I Tried Japanese Sword Fighting

[@TokyoLens]

Have you ever tried any Japanese martial arts? Let me know down below! PS - There may or may not be a road trip coming (^_-) (Spoiler alert: There is)

[@thempstead]

The foot work is very important I'm lead to believe .... Maybe this could be a bit of an ongoing series and you could try naginata next ... 🤪

[@alexchapters716]

Unfortunately there are limited gyms or so where you can learn Japanese martial arts in my country, you can find the most popular ones but also not that many :/

[@thetypebeast]

Ahh man, seiza! Some tired knees and toes I’m sure! I tried Aikido, and my Sensei taught us how to do the “kneeling-walk” too. Are you going to try Kendo? I know you have a Martial Arts background!

[@melaniejaneprocter5529]

Hi Norm So the best sunrise to see is on my Birthday 29th December, shame I'm not coming till 31st landing 1st January. Will you carry on do it? 🤗😍💙📸👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@trevorrandom]

Road trip yes please 😌

[@SC.920]

Kendo is fun, but it is hard. One of my sensei used to say that if it wasn't hard, everyone would be doing it. I think it's a great way of developing yourself.

[@kingrocklee]

It seems like an extremely fun way of training your back muscles.

[@vaudemu2263]

The nature sounds of Japan are captivating. When I hear the cicadas I picture myself meditating atop a waterfall at night under the glow of a silver moon.

[@Sol-um1qn]

There is a kendo martial arts school where I live and I've always wanted to try it but its a lil too expensive for me as a student... But now i'm definitely going to save up for a few lessons. Thanks Norm

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!! a lot of places allow a free trial lesson!! Id recommend checking it out~

[@Sol-um1qn]

@@TokyoLens And thanks for taking the time to put together another wonderful video!! Everyone gets excited when they see your video's popping up. I think I will too, ill go try it out with a trial lesson and even if its still too expensive at least I got a fun lesson out of it!!

[@amycole3403]

The standout for me here was the intensity of your focus! So often you joke about how easily distracted you are (squirrel!!) but when listening to the priest and the instructor you were so laser-focused! Definitely an interesting parallel between the shamisen and the kendo strike too. And that shot at 1:21 of the sunrise over the ocean shrine was so, so beautiful!! 🌸

[@abdelrahmanhaider4495]

What a fabulous view , your editing has become a real mystery to me as you seem to get the best of every single camera moment , really appreciate the time you put to bring this breathtaking content thank you very much !

[@TokyoLens]

all too kind of you to say so. Thank you so much~

[@didip1823]

I've always had a fascination of Kendo and just Japanese sword fighting in general, it's always stuck out to me as incredibly unique and there's something about it that I just love.

[@TokyoLens]

have you ever had a chance to try it?

[@jessicahang9018]

I have such an appreciation for videos like this that showcase a different side of Japanese life and culture. So often many videos produced of foreigners visiting/ living in Japan are talking about "weird" this or that. And while there's a time, place and audience for that kind of content, I think that international audiences forgot that "real" Japanese people and communities exist. Thank you Norm, for highlighting passionate people who spend their life mastering their craft and contributing to their community!

[@DhaniC369]

Hey Norm, massive fan of both your channel and your podcasts. I did Karate for a few years when I was younger and this year I am looking into starting either Iaido or Kendo. Being in New Zealand, it's more of a niche sport, but I just love Martial arts and Japanese culture in general. Thank you so much for all the great material you present to us.

[@JapaneseJourney]

I've done Iaido for some years in the 2000s, and still like it. And also Aikido, which also contains some sword work, for the last 15 years, which has had tremendous influence on my life.

[@TokyoLens]

Hope that this video did it justice~

[@JapaneseJourney]

@@TokyoLens I enjoyed you taking the time sharing the Sensei talking and making the connection to Shamisen. I think it's hard to convey an understanding of something that needs to be felt on video, so I appreciate hearing from experienced teachers a lot!

