How Free Sparring Training is Like at Our Dojo (Seki Sensei Beating Us Up)

[@letsasksekisensei]

🎫Purchase Your Ticket to the Annual Asayama Ichiden Ryu Training Camp in Japan: www.patreon.com/c/lets_ask_sekisensei/shop ⚔Join the Online Kobudo Training with Seki Sensei⚔ Sign Up HERE (One Lesson FREE): www.patreon.com/lets_ask_sekisensei Interested in taking lessons directly from the 22nd headmaster of Kobudo Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with 400 years of history with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo (kzbin.info). ❶ No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime ❷ Every lesson will be RECORDED and will be available to rewatch anytime ❸ You can ask Seki Sensei questions about the techniques and samurai culture/history ❹ You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style ❺ You can receive OFFICIAL DAN RANKS by taking exams online (and opening a DOJO in the future) 🛍Purchase the Equipment You Need for Training: tozandoshop.com/letsaskshogo🛍 🗡Iaitō (training katana): tozandoshop.com/collections/habahiro-heavy-weight-iaito/products/byakko-tenryu-semi-custom-iaito?variant=34479502164101 *🗡Bokutō (wooden katana) with plastic Saya (scabbard): tozandoshop.com/collections/iaido-bokuto/products/the-nyumon-iaido-beginners-set 🥋Dōgi and Hakama: tozandoshop.com/collections/kendo-uniform-sets/products/basic-synthetic-kendo-uniform-set-1?variant=39417538216069 🥋Inner Obi (any color): tozandoshop.com/collections/iaido-obi/products/cotton-kaku-obi?variant=34282096230533 🥋Outer Obi (must be WHITE): tozandoshop.com/collections/aikido-obi/products/white-aikido-obi?variant=34120442413189 🦯Short Jō staff: tozandoshop.com/collections/polearms/products/4-21-shaku-jo?variant=39604823195781 🦯Long Jō staff: tozandoshop.com/collections/polearms/products/5-shaku-bo?variant=34073586106501 🧐Frequently Asked Questions About Our Online Lessons: Q❓: I have no experience with katana. Will I still be able to catch up? A💡: You don’t need any previous katana martial arts experience to participate in our lessons. Seki Sensei, the instructor of the online lessons, will carefully instruct you on how to handle the katana regardless of your level. You will also be able to access all the videos of the past lessons so you can watch what every other student has learned. You can also send us videos of your progress, and Seki Sensei will be happy to give you feedback. Q❓: What is the right length of the Iaito (zinc alloy training katana) I should use? A💡: Please purchase an Iaitō at least two blocks longer than the standard length. The standard length for Seki Sensei is about 177cm, so he should use a 2.45 Shaku long katana. However, he uses a 2.6 Shaku-long katana that is supposed to be used by someone 190cm tall. If the katana is too short, it becomes too easy to draw, which is not good for training. Q❓: Can I join even if I belong to a different Ryuha style? A💡: Yes, it’s not a problem at all. The Seki Sensei himself has trained in more than five styles and various other weapons. If you don’t want others to know that you are participating, you can join the online lessons with your camera off. To have the Sensei check your progress, you can send us a video of you practicing. 🗡Join the Online Iaido Training with Seki Sensei🗡 Sign Up Here (One Lesson FREE): www.patreon.com/sekisenseiiaidotraining Interested in taking Iaido lessons directly from the 8th Dan Iaido Master with 40 years of experience in Musō Shinden Ryu, Seki sensei? Sign up to learn authentic samurai skills with perfect English interpretation from Let’s ask Shogo. ❶ No previous martial arts experience is required; you can catch up anytime ❷ Every lesson will be RECORDED and will be available to rewatch anytime ❸ You can ask Seki Sensei questions about the techniques and samurai culture/history ❹ You can join even if you belong to another Ryuha style 💻Seki Sensei's Official Website💻 sekisensei.com/ 🎵Original Opening Theme Song "Hyakuren"🎵 Performance: Hanafugetsu (Singer/Suzuhana Yuko, Shakuhachi/Kaminaga Daisuke, Koto/Ibukuro Kiyoshi) Compositions & Arrangements: Suzuhana Yuko Mixing & Mastering: Watabiki Yuta ❓What is Asayama Ichiden Ryu? / Who is Seki sensei?❓ kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJKlfKCNoq-jgNk 📱Instagram📱 instagram.com/lets_ask_sekisensei/ *Please ask us questions through the DM here #katana #iaido #kenjutsu #kobudo #asayamaichidenryu

[@Super3asterd]

Seki sensei's spacial awareness is incredible. The way he can almost always intercept his opponent's movement is unreal.

