KENJUTSU Nodachi Jigen-ryu - 33th All Japan Kobudo Demonstration (2010)

[@reload3553]

I am Japanese.I have poor English skill, so I am uneasy whether my english gets through to you.In fact, Jigen-ryu was feared by many samurai and even the head of shinsengumi,Kondo Isami."Do not think and swing your sword as soon as possible."This is the most useful word in real sword fight.

[@timothyahernRoxyCat]

Hey, your English is better than most other people's Japanese, lol! You try! Nihongo mo, totemo muzukashi desu, desho? Joto!

[@markhutson3265]

If you hadn't stated that you're Japanese, I'd have been sure you were a native English speaker.

[@tormentor9720]

EVERYONE IS AFRAID OF PSYCHOPATHS

[@tavtav3526]

Thank you for the words. It's helpful to my sword training.

[@pgxenosgr]

Thanks for your input. I assume this is related, if not identical, to the 'crazy rage' as it is sometimes referred to, as described in various texts, such as Hagakure by Tsunetomo. It is heavily ingrained in the art of bushido as it forms part of the mentality expected by a warrior who follows the warrior arts faithfully. The idea is that a warrior, i.e. a samurai, should already be 'living as if a corpse', that is to say, they are already dead (much in the same way we say 'live each day as if it your last'). Having this in mind the samurai would have no fear when entering combat, and as would be expected of him by adherents of bushido such as Tsunetomo, they would immediately start the fight without hesitation, allowing for a bloody rage to fill them. Also, you managed to convey your thoughts without fault, so do not feel poorly about your English.

[@bamberlamb6512]

I trained in this style for about five years in Kagoshima which is where the Shimazu clan are from, I am fully aware of how ridiculous it looks and I'd say so were most of the other guys I trained with. However it's actually far more technical than it looks and is also some of the hardest training I've ever done (i've trained in Thai boxing, Kempo Ju jitsu and a bunch of other styles) we trained outside rain or shine on gravel. grass or sand in bare feet, and it gets really hot in Kagoshima. In the group I trained with, there was an understanding that everybody trained each other and looked after each everyone is your sensei and your student, belts and gradings were a formality and our main sensei actually wore a white belt, I was told this is the way it's always been taught. I couldn't have been made to feel more welcome in the group and I got to go and do and see a load of cool things with the school that a lot of foreigners often don't often see. This sword style is all about killing and nothing else there is no blocking and no defensive movements, I was told it was taught to low ranking infantry because it's simple and effective, it might not look pretty but it does the job. In this day and age learning how to kill with a sword is pretty ridiculous whatever style you do, but i loved training Jigen Ryu I got to shout and scream, run around hit things with a big stick and dress up in a cool outfit, so what's not to like?

[@nunbeam]

I mean, in training for this did they address how you dealt with armor? We can see from Buhurt and other modern armored combat sports and that armor works and slashes don't. Did Jigen-ryu style just cut through japanese armor?

[@Lo-tf6qt]

@@nunbeam Your average Ashigaru probably wouldn't be incredibly well armoured (Japanese armour had considerably bigger gaps compared to European armour and tatami armour worn by Ashigaru were notoriously weak) and this sword style was designed to be used on the battlefield with Odachi/Nodachi's so even if the sword doesn't go thru the armour or hit you in an exposed gap it's still gonna hurt. The Shimazu clan which used this style were extremely famous for outmanoeuvring and ambushing larger armies so this sword style was also used in conjunction with firearms in a sort of shock infantry style. Not sure how effective this style on it's own was during the Sengoku Jidai but this style was definitely effective during the Boshin War when everybody ditched armour or just wore Western style uniforms instead.

[@myersonshareetque2076]

What you says are right, although I'm in the different style, I can see their result of training in the part when they striking those long stick (probably those are training spear).