[@mysterystar2348]

I can't give a true single reason why, but this video was one of the better ones recently. Good editing and great content. It was very enjoyable.

[@dannytaguiam8056]

I was just searching for videos on actual, traditional Japanese sword fighting. This was the first result, and for good reason. The video was excellently edited, and videoed, and the fact that you have so much experience with the Japanese just makes it all the much better. I can’t wait to see more, subscribed

[@Tokyo-Slim]

I've never done any formal training like this outside of boxing. I think formal martial arts training is just too hard on my knees and ankles - which I more or less destroyed in my youth through team sports. The sound the sword makes through the air when it's done correctly vs incorrectly is amazing! Good job capturing that audio!

[@saphirsteph]

Amazing! ❤️ again, Japanese people show so much thought, intent and dedication into what they do. It’s beautiful to watch. And great edit btw, the video is very well put together 👏

[@elizabethtorres6069]

The sun set view before your Kendo lesson was breathtaking. Thank you for sharing your Kendo experience and the history. Hopefully there will be more Kendo lessons in your future, if so another video would be nice. Maybe the Sensei will allow you to sit in on one of the trainings.

[@LloydSeven]

I studied Shidokan karate when I was a teenager. It gave me a sense of focus that has stayed with me.

[@TokyoLens]

They say that Karate is really good for that

[@Sam-dt3fo]

I have been doing this as a hobby for the last two months and it's just awesome! I recommend it to anyone who has sth like this near where they live!

[@midorisakura1678]

I always love how you feature perspectives from locals and people from different walks of life in Japan. It’s so fascinating to learn about people who have mastered a certain skill!

[@kei8727]

Yes, I’ve done. I guess most Japanese try martial arts like Kendo or Judo at junior hi or hi school. ある、ある！大抵の日本人は中高時代に剣道か柔道をやるんじゃないかな。

[@evertgoran]

A wonderful video made with a lot of passion, clearly. I'm very impressed and inspired, thank you!

[@blackkoganinja5093]

I started kendo and shinobi sword combat in it's full chaos contact (no ruling conditions) Koga Ninjutsu 10th dan.. 44yrs later still into it and teach. Love this channel! I respect your travels in a place i totally adore. My sensei is from Osaka

[@fotodeviant]

Love this video Norm! It was both soothing and fascinating. The scenery was beautiful and I’ve always been interested in Kendo. Watching the instructors doing the demonstration was my favourite part. I really enjoy watching those that have mastered a craft, whatever it may be, show off their skills and love for that craft! ❤️

[@mochimozzarella]

While you tried sword fighting, I'm trying to fight off a sickness. I'm still soo excited for the road trip footage, but this was such a good kind of in between video ♡ I would definitely say that it's probably easier to admire the art, than to actually join into it. But you did really well!

[@aroud]

I've been a practicioner of martial art almost my whole life, but kendo was the art that pretty much formed my body and mind. The way I look, stand and walk. Due to different reasons I stopped after maybe 15 yrs and took up other arts.... still want to go back thou....

[@aliendaisy79]

I like how both the master and the priest shared their stories. When they showed a strike and was talking about getting a noise it made sense as you are cutting through the air. Awesome video :)

[@kittykat3268]

Sooo... are you hooked? Or was this a one time experience?

[@TokyoLens]

I guess time will tell.......

[@Schizophrenic0]

@@TokyoLens thats a no lol

[@FrameofTravel]

This was pretty awesome to watch. I've always had an interest in Kendo, Iaido, etc and was wondering how to even get into that world. Thanks for sharing Norm! Also, that sunrise shrine at the ocean was awesome, would love to snap pics of that some day!

[@personalcontrasts73]

04:44 THE SOUNDS ARE REAL! They are really giving off a sound when swung....oh my god you have no idea how mind-blowing this moment is for me 🤯

[@Telenaus]

every time you interview people i just wish i could thank them as well as thank you for taking the time to share your worlds

[@matttaylor2196]

Continuing your requested bread trail of comments! Honestly loved this video, I really like the ones where you meet the locals and talk to them, I love the way the Japanese take pride in following on from their parents, especially in the shrines. Thank you Norm, was a pleasure to watch! Are you going to keep learning Kendo?!

