliant and not a burden to one’s peers.
mostly practice kendo and chanbara whereas adults
are more apt to practice Iaido. For me they are all
equal.

Besides cutting. What else can be learned in Kendo? His latest book is called, The 47th Ronin. Can you
tell us something about it?

Since it is a way of life to be on the path of the focu

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