[@bambooswordsman1]

One of my Kendo teachers told me that this style was one of the few styles feared by the Shinsengumi. Apparently, the idea is to attack your opponent with utter disregard for your own life and and continue striking until one of you is dead. I think that makes this kind of practice a little easier to understand.

[@L0b0ccs]

that`s a terrible strategy

[@professorbland]

its like the viking berserker concept

[@twobitmage]

***** Well there are two mentalities to fighting. One is a dueling mentality where you try to get the other guy without dying or getting injured yourself. Then there's the suicide bomber kind of mentality where you don't care what happens to you as long as you can kill your enemy. The latter is incredibly hard to deal with on the defensive side and it's the reason why a lot of martial arts styles fail in real life situations. You might even spar full contact but how many people regularly deal with some crazy dude who just bum rushes you constantly and doesn't care about getting hit? You might tag him but if he's willing to charge into you with reckless abandon then you're probably getting tagged too. It's probably the reason why samurai used to preach about being ready to die. If all your men have the mentality that they don't care what happens to them as long as they can take one enemy with them, then at least they can break even in a war situation.

[@magnitization]

twobitmage WW2?

[@twobitmage]

Shwat Toddle You mean where suicide bombers came from? Yes. Specifically Kamikaze

[@J2897Tutorials]

Dude, it's not worth it. Just report the sticks to the police and let them deal with it.

[@ardotschgi1]

Laughed at this almost as much as I laughed at the stick wielding screamers.

[@Gilmaris]

The prosecution could never make it stick.

[@kaisermuto]

This training is for real sword and to make strong arm to swing down.

[@sirsober1718]

ardotschgi its cringing

[@brianlampe75]

You'd think by the third guy they'd realize that their axes have no heads. They'll never get firewood at this rate. I really should comment since I have the utmost respect for budo & the martial way. Just couldn't resist.

[@jbarnesiii88]

Funny. Except, with Jigen ryu, sparks and smoke are common with practice. Fire will be produced from meaningful strikes. The heart brings fires stronger than any explainable known to human.

[@liandel]

i can understand that people who never practiced kenjutsu find this comical. the thing is this school is one of the strongest due to the weapon's reach and body movement. the Kiai (scream if you like) is not timed with the strikes so it doesnt give away the hit,thus making it harder to parry or counter. parrying a nodachi is dificult on its own due to reach. they dont need to strike sideways so they can fight in almost every footing,either narrow or open.imagine the force of a trained soldier with all his bodyweight hitting you,it could make opponents sword fly off his hands if not breaking it.As you can also see due to the reach and the slight adjastment of the slashes they can also counter a naginata, because in the end it has to hit your body. by actually creating a moving wall of steel they can have a strong defence in the same time as they attack. you can also see in the video the footing of these swordsmen, just imagine the posibilities of positioning. it would be really hard for a fast opponent to get past this attacking defensive wall of the nodachi,especially if the nodachi holder kept moving backwards. thats the reason Shinsengumi, one of the most advanced parties in both military and technological strenght lost many fights to this school.now whether this has applications nowadays is another matter

[@leleleel4507]

i think the application we can take nowadays from the school of Jigen is the philosophy, strike hard strike fast strike once.

[@TemenosL]

Nothing to do with nowadays. Highly doubtful as to the effectiveness of this against a pretty run of the multi-layered pike wall of yari.

[@josecoronadonieto6911]

Cardio i think, it's very HIT too

[@pullinside9]