[@melange28]

at the 5m48s mark... that demonstration of kendo kata sanponme is really great. I've never seen it 'explained' that way, but it just makes so much sense...

[@alexchapters716]

Again a great video norm! I love content like this, where you kind of make a mini documentary of one subject, I really loved this one because Japanese martial arts is something I'm really interested in. Gread job man!

[@firefightereli]

MIto was the place I went to after Tokyo. I was seeing a friend who was living in Mito at the time. I will never forget the lake from the shogun's home.

[@MageThief]

I love these small stories and the people we get to meet in them. Great work with them Norm.

[@AKjohndoe]

I love the exploration shirt! Also you look so cool swinging that sword!

[@perdomot]

Love the whole tone and feel of this video especially the more subdued opening. As I've racked up more visits to Japan, I've started to notice that the flashier side isn't the "true" Japan. Its the quiet and simple things that give you the truest view of Japan and I guess that's why I started exploring the backstreets of Tokyo a few years ago. I'm heading back next month and looking forward to exploring some more and getting another peak behind the mask.

[@andyduong5587]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience! I am a practitioner of Japanese martial arts of almost 9 years now, with a strong focus on swordsmanship in the past few years. I just happened upon this video, and it really resonated with me. Definitely subscribing and looking forward to future content :)

[@SSJShadow]

Watching this up here in the mountains right now, and I totally get that sense of peace first thing in the morning. As for the bulk of the video, I remember growing up I always thought how much I wanted to learn kendo, but never got to, if anything due to my location not having anything! It looks like it would be fun, but incredibly difficult and require immense amounts of discipline. Thanks for sharing this video !

[@bowleggedbear]

I love kendo. Thank you so much for covering your journey.

[@lyrad24]

Again, new subscriber here. Hehe I really love Japanese culture, and this got me browsing on your channel. I tried Judo 3 years ago and wasn't able to continue to date. 2 years ago I also tried for Kendo. For Kendo I have been looking for a dojo to study wayback in 2003. I was really new to the shouts (forgot the term) on what part you would hit. Like "men" to the head with a vertical slash. Also being introduced to Kenjutsu made me lean to it much more than Kendo. Hope to study this year too, its Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu. I just visited Fukuoka last year, hope to visit again some time in the future. Thanks and more power to you!! P.S. same sentimentson seiza

[@TokyoLens]

Hey mate Great to meet you, and thanks for taking the time to not only watch but also leave it at such an involved comment. Hope your day is beautiful

[@legendrebernard2549]

Très sympathique a great lesson thanks for sharing those intense moments . The Japanese Great Masters are very kind indeed thanks to them :)

[@gotri]

I havent tried any martial arts but i have a lot of respect for it. Unfortunately chronic health issues get in the way of a lot of physical things for me but I still love learning about it. Very interesting video! And that spot looks beautiful!

[@deadmanraging8864]

I think this is my favourite video I have watched on your channel. Everything about was beautiful and I can see the clearly the discipline and commitment the Japanese put towards their craft. Thanks for showing us this Norm. I hope I get to try something like this in the future Insha'Allah.

[@MoonBlueFlower]

Loved it. You make every one of your videos seem like a peek into a hidden side of Japan.

[@TokyoLens]

awww I love that comment~thank you so much!

[@Linkofhyrule565]

Killing it as always Norm. Keep up the great work. Always makes me feel that no matter where you go there is adventure. Can't wait to make Japan my home soon!

[@Itami95]

Mito is a lovely place to visit. I love Japanese gardens so I went to see Kairakuen and wasn’t disappointed. We managed to see a little more of Mito but would love to go back.

