I have looked up iai on several sites in my reaserch but didnt know it was so complex and didnt get the correct definition most of the time its starting to come together now thanks
Commendable attitude. If you decide to take up iai and approach in this manner I am sure you will find it most rewarding regards koyo
An interesting turn this thread has taken from its original starting point - not off-topic wandering but an expansion of the subject. It's fascinating to hear the different viewpoints being offered, particularly as, just from the opinion voiced in the text, it is possible to hazard a fair guess at the amount of iaido/other-sword-art experience the poster has. After reading through the various offerings, it made me admit to a truth I've been evading for a long while now ... I've been avoiding using my shinken for too many months and, as noted in previous posts it's having a detrimental effect on my noto (and my kissaki handling too (ohh er, missus!). I have the best of reasons for using my iaito instead {i.e. it's much better quality than my Paul Chen :lol:} but I really should make good on my intention to going back to the live blade every now and again. Also, our insurance doesn't cover us for using 'sharps'. That seems a bit daft to me actually - we pay for insurance for practicing a sword-art but we're not allowed to use 'real' swords? Ah, the vagaries of the insurers mind . Any advice on this one chaps? Any idea where we can get adequate cover just in case of the worst happening?
Cheeky monkey! ROFL. If we did that, Sensei Plimbley will finally get his wish and shanghai us into doing kendo as well as iai . Of course on balance that would only be fair as one of his kendoka practises iai with us ... Seriously, we're IMAF UK and I'm not sure it'd be politic to join the BKA as well, especially as sensei is the senior IMAF instructor for Iai (and karate too AFAIK). Or am I being to sensitive about this?
Politics is politics, but I don't see a problem. I have friends in the Eikoku Roshukai (a breakaway group from the BKA) and some in other orgs. I don't let their org affect my training and I don't push my practice on them. Maybe it is something for you to consider? Kendo could be fun for you too?
Yeah, that's the puppy. Keep in mind that they're only heavy compared to sticks. Compared to swords they're lighter. That being said, if you're not used to swinging anything, they can feel quite heavy after a while. Also, the use of a "pell" was common as well. It's just a post stuck in the ground to hit. It was used by the Roman Legions, and pretty much everyone who came after. Best regards, -Mark
Here is a much better illustration of what happens When a japanese Sword Meets Flesh. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfIF1S6XJtg"]YouTube[/ame]
He's Jinenkan. Anyway what's to understand? Pointy bit goes in the other guy! It's getting yer skirt on right that's the hard bit
I think this highlights how strong, sharp and deadly they really are. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY7li8Lb1eg"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY7li8Lb1eg[/ame] Anything that can take 6 or so shots from a Browning 50cal like that is worth serious respect. Phill
its hardened and tempered steel. Of course it will cut a few bullets, as bullets are made of lead, which is soft, and in the case of the .50cal jacketed with copper, another soft metal. I dont really see how the ability of a hardened steel tool to cut a soft metal and to stand up to that abuse should garner a fearsome cutting tool anymore respect than it should already have by virtue of its effectiveness against human flesh.