[@Draslia]

it's ok to take hit, it's not oikay not to face it! If you move to dodge, or protect yourself, you still have to look at your opponent and it's body's movement! Also sensei, lower is gravity, but shogo and the other student don't do it that much

[@brianquint6126]

Seki Sensei's menacing aura is even more terrifying because of his kind smile.

[@nicholasmandigo1390]

I know it's honestly shocking. It's like watching Mr Rodgers turn into Yojiro in a second.

[@juniperrodley9843]

A great teacher needs to be capable of maximum strictness, maximum lenience, and everything in between.

[@MrGHorf]

Not menacing. Just 100% focus and concentration.

[@RobBoudreaux]

​@MrGHorf that's why it's so menacing because of how casually he could just kill you if he wanted/needed

[@frogman4700]

Seki Sensei's distancing is absolutely phenomenal, and his techniques are so effortless. Mad respect from a HEMA practitioner

[@juniperrodley9843]

I wonder, would it be smart as a new student to try sticking closer/further than his intended distance? If he's got a clearly preferred/optimal distance (though I'm sure he's great at any) and you're equally bad at all of them, then you're not losing anything and you're making his victory harder, right?

[@Lo-tf6qt]

@@juniperrodley9843The problem with that is if the new student decides to close the distance (even by a little) the more experienced swordsman already has at least 2 or 3 different ways to counter that move. If the new student just decides to stay out of the experienced swordsman's reach then it's still disadvantageous to the new student since one of two things could happen: the experienced swordsman just stays put since he's not in any danger, or the experienced swordsman closes the distance and maintains the optimal distance/closes in and ends the fight. In a way, by keeping the preferred/optimal distance, it's acc a really valuable training tool as it shows the new student what to do and what not to do

[@juniperrodley9843]

@@Lo-tf6qt Expected tbh, thanks for explaining!

[@ecth97]

What I really loved about this episode is that Seki Sensei took the time to explain the actual purpose of sparring as a training methods in your ryuha. As martial artists it’s far too easy to fall into the trap of believing that sparring is the end all be all of training, when really it’s a teaching tool like basics, kata, and drills.

[@AnnXYZ666]

3:40 The fact that he just do minimal move to block your attack and just walk to thrust is very cool imo

[@Bahnking]

Seki Sensei tapping Shogo on the wrists multiple times in succession to highlight the stiff extended arms. My kendo sensei use a similar method of repeating when they really want to make a point such as "stop pushing your arms out" or "stop going backwards". Makes me feel like an idiot, which allows one to become aware of the issue, thus starting the process of improving. Great video. Looking forwards to the next one!

[@moz5831]

It’s very interesting. Shogo is doing exactly the same mistakes that you see beginners do in boxing: turning their back when attacked, closing their eyes, crossing their legs, tense arms, excessive forward lean and so on. Then Seki and Tsukada fellow are constantly composed, relaxed, do not cross their legs ever (as far I noticed), do not close their eyes and face the attack, It’s really scary to have a big man punch in the face. I can’t imagine how terrifying it must be to have somebody swing a blade of sharpened steel towards you. However, mentally and physically you are training very similar things. Even though Shogo might not seem to be able to use any of his Iaido now, were he to do this kind of sparring regularly for six months tp a year all that practice woul emerge I believe.

[@Lo-tf6qt]

The really funny thing is that I've trained in both kenjutsu (plus a little bit of HEMA) and boxing but I have such a bad problem with flinching and tensing up in boxing. I have absolutely no problem with facing down a wooden/synthetic or a steel blade but the moment someone starts throwing hands at me I start flinching out of reflex. Just goes to show how much experience matters in martial arts when it comes to sparring

[@denismedinanagorni8460]

This is the second time I see Seki Sensei sparring and I will say this: the man moves like a ghost. He is never in a rush. He doesn't move particularly fast but I can't see him moving either. He seems to easily read his opponents moves and more importantly: he has an amazing way of pressuring the opponent. He calmly and silently corners his opponents and he doesn't seem to do something special yet he doesn't seem to be stopped. He is really scary. He really awes me. As I said before, he moves like a ghost. He simply kinda appears.

[@Fuji-K.]

塚田さん6:02 関先生10:37 両者とも同じ動きで避けているけど、 関先生の動きはゆっくりで、ゆとりがあって、とても質の高い動きであることが解る。

[@MrBracey100]

Smooth is fast!

[@asanokip]

This is the true heart of sparring

[@TheBanishedWind]

I watched Seki-sensei's matches with Tak a few days ago and thought it was very refreshing.