Information is easily accessed in this day and age, ignorance is a choice. Jigen-ryū (示現流 lit: revealed reality) is a traditional school (koryū) of Japanese martial arts founded in the late 16th century by Tōgō Chūi (1561-1643), a.k.a. Tōgō Shigetaka, in Satsuma Province, now Kagoshima prefecture, Kyushu, Japan.[1] It focuses mainly on the art of swordsmanship. The two different characters for gen (現/顕) are variants with the same meaning: "reality". Jigen-ryū is known for its emphasis on the first strike: Jigen-ryū teachings state that a second strike is not even to be considered.[2] The basic technique is to hold the sword in a high version of hasso-no-kamae called tonbo-no-kamae (蜻蛉構 Dragonfly Stance), with the sword held vertically above the right shoulder. The attack is then done by running forward at your opponent and then cutting diagonally down on their neck. The kiai is a loud "Ei!". Traditionally this is practised using a long wooden stick, and cutting against a vertical pole, or even a real tree. During a hard practice, the wood is said to give off the smell of smoke. During the Edo period, at the height of its popularity, adepts of Jigen-ryū were said to practice striking the pole 3,000 times in the morning, and another 8,000 times in the afternoon. The style is also famous for his specific and impressive kiai they called Enkyō (monkey's scream). According to Wada Hiroharu, shihan in Tokyo's dōjō Yakumaru Jigen-ryū, his style is not for duels but battles. It consist of drawing and cutting, killing in one blow (Muki soku zan Ichigeki hissatsu), the swordsman cut down to the Earth's axis, that is the kind of strength they seek. Facing off tens or hundreds of enemies at the same time, he had to slay as many of them as possible before being killed in the process, and so by charging head-on while screaming the Enkyō, he strengthened his resolve like the Bakumatsu heroes from Satsuma. The style is still taught at the Jigen-ryū practice hall in the city of Kagoshima.

[@LucasHenrique-it2io]

I would like to know more about "Tenshisho Jigen Ryu" style is it a Real Koryu?

[@squirrelonmapletree]

Seems like a good way to blow away stress. But, I gotta say I guess, if it weren't for this ryuha's great combat history, I would've had difficulty taking this as seriously as I do right now.

[@フライドポケモン]

Actually, this was the most effective kenjutsu throughout japanese history. It has no defense technique and aim for a preemptive attack. Multiple cutdown from the top with nodachi is sure deadly.

[@Colimarche]

PokemonRightsActivist I don't cate who ya are, that's funny right there.

[@gmkusnov485]

actually, if you see these guys as some crazy psychopath, thats exactly what they meant.... Jigen-Ryu was learned by Satsuma-Clan, the east end of Japan. And people of Satsuma-Clan was typically larger and muscular than average Japanese back in days. Simple it down for you, imagine 7ft tall dude is running full speed towards you screamin like insane with big-ass blade. You don't want dat to happen

[@jigme5]

GM Kusnov Aah no wonder Kensei is so tall compared to the average Japanese man, I was wondering about that yesterday while playing.

[@htoodoh5770]

GM Kusnov How tall are the satsuma clan compared to the average Japanese.

[@MiniatureMasterClass]

The Satsuma were some of the lowest skilled samurai in all of Japan and they were not 7ft tall. Stop watching anime.

[@jwgoon]

Just one correction. Satsuma is the name of the domain or han. The name of the clan that ruled the Satsuma han is the Shimazu Clan. And yes, the Shimazu House is still alive today.

[@MartialBorschel]

Jigen originated in west Japan, techniques cant exactly always be traced by linneage.

[@laurenceegan4194]

So are these guys the heavy metal samurai ? Can you imagine a horde of these guys charging at you ?

[@mythicalkachi315]

Sword wall

[@GradationAir]

Actually they also incorporate an very awkward footstep that varies in movement speed. It is a quite difficult and awkward training method but when complete, if they're in battle armor (with the lower body in a ) it will seem as if they're sliding. When Jigen-ryu 示現流 users charges at them with a kiai they mess up the counter attack timing due to not accurately predicting the opponent's speed. Of course double kill still happen. But reason they were feared was because it's hard to defend against.

[@knucklepuppy824]

Here they train their power. Jigen ryuu was also well-known for their ability to snap and break swords because of such power training.

