Saturday, 24 October 2009

Karate compared to Kenjutsu

Karatedo in Japan is practiced a lot like Kenjutsu.

One of Funakoshi's maxims was "think of your hands and feet as swords".

Kendo is like karate kumite - you line up one step with a partner and put on armour for free sparring.

Iaido is kata - you practice with a live blade for a live feel, pre-arranged moves in sequence, and they all have bunkai which you need to understand in depth.

Batto is like tameshiwari - you cut for real against straw targets.
(You can't do this with a replica sword from Battle Orders!)