[@idleeidolon]

Your sparring is so beautiful. The foreigner mindset appreciates sparring more than kata (or drills or shadowboxing in foreign martial arts). You can demonstrate drills, techniques, kata all day, but there's something unique and so amazing about seeing free sparring and a practitioner do a technique he's been practicing in a spontaneous setting where an opponent is trying to resist. There's also a beauty in seeing the two practitioners provide each other with the best training experience, and not letting tempers rise and being generous to each other.

[@TheBanishedWind]

I admit to having this mindset as well, and I do agree about there being something unique by demonstrating your skills against an opponent doing the same. Drills and shadowboxing may help learn techniques, but sparring would be how to put those techniques to practice. Not to mention, friendly competition is a much better motivation to learn and improve than the idea that, if you don't, you could die.

[@Artanis99]

Very nice example of live sparring. I've noticed that Seki-sensei has incredible sense of distance (maai) which is why Tsukada-san's techniques keep missing. I've also noticed that Shogo is very easily pressured into giving ground. My advice would be to get a little more agressive as you are giving all the initiative to the opponent and let him dictate how the fight will go. You will probably get hit more at the start, but it will get better.

[@ElDusteh]

I was just thinking this after watching 4:15 Seki-sensei doesn't even evade, he already knew he was out of measure and simply holds his sword out to defend an approach as that's the only method to make the cut successful. Seki-sensei keeps creating these perfect 'checkmate' scenarios where you can't win without losing, true mastery.

[@townwitchdoctor5538]

10:37 Seki Sensei just parts his hands in response to a cut to them.

[@CaffeinePanda]

I suppose that's where the "it actually hurts to get hit" part comes into play. It's pretty understandable that he gave ground, because every time he moved forwards he got thwacked pretty hard somewhere, making him develop a bit of a flinch every time he closed in. Getting over that flinch seems to be the biggest lesson.

[@DGFTardin]

"That's proof you don't have courage" OUCH! Good thing Shogo is a good student and took it too heart to improve, instead of curling on the ground and moping. Definitely shows Seki Sensei stern side as well.

[@madnessbydesignVria]

I always feel bad for people who don't want to 'look foolish' in class by getting tossed around by a master. Thank you for showing that this is the best way to learn! Sparring is not about beating the other person, it's about beating the person you used to be... :)

[@Lavarpsu10]

It's cool to see the three levels of experience in free sparring - people who haven't done contact martial arts before severely underestimate how much the stress of even controlled free sparring changes your thinking. It can be seen clearly in how much Shogo, Tsukada-san, and Seki-Sensei's techniques change (or don't) from static practice to pressure testing. Thank you for the video!

[@Draslia]

This sensei look like a great sensei! Calm, not focusing on "imaginary" enemies, but actual practical things.

[@TheBanishedWind]

Not to mention Seki-sensei's willingness to experiment with new ideas and other types of weapons and styles. This much was what won Seki-sensei my personal respect, and it's fitting, I should think, that I learned of him through Shogo-kun, whose videos on other aspects of Japanese culture were very informative.

[@scariuslvl9987]

shogo: when I watch you sparring I recognise a mistake I also used to make, and that the sensei doesn't make: you have learned to swing to cut, but whenever you swing to take the sensei's blade you take a small "leap" with your weapon. In the west we call that "telegraphing your moves". You can notice that Seki Sensei does not do that when he beats your blade away: that's why he is so much faster than you. You let him predict your movements, while he hides them well so you don't have time to react

[@mikloskoszegi]

Beautiful. Seki Sensei does everything fluidly, with minimal movements, while his eyes are constantly focused on the opponent, instantly reacting to any mistake. I'm sure it would be very scary facing him, even just for practice.

[@richt63]

Great video ❤ I know European Fencing is not the same as Japanese Kenjutsu and free sparring. But my dad who was taught by my Great grandfather who served in the great Prussian war as a calvary officer taught my father Fencing. Then my father taught me. Strangely my father had the same amuse smile and pretty much did the same thing as Seki Sensei did. But with European Fencing style. I don't think my father was being malicious when he taught me Fencing and was sparring with me. He was happy to pass on what he knew. I feel Seki Sensei feels the same way as he teaches his students and Shogo-san what he knows. The joy of passing on what he knows. Great video ❤

[@crimsonsoul1151]

I really enjoyed watching Seki Sensei sparing with Shogo as you could tell the entire time he was trying to teach Shogo that he was extending his arms too far out. Between all of the times Seki Sensei was able to twist Shogo’s Fukui-Shinai away showing the lack of control with his arms outstretched and in the latter part where he keeps getting hit on the wrists showing that his arms also become an easy target. Very cool to watch!