[@christianfill7483]

I am an Aikido sensei from near Munich. I train for 25 years now still wondering about real mastership. And still on my way. Enjoyed your video, looking forward to a martial arts road trip🙇‍♂️

[@MissMugiwara]

I'm always amazed about you and how you get inspired by so many things, on the other hand for a viewer like me this video is a pure inspiration

[@rafaeluzcategui8378]

Really cool. I'd like to experience that since I love kenjutsu. And everything about Japan is pretty much super interesting to me.

[@rurounigaijinn]

Brought me back to the Ooarai trip 4 years ago, admittedly not in the morning. Interestingly, I remembered hearing the kids learning kendo in the forested area behind the shrine!

[@zakkwylde72]

So nice Norm! Is a way of life for the sensei, dedication and discipline. Something very hard to do these days...

[@charlottedebaere2361]

My partner is a 5th dan in Kendo. In may we traveled from Belgium to Japan so he could train with some Japanese sensei. He trained in Tokio and in the Budo centre in Kyoto. I don’t practice kendo but just being there and watch them practice was a wonderful experience.

[@buryzenek002]

as a Nidan Kendoka you just showed me a place I want to visit during my first trip to Japan which will be hopefully in nearest future :D

[@daniellafferty3299]

Awesome video, I would love to be able to train there s OK me day, such a beautiful dojo! Bit of a shame you never got to try the bogu or anything but it was interesting to see a more sedate introduction to kendo then I am used to! (have done kendo for 7 odd years now but in Scotland, never Japan yet!)

[@Count-Drekon]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Norm, I never saw a Kendo Dojo before, :)

[@jbskaggs7200]

I have been in martial arts my whole life, and this was very good and shares what I like best about it. Relationships with people and traditions.

[@bluuvan]

Amazing! I loved the story line whether it was planned or not. You met some interesting characters on this episode.

[@turib6526]

always wondered what determined if a swing of a sword made a sound or not!! the whole experience looked amazing, and with that view!!!

[@TokyoLens]

that view was everything!

[@thetypebeast]

Ahh so fun! I’m kinda hoping you might want to do more martial arts, but also I know that attempting to master two things at once could cause both to suffer, and I really want you to succeed with Shamisen!

[@benndoverr5233]

That was AWESOME. I knew from studying taekwondo back when I was in high school, it would require much skill and practice. So did you get hooked? I guess it would depend on location and proximity mostly. Great video Norm.

[@lockback7799]

I did jujutsu for 11 years also judo for 3 years. Getting old now and my joints aren’t the same. I would love more than anything to try kendo even just once or twice

[@astroboy3507]

Them guys what focus with blades like that to the neck!!! 😯 Love the wind sound of the blade strike crazy!!!! 👌

[@SailorVdizzle]

Awesome!! One of my three greatest loves of Japan!! Kimono, Shamisen and Japanese swordsmanship, simply fascinating to me

[@TokyoLens]

I guess I need to do a video on Kimono now lol

[@SailorVdizzle]

Omg yes please visit a Kimono Shokunin 😍😍😍

[@Toushirou00]

This is pretty cool. Id love to go here to play Kendo one day. I miss Kendo so much during Covid :( Can't wait for all of this to be over so I can do Budo again! Nice vid!

[@Gantorin]

Very cool. It is amazing to me how thing that take great focus can be so relaxing. Sword practice, music, and drawing... Sometimes tough, but the efforts payoff in mental relaxation.

[@christinanieto1104]

Thank you for the lovely video. Your interviews are really cool.

[@TokyoLens]

Glad you enjoy them that much!!

[@fairabbigailgrace]

Thank you so much for this video Norm! I found it so very interesting. My two boys took taekwondo when they were young (9 and 7 maybe and they are 26 and 24 now it's been some time). They loved it, but when we moved there wasn't any where for them to train in my hometown. I lovingly refer to my hometown as Cornville since it's surrounded by corn. :) Anyway, thanks for this video! I love learning about cultural things! Just like your desk video, I loved that as well. :)

[@smackamole10]

I only just made it to my small rual town here in Japan to help teach English about 2-3 months ago and I found out my school has a kendo club. And I started going, but not because it seemed like a good match but because I felt it was what I lacked. I've always been rather timid and clumsy and I wish to improve that. It's definitely hard but thankfully the club members are happy to help.