[@FiasaPower]

To the eventual noob seeing this: Jigen ryu was exclusively designed to field combat, and the nodachi sword has the advantage of being extremely effective at CHARGING spear or katana infantry. Those exercises may seem ridiculous if you don't realize this and look at this with the classic 'star wars swordsmanship' mindset. In open field everything was more simple and ugly, just as this.

[@gendo1]

FiasaPower I own an odachi sword made to the same specs and you're exactly right, anyone who has played the Shogun total war games or done even an hour of research would be able to understand how incredibly deadly a sword like that size was, when used by a trained professional. Now... they are just family heirlooms.

[@FiasaPower]

The Satsuma Nodachi Samurai were the elite of battlefield infantry as they are specialiazed in this kind of environment. That's Jigen ryu is all about, so if you dont look at koryu with the battlefield mindset it will seem always worthless.

[@DeafBlindMan]

+FiasaPower Still pretty hilarious.

[@FiasaPower]

circacheese Definitely...

[@FiasaPower]

***** Releaese fighting spirit, instill fear in the opponent, etc... Japan has bizarre stuff as this.

[@krz0ne1]

Looks funny eh? I agree it looks funny - Now imagine that's a real sword they're holding and hes running towards you trying to cut you in half. I guess less funny now :P Nodachi Jigenryu is a more straightforward, brutal sword technique... strip all the formalities and niceties, take awaya all the dancing around - and all you're left with is the will to kill. There was a reason why the Satsuma Samurai were feared all over Japan. and its not because they were fancy sword dancers.

[@niekname88]

krz0ne1 Samurott, use sword dance!

[@faizrafii58]

krz0ne1 thanks captain

[@loganslimcrocks7622]

Luckily concealed carry weapons outclass screaming men with sticks when it comes to being deadly.

[@MansMan42069]

@@loganslimcrocks7622 Luckily, concealed weapons are meaningless on the battlefield.

[@TheKoroLive]

The fighting style is fine but the screaming... @krz0ne1

[@snakething87]

The Jigen-ryū is beautiful in it's simplicity. One strike, one kill, no consideration given to a second strike. It may seem kinda silly, but when you consider that man practitioners perform that same strike thousands of times each day..... Yeah they have my respect.

[@abdulrahman18799]

Every martial arts and sword art has their own unique way as well I'm a martial artist too. I understand their passion

[@Tubewander]

This is basically a "bansai charge". The "nodachi" is among the longest katanas, and is apparently used for this.

[@m.d.f3797]

Holy shit this is scary as hell.. If I see someone running around with a big stick and starts smashing a pile of twigs screaming I would definitely run away as hard as I can..

[@MansMan42069]

Now imagine that you are that pile of sticks and he's got a really big sword.

[@schaferhundschmidt1798]

I was hoping the first old dude would just go right through them, teach the young bucks how to do it.....

[@sayhoman]

There’s a saying that unlike other schools, jigen ryu swordsman are trained by “wood” (as compared to “teacher/masters” in other schools)

[@adriantufita5809]

the meaning of this is : the ki (the inner energy) is released with multiple strikes,not with only one strike,like in other forms of kenjutsu or gumdo( korean version of kenjutsu).for beginers :the scream of the person means he is releasing the ki longer keeping up the power of his strikes.in other situations ,one kiai(the scream+releasing the ki) is just for one strike.thank you for reading this.

[@MiguelDiaz4469]

Is this like anger management?

[@awakenedsoul2638]

No this is how they practice and just an exhibition.

[@XVI_Legion]

Many skilled duelists have been killed by "lesser" opponents through the application of raw Force, aggression and disregard to personal safety/defense not just in Japan but the world over so I can see the merit in this style.

[@mekugi]

TOTALLY AWESOME.This is also called " Yakumaru" Jigen Ryu. Anyone not taking them seriously needs to train with them and see how far they get. They **will** stomp you a new one....then you can reflect on that. Incidentally, most folks do not understand what they are seeing here. It's laid out in black in white but it's being totally missed. Read carefully, I am only gonna say this once:This is a training method, sports fans. It involves lunges, cardio, lifting, breathing and impact training.