[@Nerukenshi1233]

I think a huge advantage that Seki sensei has here is his many years of Shiai in Kendo. The spacing, telegraphing, and practicality are all aspects of swordplay that are almost impossible to develop without sparring. Im very happy that this Ryuha keeps its techniques alive alongside a sparring tradition. I also prefer this kind of sparring over Shiai for the purpose of learning the techniques, though I will remain a preference of Kendo if only for the larger population of potential opponents

[@ahmedshahriyar8706]

I love how Seki Sensei looked so relaxed while sparring. True signs of an expert

[@TheCCBoi]

I love all the sparring videos on the JP channel - it's great seeing it on the EN channel now. We can finally start dispelling the myth that Japanese Kubudo martial arts didn't spar - this is especially true since the Fukuro-shinai was invented over 500 years ago. Samurai always tried to practically apply their techniques.

[@mysteriousdeath14400]

There is nothing quite so instructive as sparring with a true master. Getting your butt kicked is one thing, but getting your butt kicked in ways that literally open your eyes to new ideas is an entirely different thing!

[@mr_rndmzr]

Seki sensei is incredible! The way he controls himself with full confidence and a great control of the techniques as also the way he controls the space to push his opponents and leave them with Little space to move shows his great experience, it has to be a great honor to learn from him in first hand!

[@MrGHorf]

Seki sensei's footwork and control of distance is one reason why he is so good. He knows exactly where he needs to be to land attacks and he gets there so fast and effortlessly. Amazing!

[@thazhok8059]

As always, Seki sensei is extremly clean and fluid in every move, it is wonderful to watch. Congrat for shogo for taking every hit like a champ :)

[@DubiousDubs]

I often have my doubts about many kendo schools due to their usual lack of sparring, but this has been a pleasant surprise! Its good to see you guys test your techniques against a resisting partner, and very impressive how well Seki Sensei retains his technique.

[@demonicduck08]

This has got to be the most interesting video i've ever seen, watching how the economy of movement and confidence is different between you all. I cant imagine facing someone with the motionless danger of seki sensei in the middle ages, he would be terrifying!

[@jessmith7324]

I use a steel katana in sparring matches with HEMA and other cultural practioners. its a different expirence because of the different lengths and prioties, but they do use gear because they do competitive. Thats said, its helped me to appreciate both more. And Ive tried using some the techniques you show here, Again different cultural engagements and weapons, but i have found with some adjustment its very useful and fun. Hope Im not being disrespectful.

[@choomah]

When Tsukada-san lost his footing, that could be seen as a fault. But It could happen in a real fight, and he recovered into the guard and positioned his legs for cover and recovery. So It was actually really cool to see. 😅👍 Glad you left that in the video. In your Ryuha's free-sparring, would this be a reset, or continue and see what happens? I always believe it's these moments of "the unexpected" that are exactly the reason for training with sparring, as well as training Kata or patterns.

[@axmi2]

The initial attack by Seki sensei in 3:35 was amazing! It was like watching the 3rd Kendo kata against a non compliant opponent. And since the 3rd kata is the end goal of kendo that makes this even more impressive!

[@Renzuru21]

Wow, Seki-sensei's sense of distance and timing is good! But the best thing to note about is the "rhythm". He strikes at the moment you least expects it. This is coming from an FMA practitioner, but that is one dangerous opponent... It's hard to attack or defend with opponents like that. Nice video!

[@MrBracey100]

Seki Sensei’s timing is impeccable as is his mastery of maintain whatever distance he desires. What a pleasure to watch and so instructive too. Smooth is fast!

[@janhornak5739]

On our trainings, we do something similar we call Gekiken - its free sparing just like yours, but we use a bokken in a pool noodle. Definetly the most important part of training (at least for those who practice for some tim already) in my opinion.

[@daniel_miller_]

"Learn you're weak when you can't attack at your chance."

[@timbungeroth]

So fun to watch. Again the similarities between the stances, movements, and strikes show why the Obi-Wan vs Vader fight in Star Wars 77 is the best!

[@duncanbrown4019]

I know nothing about this other than enjoying the culture of Japanese martial arts but am amazed at how effortless Seki Sensei makes his movements look. No extra energy expended that what is needed and no big showy slices just small deliberate moves to achieve his sim. Was expecting the master to be doing the expansive skills but actually really appreciated the calculated efficiency of his sparring

[@wakingbear2778]

Absolutely looking forward to this at the training camp in May! I hope to test my resolve against Sensei and Tsukada-san!

[@legoslicerfilms1028]

Since this type of sparring isn’t widespread I do think kendo sparring would be a good addition to learn, as even though it’s different with rules it still teaches you the important mechanics like distance, timing, and reflexes. And most importantly, how to adapt. Adaption is a trait that’s very important to know when sparring as you’ll fight many different opponents, and knowing how and when to adapt can turn a loss into a win

[@ginomctony6773]

one thing i appreciate about your videos is the multiple camera angles to ensure nothing is missed, also want to say that seeing seki sensei with any kind of weapon especially a katana he has this air of "try and find out" like you can tell hes got skill, but not how much, and thats awesome. also want to say that its really cool seeing the interactions of seki and tsukada, can tell they have been training together for a long time, theres ALOT of trust and respect there.