[@BathoryBat]

in college/university my friends created and ran a historic martial arts union and this reminds me so much of when they would practice. They actually practiced with Shinai exclusively at first, but later expanded into like hatchets and daggers. Maybe if they'd had a poleaxe or battleaxe i'd have been more interested in actually joining(i just think axes are really cool). As it was I just ended up painting their shields.

[@martinmaglica3557]

Amazing video and the dojo looked beautiful! Hey you should try Judo, I would love to see a video like that :)

[@gudkarma1]

I am glad you had a good experience at the Tobukan. Very nice to be there and have such personal attention. I enjoy your shamisen. I think if you got into kenjutsu and iaijutsu it would complement your shamisen. If you're ever in Nara come by.

[@DutchieAbroad]

I've done a short workshop of Kendo before, but being a HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) fighter, I couldn't really get past how incredibly different it is. Really agree with the Sensei's words though, never forget the basics! I would always make my class drill footwork before they even got to pick up their sword :)

[@DracoFurion]

Simply AMAZING.

[@dazdragon445]

What a F@#king badass experience!! I always enjoy to see your travels around Japan, playing catch up with all this down time. I've been to Japan over 30 times and still have not been able to see Kendo up close and personal. Maybe coz my Japanese is like a 2 year old. ;) haha thanks for sharing

[@sheilaellvira5198]

I do aikido. I know how hard seiza can be! Especially if you have a sensei like mine. He loves to tell fascinating but often lengthy stories.

[@Lorenab782]

Great videos from the visuals, the content, and your narration (you have a nice voice)!

[@TokyoLens]

I really appreciate your kind words~ Thank you

[@Lorenab782]

@@TokyoLens your welcome! It is all true... your videos aren't the typical touristy videos of hey you should go here etc... they are interesting eye openers of a beautiful society!

[@eric1800es]

1:50 Stairs in Japan That was very cool. The whole vid. Not just the stairs.

[@megamcee]

Beautifully shot, as always.

[@TheCrazyTamis]

Gosh how I have missed watching your videos! I've been quite busy, but I swear I'll try to give your videos the love that they deserve ❤

[@TokyoLens]

Glad to have you back!! I’ve always loved a good binge 😊

[@TheCrazyTamis]

@@TokyoLens hahaha for your work? Always ;)

[@kristianOLS]

Would love to see a video on the other japanese martial arts!

[@tstires1]

Thanks Norn for doing this

[@JustM1kePlays]

How have I never seen your content until now? I have a lot to catch up on. Absolutely stunning content my friend.

[@Codelinkz_]

Thanks for another great video, it was very relaxing and interesting. I have done Karate for about 1.5 years but now switched to Taekwondo, I find martial arts very interesting. Also can't wait for the road trip videos, I guess it is the one that was shown on Instagram?

[@jasonbaessell1207]

Hey norm man this was a freaking great video man. I loved it and I will for sure check that shrine out in March 2020 I have also done judo for about 5 years and love it keep these videos comming and as always thank you

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much I’ve never tried to judo either Seems like a very tough sport

[@jasonbaessell1207]

@@TokyoLens it can be but please give it a try it is great

[@KirstenReusch]

No martial arts, but I fence with an épeé. It's definitely interesting to see how the styles differ. If you're ever in Kyoto and have a free evening, stop in to the Budo Center near Heian Shrine and watch the kendo and Kyūdō practices. Hours upon hours of practice, poetry in motion.

[@bowleggedbear]

Have you gotten to study shinto since moving to Japan? There are very few English books on it, but there are many in the west very interested in Shinto. Learning what I have about shinto has revealed an interesting side to zen. It's also helped me appreciate the beauty of nature even more.