[@Kunstdesfechtens]

This is the real deal. The Jigen-ryu train hard. Their cutting mechanic is really quite technical and different from any other JSA I'm aware of.

[@squirrelonmapletree]

Looks like a real good way to strengthen your suburi. By the way, the way they hold the sword high, kinda like hasso but higher. Is that a certain type of kamae? (Tombo no kamae was it?)

[@KendoWorld]

@angelsoulblade Sorry I only just realised there is almost no content of proper Jikishin on youtube... If you are interested, we could produce some video of it and explanations of its philosophy etc. in future? We are looking to release new and original content soon so this could work well, let me know your thoughts.

[@ThePhilipish]

KendoWorld yes! Im subbing now!

[@apeapeape999]

great demonstration of deku stick techniques

[@toxi87]

This style also makes sense as the nodachi was a battle field weapon and was meant to disrupt the enemy lines.

[@timothyahernRoxyCat]

If you have ever seen a system like Katori Shinto Ryu from Chiba Prefecture, i.e., if you have ever sat down and watched it, you would seen how generation after generation has perfected several layers of responses that when you scratch the surface and then dig deeper, are highly developed, highly sophisticated, and fundamentally take over the situation with technique that like a game of GO, starts out with a move, and 5 moves later, seals the deal. It is a generalization, but often "Western" Japan has stems that apply something we call "irimi" to this intricate "fencing" moves. We crash through their gate, crashing through their circle of complexity that is supposed to work like a mouse trap, so then we draw them into a "Ring" of battle that uses furious power and lightning bolt drive. It is a generalization, yet often in a significant number of "Eastern" kenjitsu systems the kenjitsuka is trained to draw his / her appointment into a chess game of technique and nerve. It is somewhat like how the Italian foil is used. It is very intricate and multilayered. So, at least one response, if you know you appoint is going to draw an Italian foil, counter by coming at them with a club. These clubs, however, are 1kg razor blades.

[@iambatman0928]

this video will stick with me forever

[@Wibbletaru]

Jigen-ryū is one of the oldest martial arts still existing today. It dates back to the mid 1500's and it was also used to train soldiers for combat. So while it looks like a bunch of guys howling and hitting sticks, imagine an entire formation of soldiers with swords charging at your ranks. Not exactly the most graceful of martial arts, but practical for its time. They don't even consider 'second hits', which is why the do giant swings to the ground. The first hit should be fatal.

[@towag]

What a stress buster!! Ideal stress buster for all the pressure on all the salary men, pretend its your boss!! LOL!!

[@KendoWorld]

@sungyoproh As far as I know a shinken isnt used as part of their training syllabus if thats what you are asking? Taylor Kendo World

[@strykerj2262]

This is my kind of martial art

[@karateusa1]

The complete commitment of attack. Fearless as to consequenses, intimidating on the battle field ....fighting spirit

[@angelsoulblade]

@KendoWorld What is the breathing of Jikishin kage-ryu like? Is there a video of it somewhere?

[@neonxjester]

.... I was doing this with sticks since I was 6... I had no idea I was such a master

[@retard1643]

I had to scroll too long to find this

[@Samurai-ub6ew]

neonxjester well now u know u are one

[@leleleel4507]

with both your feet leaving the floor and your whole body weight behind each strike? perhaps you were indeed, a master.

[@geopornicus3944]

It might look funny to many, but it would be utterly terrifying to face one of these lads in an open field battle. It wouldn't be very effective in a stereotypical samurai duel, but in a Sengoku Jidai battlefield it would be nigh unstoppable.

[@nsquidc]

All the people posting with WTF? comments should really watch the whole video, especially starting at 4:05. Everything before that is their warm-up.