[@fangyang1026]

9:50-10:00 i like how the master was like “na thats not how u disarm THIS is how u disarm” silently with no words haha

[@Ockerby]

Thank you very much for posting videos like this online! It helps me with my own training. I very much appreciate the explanation that Seki Sensei gave for the purpose of sparing, and the materials that Asayama Ichiden-Ryū use for this exercise. I will be incorporating these into my training and teaching. I also very much appreciate your openness and willingness to learn - that in itself takes guts... If you continue to engage in various challenges, like these, it will be amazing to see how you grow and develop in the coming years! Much encouragement for you to continue your training!

[@ajax31990]

Very good and interesting sparring lesson. My HEMA club does similar training with boffers (nylon foam weapons) to get people to loosen up before using full protective gear and steel training weapons. Seki sensei looks really great and you can see his students get their "guts". Looking forward to more!

[@evantumminello3283]

Sparring is exciting but always challenging. You did very well, and sharing it with the internet is also very brave. Great job on the video. Thanks for sharing.

[@vbcsalinasapologetics1242]

Sensei is right, and this applies to every skill, not just fighting. Do not think: If I will be struck, it will hurt. Instead think: I will be hit and it will hurt, but I will strike back and make it hurt.

[@MrGamudeRu]

I'm rewatching this everyday. Can't help but admire Seki sensei's technique

[@andrewaaberg482]

Thank you for the videos. Not only are they informative and fun to watch, but I appreciate the positivity and support everyone exudes.

[@davedudeip]

One last thing to keep in mind is to avoid hero worship, when fighting our teachers we sometimes feel afraid or timid, in our heads we think "Hes the teacher i can never beat him" in a since we are defeated already before the fight ever started. A good warrior must put these thoughts aside and have the mindset of the samurai and fight with respect and honor to our teacher but also be a strong and cunning warrior who is not afraid to win or lose a fight.

[@ilies345]

Seki sensei’s technique is incredible. This guy is untouchable. Just imagine having to face this man with a real katana! Unreal.

[@modestogonzalez182]

This is why I absolutely love Asayama Ichiden Ryu and Seki sensei!!! Keeping the true art of kenjutsu alive! Live sparring such as this is absolutely necessary to improve in any martial art. One must test ones limits every class and ones internalizing of the waza of their particular ryuha. Thank you very much for posting this Shogo-san. One tip for you Shogo-san from someone watching from the safety of my living room lol is to work on your foot work. I noticed that when Seki sensei pushed the fight he was able to stop you from moving. It will come with time and experience but the more nimble your footwork the harder it will be on your opponent. Please keep posting videos like this!!

[@pedrofariascassinello6644]

Seki sensei s sword flows so smothly but stays still when it has to

[@yoshi658]

In Spain and Italy they had something called "black weapons" which where weapons often longswords and greatswords that where blunted and left without a sharp point for fencing practice while actual edged swords where called white weapons and meant for actual combat and self defence even now in Spanish white weapon or "arma blanca" refers to an edged weapon In Germany they used steel blunts called paratschwert(parade sword) for two-handed sword practice and wooden swords covered in leather called dussacks for one handed sword practice. The federschwert or feder we HEMA practitioners use are inspired by the paratschwert and can be still quite painful with all the protective gear specially thrusts and hits to the head, fingers and joints

[@jz6350]

Some very wise advice from Seki Sensei! The spirit drives action/reaction, and it's much harder to control while afraid. I remember learning some of the similar lessons in Kenpo karate as a kid, and it's really interesting to see them applied to the art of swordsmanship.

[@joshnoi1804]

You can see the training and timing in these spars. Amazing response times!

[@nemesisbass2133]

I would love to see Seki Sensei spar with an expert HEMA longsword practitioner. Seki is clearly a very skilled warrior and seeing him spar an equally as skilled warrior with a European longsword would be a really cool thing to see.

[@FedericoMalagutti]

I missed this vide when it came out, but it's pure gold. Thank you very Much to the both of You!

[@cloudrun654]

You did great. You'll keep getting better. What an honor to be able to practice at such a place with such a teacher!

[@quistan2]

When I was a child me and my brothers practiced with wooden wasters, usually with no gloves, we only stopped when someone lost skin on their knuckles. Seki sensei is very good, but I would have no fear in sparring with him. His movements look standard for anyone that has fought and practiced with a sword for a long time. True for all martial arts, is that reality trains your conceptual practice, so all styles become similar when faced with reality, because people are similar.