[@roisinohagan1711]

what a great experience and thanks for sharing

[@erniesbudolab]

Welcome to the world of budo. I’ve been training for the past 40 years in karate and kobudo. Clearing your mind, at the beach and shrine, before you entered the dojo was a great idea. Every lesson should begin with a clear mind, leaving your worldly worries outside the doors. Start each lesson with the spirit of “onegai shimasu” and as you did, give thanks to your sensei at the end of the session. I’m sure you’re quite familiar with these etiquettes from your shamisen training. It’s not so much a budo thing, but a part of Japanese culture. And, if you chose to continue on the “warrior path”, there’s nimu that comes with it. I’m sure you felt that spirit resonating from the walls of the dojo. Great video!

[@TokyoLens]

Considering the time that you spent within the subculture, you come at means a lot to me. I really appreciate you taking the time to share that! When making a video on a topic that I am completely unfamiliar with, are usually find myself with more questions than answers, so to be able to get a comment like this from somebody who’s deep within the world of Budo, really brightened my morning! Thank you

[@erniesbudolab]

Tokyo Lens どう致しまして。頑張ってね！

[@scotthuegel4291]

Hi. Nice shot. You're very earnest and respectful in how you approached all this. Pity that you didn't actually get to experience Kendo though. Quite different from the Itto-Ryu indeed.

[@ma7su282]

This is really great!

[@trevorrandom]

The quality of your videos is absolutely fantastic my only criticism is that thay"re too short... ☺ ♥ 🇯🇵

[@NissanR33Ztune]

really wow... this is cool well done on the experience.

[@TokyoLens]

Cheers mate! Was a great time!

[@marcusa3177]

Oh wow. I've been to Oarai last year August, it's a really chill, beautiful seaside town. It was a welcome break from the craziness of Tokyo, best experienced on a bike. Your shots did justice on how beauitful the sunrise and beach is there. @2:23 by any chance would you still remember why 29 Dec is the best time to go to Isosaki shrine? Thanks!

[@ninaschenk4727]

What a breath taking view! ❤

[@Lestatsuxme1013]

❤️❤️❤️ I’ve always wanted to try kendo and I’m close to Mito! Sadly I don’t think my Japanese is up to snuff, but I will definitely check out Oarai Isosaki Shrine the next time I’m in Mito. ⛩ Thanks for another great video!

[@TokyoLens]

I’d definitely recommend visiting the Mito tobukan as well!!

[@trivium2590]

Have to stop in Mito on the way to Motegi for Moto GP next week. Thanks for another idea for the vacation!!

[@TokyoLens]

Niiiice!

[@brownieyesful]

Wonderful video, thanks for showing us this kind of things :)

[@GemBonhamHorton]

That looked amazing you should do more it sounds like a good pairing

[@TokyoLens]

I really enjoyed it, but I dont think I have the spare time lol

[@Ranerdar]

New video! Drop everything!!

[@TokyoLens]

Yaaaaaaaay!!!

[@Ranerdar]

@@TokyoLens Very cool, as always. The bit with the sound the sword makes was particularly interesting. And the similarities to the shamisen movement. Can't wait for the road trip.

[@michaelcherry8952]

Really loving how your filming and editing abilities have grown.The opening sequence of the sunrise at the Oarai Isosaki Shrine is amazing! Your whole approach to this kind of thing is so respectful and I think this is why you find people like the Oarai Isosaki Shrine priest Yoshida-san and the instructor at the Mito Tobu-Kan dojo who are willing to be filmed and interviewed. "Before we realized it, we were out of time" That's how you know you're doing it right. 6:26 "Now THAT one was good!" The words you're longing to hear! :-) Every Tokyo Tuesday my eyes are opened to new experiences thanks to you. I truly appreciate your hard work.

[@TokyoLens]

oh thank you so much for saying so, mate! that means the world to me~