[@DanTheShotokanKid]

i understand your point but they carry those sticks (bokken) because those are training tools for actual swords and spears. I personally dont do this style of Kenjutsu, but when it comes to naval battles, i think Karate would be a better comparison because you can perform side kicks and other techniques more efficiently than with a sword, unless you're stabbing at your sides. But over all its just if you can move your self well enough to be open for attack but not being able to be attacked

[@oscillatine]

The best way to get rid of constipation.

[@Rutherford_Inchworm_III]

Can this be applied in any way to shinken nodachi techniques? Obviously not the beating the sword on the ground part, but maybe the striking motion and speed? Or is that not applicable?

[@corgi102]

This swordsmanship is the strongest swordsmanship of ancient Japanese that advocates a single blow. Traditional swordsmans, as opposed to opponents, were to grasp the moments of slashing while listening to the gap. This swordsmans aims at running at full speed while uttering this bizarre voice, and to cut into two pieces from the opponent's head to the butt with a sword. It is strength training and training to cultivate spirit.

[@pseudoconscious]

I am reminded of the tale of the dispute between Hideyoshi and Nobunaga over the benefits of different spear lengths. Perhaps there is an analogy here? Though, I suppose spears are much better at close formation fighting than would be nodachi. For example: ichijoji.blogspot.com/2014/08/yari-long-and-short-of-it.html Are there any traditions of the nodachi being used in a manner more consistent with daito ryu? Or is that impractical simply on account of the blade’s length?

[@Haartian]

@greyzorro1 I think it is terribly limited, since it consists of only one technique, allegedly supposed to cut through naginatas.

[@RoonVonBismarck]

Is that long stick supposed to be a naginata?

[@spennyb89]

I've seen a few videos of kendo sparring with naginata. I wonder what would happen if the kendoka tried using this style!?

[@noahabarca3883]

People would die from head trauma.

[@arzanipour]

Why do they hold the sticks with outstretched hands? Wouldn't their first swing be stronger if their elbows were slightly bent?

[@astavas8341]

arzanipour When running, this gives more balance than when you bent your hand, because it takes time, energy, and that will stop your move for a while when you landed the blow.

[@KendoWorld]

@AllasterMg The area of Koryu (very old swordsmanship) is full of fairly abstract and unique schooling like this. Take the breathing of Jikishin kage-ryu for example.

[@MountainStreamSwordDude]

The main thing I'm not understanding here is the footwork, particularly why they stay so low to the ground

[@Theswordundrawn]

Most people do. If you wanted to see that, try looking for Tameshigiri (test cutting practise on various items, usually bamboo or rolled matting). Kenjutsu rarely uses live blades for practise anymore, and usually only for set forms. It's generally considered bad form to permit using live blades in front of a large audience, and run the risk of someone getting wounded. Especially in those rare cases that a spectator is accidentally harmed or killed. Sadly, this has happened before.

[@garuelaced6106]

I don't know whether my sensei will allow any Jigen-ryu to practice in his dojo... That zanshin can damage the flood badly...

[@feelz_4_dayz885]

why do they hit the ground with the blade?

[@squirrelonmapletree]

Looks like a real good way to strengthen your suburi.

[@DanTheShotokanKid]

well if you can break it down to a 1 on 1 fight, you can use movement of vessel and body to try to out class your opponent, because if you have cannons and such, then you can only attack on your flanks/sides of the ship. As for the sword, you can only attack with your front side. So your attention must change from side to side depending where your target is. So if you can understand basic combat, it can be translated into large encounters.

[@castellanima]

Curious, I've seen Jigen Ryu before, on tape and in person at the Budokan years back, but this is the first time I've seen practitioners literally close their eyes at the beginning of a swinging set. I'm guessing it was possibly to protect eye's from debris ? Why else would you take eyes of the target when multiple swings are planned.

