If previous entries have aroused an interest in Japanese swords, here are three books to consult. “The Craft of the Japanese Sword” by Leon Kapp, Hiroko Kapp and Yoshindo Yoshihara (1987) is a clearly written and well photographed…
In Part 1 of “Japanese Swordsmanship” (1982) Gordon Warner and Donn F. Draeger provide a good overview of the development of the Japanese sword within the culture of the samurai. Part 2 deals thoroughly with Iaido. While today…
Aikidoists who practise Aikiken often become interested in the Japanese metal sword in addition to the wooden sword (“Bokken” or “Bokutoh”). There are various types of swords. The two most recognized are the “Tachi” and the “Katana”. The…
In Aikido, bokken practice is for the art of living, not the science of killing. Aikiken differs from Kenjutsu in that it is not intended for battlefield application. Bokken practice is a method of experiencing and refining key…
Try to attend seminars and camps outside of your own dojo. Meeting the challenge will be gratifying. And you will likely meet good people to help you along the path.
Learn by careful observation and imitation of your instructors and your partners both senior and junior. Do not be concerned that you progress in technique more slowly than others. And do not become arrogant if you progress more…
Tanaka Sensei emphasized that there is no rapid progress in Budo, but that we should strive to become a little better each class. Otherwise, we are just going through the motions. Wholehearted training is the key.
Aikido techniques cannot be learned quickly. It is not ten quick lessons in self-defence. It is a way of life that you gradually absorb until it is part of you and you are part of it. Stand tall…
Aikido techniques are just basics and applied basics, both inside the dojo and outside as well.
Here is Alexander Bennett quoting Sensei Inoue Yoshihiko (Kendo 8th Dan Hanshi) “Kendo is universal wisdom that teaches us the supreme value of life through knowing techniques of life. Kendo is always ‘correct’. There is no such thing…