[@felipeplata]

Here in Brazil I train kenjutsu in “Instituto Niten” where we the main style we is “Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu”, we train the katas and with bogu and shinai but in a structure of kenjutsu, the beginners start in a structure of kendo but, after we graduate we start introducing new kamaes and techniques like uchikote, tsuki but with less strength and introduce nito ryu with various katas.

[@acephas3]

Thanks for all of your videos!!! I had an amazing time training in Japan.

[@KamiSeiTo]

This is the most interesting video I 've seen on this channel!! (I don't mean the other ones are not interesting!!! Just that this one is even more.) I hope you'll show more, much more, sparring videos!! 💛

[@kptkickass]

Seki Sensei really is a master showing in efficiency of movements

[@ArizonaTengu]

Idk, the more I watch these videos. The more I realize that the samurai were light years ahead in many training methods for sword fighting. They had great psychological insight and the points made by Seki Sensei are well worth noting. For instance, wearing protective gear is no different than point fighting in karate. It makes people bolder because they aren’t getting hurt. Many point fighters fail in real contact matches. So most people have to train in full contact sparring on occasion, or not at all, without protective gear to get them to back into reality. There’s also light contact sparring without gear too.…which is my preferred approach, but it takes a few years of training to even start doing that safely. The karate Grandmaster who taught me exceptional in courage, determination, and distance management. So he almost exclusively trains in point fighting. I think very few people could be like him. Also, HEMA, guys could benefit greatly from learning from a living tradition like what’s presented by Seki Sensei.

[@kissing88]

That's assuming you have actually studied the other non-Japanese training methods from around the world fully, which does not seem to be the case. In my experience with HEMA, the reality of wearing protective gear differs from what you are describing. Not wearing protective gear (especially a fencing mask and proper HEMA gloves) is truly suicidal when you're practicing close-to-live combat sparring using steel swords. One hit to the hand, wrist or arms can break bones and damage ligaments, potentially resulting in severe injuries that will debilitate and require surgery. The protective gear isn't there to cushion you from the reality of impact, but to prevent serious injury and death. You still feel the blows, hard, through protective gear. Enough to bruise you, but not enough to debilitate or kill you. Standard training gear does not make you feel fearless before the blade, trust me.

[@arkreactorachs3712]

6:39 ok I love this moment. I feel like seki sensei was holding a laugh.

[@Dinobot-k2x]

From a polynesian martial arts perspective, the teacher distance management is perfect

[@stormrhode2330]

I'd like to see this done with the implementation of more techniques. Seldom did anyone leave 正眼の構え (or 中段の構え, I'm not sure which you say) and it was primarily just hand taps. I'd love to see more blocks and counters like what you guys exhibit in some of your videos. Also, there are simple techniques to prevent getting cut on the hands/wrists/fingers and even counters to that kind of attack. I don't know if Asayama Ichiden Ryu teaches those, but it would definitely be useful to throw them into these sessions. Still, sparring is commendable! I think that most kobudo eschew it (the kenjutsu style I learned seldom incorporated it) and it's baffling to me. This is one of the most ESSENTIAL aspects to mastering combat. I'd say it's a cornerstone of a true warrior's practice and you'll be far weaker if you don't incorporate it. I really, really wish I'd done it more when I was active in studying. I hope I get to meet you guys next time I'm in Japan, probably next year! : )

[@t-machine3427]

Honestly, I really like the moment at 6:41-6:50. Tsukada-san really shows that with the blend of skill, practice and awareness you can recover after the point some would deem fatal! I actually think I saw the technique in one of the previous videos, it looks familiar. Great video all around, and impeccable performance from everyone.

[@shipoffools2183]

Amazing to watch Seki Sensei, the calm the control. I even feel He is not opening up just so the student can learn. He moves slowly and deliberately to show the student their weekness.

[@matthewprice6282]

I think there is a misunderstanding in terms of kendo when it comes to the specific points you can strike that are considered valid. Yes, you can only hit men, kote, do and tsuki but there are thousands of ways to strike those points and spending years training to hit something very specific whilst an opponent is trying to attack you allows you to do this very accurately under pressure. The misunderstanding comes in when people say “kendo players can only hit those places”. That is true that you can only score a point by hitting those areas in competition, and that is the goal of keiko too, but I believe any good kendo player can hit any point on a persons body with speed and accuracy completely beyond someone who has only trained this in kata. This is evident in Seki sensei’s techniques in this video that are used widely in kendo (kote waza, maki waza etc). I like that you incorporate sparring into your kenjutsu practice but I feel like to be fully rounded in both the understanding of how to handle a sword and how to manage the concepts of pressure, timing and overcoming an opponent mentally and physically, you would need to practice both kendo and kenjutsu, just like Seki sensei. The idea that you can just do kenjutsu and win against a kendo opponent “because they’ve only been trained to hit certain points” is absurd to anyone who has done kendo for a long time. You’ll get hit before you can even blink 😂