[@M1R2S]

I'm trying really hard not to burst out laughing

[@jacktheripper5112]

sry i did i have great respect for culture and martial arts but cmon this is just impossible not to laugh at and also this *laughing stock* could take out about 5 samurais before dying

[@CidCaldensfey]

Looks pretty simple, but imaging those guys holding big ass swords and cutting through dudes wearing armor. Fucking scary shit.

[@Oyashio202]

+RykerStruvian except you can't cut through dudes wearing armor. The real world isn't as brittle as anime makes it.

[@krz0ne1]

actually thats the whole point of this exercise theyre doing in samurai times they practice "beating those sticks" 400X ain Am 800X at night. everyday. They do cut through armor.

[@ContradictoryNature]

To win in naval battles, study swords designed to combat mounted foes?

[@zulqarnainhaider316]

What are they doing

[@ISARenegade]

Perhaps another form of kirikaeshi?

[@toxi87]

Well if anything Jigen-ryu helped the Satsuma to go fom a back water minor clan to one the most influential and respected.

[@showmae8459]

i am sorry for my ignorance if i laughed so hard

[@robomochi4633]

In my head, I imagined you spoke like some good gentleman.

[@rosavampire]

is it necessary for them to yell??

[@sublimestyle21]

@Haartian There is no choosing between kata and sparring because none exists without the other. Kata is strict and slow to help study the stance, movement, footwork, body-mind coordination, blade angle and the feel of a real sword (or as close as it gets to it). Sparring helps you put all the studying to practice under pressure in form of an opponent. Under stress and speed you can't have the clarity of mind to notice all the details kata manages to bring out.

[@somedude23]

Now I know why Zenitsu cries and screams

[@KhawMengLee]

As comical as this may look and sound the tradition here originates from the training methods used by the Satsuma Samurai. They would emit a piercing kiai and strike a wooden pole or bundle of sticks multiple times with great force and accuracy. The saying goes if you were fighting them, the first strike would smash your own blocking sword back and embed it into your forehead. 2nd/3rd strikes would shatter your sword and split your head in half. All in a matter of seconds before you could react.

[@roscoepcoleslaw0428]

What's with all the dislikes? Are weebs watching this and getting angry about them not cleaving straight through the sticks with the wooden poles they're using or something? (Not to mention everything after the warmup actually looks cool)

[@goldgunner0007]

im so confused. Can someone please explain whats happening o.0 ??

[@M4L1y]

Apologies, what's the point of it?

[@TheBicyclingman]

I'm confused... what are they doing?

[@Haartian]

@Haartian That is because, no kata will prepare you for a fight. You don't know how your body will react under an adrenaline rush, under circumstances that you have not familiarized it with. That is precisely the reason, why sparring will always be superior to kata - because it gives you at least a little peek at how combat may look. Of course no amount of training will truly prepare one for a real-life situation, I guess we do agree on that.

[@UncleBashface1]

can anyone explain why they're doing that? Not being sarcastic. I'm actually interested in finding out.

[@RoyalFizzbin]

I did kendo for a couple years, and to be perfectly honest, some of the stuff we did was not too far off from this, just based on outward appearance. We definitely looked like nutcases. And this was at an AUSKF-listed dojo. Lots of screaming to show “spirit”, and we would go absolutely ape$hit on a bogu-clad dummy, although we were on our feet the entire time. That is actually the main thing I don’t get... not the stick striking, but the fact that they are doing so from a squatting position.

[@FLMKane]

Where did you practice? I trained in Dallas for almost two years.

[@takeru51]

I love it!

[@Taoufik090]

daisuki :D

[@ThePepsiman1000]

aren't they supposed to use a shinai rather than a boken?

[@angelsoulblade]

Apparently Jigen-ryu's main idea is that the first strike should be enough and that a second strike is not even supposed to be considered. I think this is a practice demonstration more than a technique demonstration. Probably. But yes, the way Jigen-ryu is practiced can seem pretty hilarious even to someone interested in koryu like me.

[@holmganghamburg]

no. i do not respect film actors who never fought in a real war and never fought to survive, but i respect the fighters from the chechen war, who often had to use close combat skills to survive.

[@phoenix82896]

I respect the art of Asian sword etiqitue but, I just spit my fucking drink across the continent

[@dukenukemthreed]

I understand hitting a solid stump with an oak sword, or cutting tatami, but why a bundle of sticks? Why is this a demonstration? it's not like you can gauge strength this way.

[@tenkenroo]

The use of shouting or Kiai is to deliver more power behind the hit as well as help with breathing out to avoid getting winded. Also the use of intimidation comes into play.

[@130pawel]

If I was a soldier I would be intimitated.

[@SoysauceML]

One of his quote also was "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once. But I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.".

[@HelderSilva.]

They are trying to get rid of ants?

[@BINDRUNE]

what we see here is an intimidation technique and the application of it. the opponent will retreat because anyone mashing a stick on the ground and howling is slightly frightening. there you have it.

[@Sol_Invictus_]

When you think he's going to smash them all in one hit but he just screeches autisticly

[@TubersAndPotatoes]

The no dachi is not your normal katana. It's a much bigger and longer sword, the idea here is not slashing your opponent in graceful fencing, the concept here is to fiercely charge towards your enemy with the intention of splitting him in half from head to feet. There are different forms of art in fighting.

[@ncheltsov]

They say, that jigen ryu does not have any defense techniques! When they attack, they attack like a heavy train and they cut everything along the way, no matter if this is flesh, metal, or any other material. They may die, but before that they will take many enemies with them. I think this is the whole point of what they are doing.

[@fossegrimen13]

Jigen-ryu is a tremendous technique when perfected. To most people It looks quite silly but what you're seeing here are just practice drills...When used decisively in battle It's nearly unstoppable, killing a man with one stroke like some perfectly timed hydraulic machine, a feat that should be nearly impossible considering how hard it is to kill a man with any weapon. All the greatest samurai and warriors of Japan were trained in Jigen including the infamous Izo Okada. Show some respect kids.

[@KendoWorld]

@FatherLucho Very true. If I remember rightly, the Tokugawa shogunate released a warning to make sure that you always avoid the first strike from one of these guys, dont try to parry.

[@KhawMengLee]

Hi Laurence, Yes, it never fails to amaze me how a Sensei who is more than twice my age can still deliver a tall order of whoopass to my doorstep. One of the things I enjoy about kendo is that as you age, you actually improve...where your body physically weakens, your spirit(mental fortitude/judgement/timing) grows stronger. Moriji Mochida Sensei probably says it best in this vid ?v=Mm3CmNE72Bw

[@Annoyingdad78]

it is funny looking but its very serious look how much they are moving their hips down in coordination with their strikes. the movement and the sound increases the power of the strike.

[@jamesnicholson5826]

there's a reason not every scott carried a claymore. diverse battle technique allows for a better outcome

[@DanTheShotokanKid]

well it all depends on your training, some schools are a joke, while others are more practical. just being realistic. But as far as tactics, strategy is still strategy. All that depends is if you're smart enough to use them when fighting 1 on 1, or if you're able to use them on the battle field, but once again it all depends on the fighter itself. But all kata is for, is sharpen your techniques, and teach you meaningful movements as well as timing. no one is really expect to do a kata inreallife

[@KendoWorld]

@chuck8726 Sorry, tags have been fixed. XD jks

[@BAKALOID02]

believe me or not, this actually is a very strong technique. it is unblockable, due to the sheer force of the first strike which carries all the weight of the body and the force of the charge.

[@kendosa1]

Interesting, the direction of lifting sword to other angle .

[@harbl99]

"And that, my son, is how glorious Yamato ancestors drove out the dreaded stick-oni from our homeland."

[@bigvoiceguy]

I love it when they each bow to the sticks once they're done beating them.

[@sadpain2349]

Me every morning with the clock