[@Ianmar1]

These are the best targets once you have mastered seme and maai. If we consider the geometry of the body, your best reach is going to be slightly above shoulder height whereas your closest target will be the kote not protected by the tsuba. Covering the kote e.g. in seigan exposes the men, whereas covering men exposes kote; covering both e.g. sanpomamori exposes tsukidare and dou. I suppose that dou is just there to be a deep target once you have defeated the opponents waza (waza wo korosu) and realistically how many deep targets do we need? I suppose that the the criticism is better rephrased as "kendo develops blindspots for non target areas". Given the san sappo strategy emphasized in seito kendo, I don't actually need to understand how to defend the myriad of variations of where and how my opponent will attack me if I understand where the attack originates from and I can defeat it in preparation.

[@serengede]

I love how there is no wasted movement from Seki-Sensei. There was a strike that Tsukada-san made that came close to Seki-Sensei, but was not going to hit him, and Seki-Sensei did not even move.

[@jamesfrankiewicz5768]

I have a pair of fukuro shinai myself (I'm pretty sure the same model used in this video, just no tsuba), and my aikido sensei keeps a pair of heavy fukuro shinai at our dojo (probably 3x the weight of the Yagyu-style ones). He mostly brings those out for a paired sword exercise we call "kirigaeshi": both start in kibadachi within striking distance and we take turns striking shōmenuchi and guarding jōdan uke. The ukemi also alternates right and left (both in the guard and shifting the body, with feet remain planted). We usually do the exercise with bokutō, but it's natural to limit your power with those, both due to injury risk and risk of damaging (chipping & splintering, mostly) the bokutō, but occasionally sensei hands us the fukuro shinai and encourages us to go all-out. I've used my own fukuro shinai for free sparring. That is plenty of fun, and I can vouch that it can briefly sting, if you get hit in the right way. In your own sparring in this video, one sign that you are new to it is how far you were extending the shinai outwards in an attempt to increase your distance (this is pretty normal newbie sparring behavior). You don't actually gain much distance that way, and the extra tension of holding it in that position ruins your reaction speed and tires you out. So, you may as well just release that unneeded tension ("relax") and settle into the normal-distance seigan or chūdan kamae you are used to in your other sword practices. Ganbatte!

[@greeeyboy2714]

seki sensei is not just a swordsman he controls your every cell in a fight

[@TONEDEAFSOUND]

you are very brave to show yourself sparring like this. love it

[@jamesperson7241]

Its so similar to soccer! i love these videos. With only 10,000 hours of practice, y can master whatever you love.

[@森雪1974]

I absolutely love this! Teaching these people our way of the katana! I might say I'm experienced myself. But my respect for you and all who are connected to this channel have sky rocketed!

[@vbcsalinasapologetics1242]

One notes the incredible calm of Seki-Sensei.

[@idreessahadat3002]

I felt that leg strike through the screen.

[@gugadoikmael4978]

Thank you for doing this! I hope we will see more. That why sparring is important. If you dont fight you fool yourself.

[@davedudeip]

This is the best of your videos, please do more free sparing. Some things to keep in mind brother, you are way too timid, in this training you accept the fact your going to be hit, there is no shame in this, be bold in your movements , also, when attacking dont be afraid to strike in combos, high and low parts of the body, dont make your strikes easy to predict. Also remember to control your space, if your foe wants to close distance dont give up, fight for the space, or if you yeld the space then move quickly aside or back peddle to create space. lastly, always have the mindset of attack as it is better to strike your foe and die than stand there and get killed. This is the substance of the samurai.

[@64Rosso]

Shogo san, ganbatte kudasai! Even watching the video Seki Sensei's seme is really powerful, and everyone can feel the tremendous pressure that one must feel when facing such an opponent! As a kendo nidan I can only encourage you and I promise you that if you will keep on training under the guidance of such a wonderfula Sensei you will be another persone in no time! Hugs from Italy!

[@adrianstachowski9422]

As a early medieval reenactor we fight with steel mostly on free sparring. Some of us wearing just helmet, gloves and joint protectors. I'm using dane axe. Sometimes they regret decision of not wearing more torso protection :D

[@acaristic93]

This is a lovely video and thank you all for sharing. Plenty of cool exchanges and lovely to see folks doing their best to implement techniques in sparring and sharing in between rounds bits of advice on how to get better. However I'd say that from my experience doing various kinds of no-gear, low-gear and 'full gear' sparring in hema with various weapons(from light foam larp-like weapons like the go-nows and similar that are quite similar to the fukuro shinai you use,to steel federscwhert type training swords, with various options in between) and lots of different people of various backgrounds and experience levels, the thing that changes the most for me and a lot of people I know when they spar without or with less gear is more about being worried about hurting their sparring partner than it is about getting hurt themselves. This may depend on the person to a degree,but might also be worth considering. Practicing courage is definitely a part of free sparring for many though and I dont mean to tell you how to best do things for your art and your tradition, merely to share from my own on a particular point that was raised during the video. And again thank you for sharing, really appreciated your point on everyone knowing it's ok not to be perfect but learn over time and accept we'll make mistakes as we get better, so many people can benefit from that mindset.

[@williammrdeza9445]

That was great! Thanks for introducing the sparring component of Kenjutsu to us.

[@marticon666]

Great video, love how Seki Sensei is a calm and patient instructor and explains everything. You did a video of him handling a european longsword not too long ago. Now I'm wondering how Seki Sensei would wield a rapier. And I do mean a rapier, not a fencing epee.

[@santiagobasanta6550]

Amazing economy of movement of Seki Sensei. 👏👏👏

[@thegentlemancorps9875]

It is not really the same but me and my friends would spar in the woods years ago during high school with sticks we found. By the end we had taken to our own techniques and I always found it very therapeutic. Keeping cool under pressure is hard enough but keeping cool in a fight, even a friendly competition, takes a lot of practice!

[@acetrigger1337]

Training without Practice leads anyone to make simple mistakes, but most important of all, to not have enough nerve to do what needs to be done in the many moments of combat.

[@ImStayGold42]

Don't be afraid to step in to close the distance on Seki sensei, Shogo san! Well done though! 👏

[@Lex_Lupus85]

Very well constructed and instructive video as always! Something I have been pondering over for years, in regards to holding a 2 handed sword or spear/staff/polearm, is if there is a major difference on which is your leading hand. Now don't get me wrong, I know there were left handed swordsmen, but what I mean is that I am right handed but I would prefer to have my left hand at the top and my right hand as "off hand" (if that makes any sense) but in the vast majority of studies, history, teachings, illustrations, etc etc it is usually always portrayed with right hand as leading. One of the main reasons I started to think about it is because my younger brother is left handed and he prefers holding in the traditional way :P Anyways, Looking forward to your future content and wisdoms.

[@monicab204]

Wonderful! Good advice from Seki Sensei and good job, Shogo!!

[@stampsu]

I recently commented on one or your short videos about sparring and wearing a full sparring kit. This video answered a lot of my questions and I also got to see your techniques connect in sparring. While I'd still be interested to see sparring footage with mask so that head hits would be valid, I can also appreciate your views on why you even do sparring. It's very different from HEMA where the point is more about testing the techniques freely, including the ones that would have a high risk of injury. And I can certainly say that I'd be pretty scared to free spar without protective gear. A very interesting and educating video!

[@stephenkrus]

Seki Sensei 👑knows! He's so calm, composed yet... imposing. 😅

[@luisbarjollo1687]

Many students at the dojo where i used to teach at had the same problems as Shogo has. It takes some time and experience, but at some point it's just gonna click in the head and work from one day to another.

[@wardmatthew42]

I'm a little late to the video here, but it's good to see some practical sparring. I come from HEMA and sparring is an important part of our martial art. Sparring isn't everything, but I don't feel like you can internalize the moves or get the feel without sparring/playing. Sparring, as you show, doesn't have to be all out "to win" fighting, it can and should be about playing and experimenting. When I included sparring my footwork, handwork and understanding of combat got way better. I think that masked sparring is good and imporant as well. The majority of the moves demoed here and in my martial art include head strikes, and nothing is safer than with a mask. To me, it's training a different thing, but another important aspect of the art, practical usage. Never be ashamed of your journey. It's the journey without a final destination.

[@chinchin2121]

That was really fun to watch. Makes me want to try myself

[@BMO_Creative]

You did great! Really cool video!

[@TITANia69420]

Those handsnipes from Seki Sensei are so beautiful.

[@revisit8480]

I'm not afraid of a stormy ocean, but I'm afraid when the ocean is calm. That's Seki in a nutshell.

[@shkotayd9749]

How does a man manage such kind eyes, a kind smile, and yet an aura he is about to simply destroy you? Thats intimidating even on video lol. Seki Sensei literally projects that in a match lol.

[@fowerTwo]

I’ve learn a lot just watching this Sensei

[@Hamond1989]

Thank your this impression really interesting to watch