Samurai Sports

The Street Smart Samurai On Kendo and the Smell of Good Manners

Dana Abbott — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:46:58 +0000

When kendo practice ceased the undergraduates would then go to the locker room which was below in the basement. Going down the narrow stairs you began to inhale testosterone at its peak. Those smells would rival any odors that gladiators in the coliseum exuded.

Imagine being packed in the locker room like sardines and all changing kendo gear at the same time with one goal in mind…and that is to get out of the locker room and rush across campus to your next class. Lessons can be learned anywhere and often are. This where I learned the protocol of Kendo.

In Kendo, As In Life, It is Good To Be King!

When an underclassmen passes an upperclassman…the lesser must recognize the senior’s rank and status. This is accomplished with a bow and greeting known as “Aisatsu”. ”IT’S GOOD TO BE KING”, say the senior students. The underclassmen are almost dancing from class to class given the footwork and respect they are required to extend to each upperclassman they encounter. Needles to say there were a lot of underclassmen late to class each day.

Learning the Way of Respect and Honor In Kendo

Aisatsu is a greeting of respect and is accompanied by a crisp “ohaiyo gozaimasu” good morning. In Kendo, as ferocious and aggressive as it may seem, the foundation of “The Spirit of the Thing” is respect and honor for every aspect of the Art. That is simply the Way It Is.

Want to Learn The Sword NOW? Training TIP #4

Points to Consider Hayasuburi-Part 2

Hayasuburi is a foundational exercise to teach you how to develop timing, rhythm, and focus. In Part 1 you learned the basics of Hayasuburi so you can practice the movement and develop the rhythm.

In Part 2 you learn to refine Hayasuburi so you can practice it the way Kendo people do it. Mastering Hayasuburi develops a strong foundation for your hips and body alignment to help you when cutting. Finally, it is a great exercise for developing your aerobic capacity and gives you stamina to be a better fighter!

Watch This Video!

Street Smart Samurai Japanese Sword Training-Hayasuburi

Online Samurai Sword Instruction:

Videos and Manuals (click here)

Shihan Dana Abbott offers new ways to learn and study traditional samurai sword training and techniques. He offers very effective instruction methods to build a strong foundation for both, serious or recreational sword students, as well as teachers and/or schools in all forms of martial arts. To do this he utilizes his personalized online samurai sword instruction and samurai sword training courses.

Click here to learn more: www.learnthesword.com

The www.Learnthesword.com online training course offers you unlimited access to videos, manuals and media detailing sword training techniques plus the advantage of Shihan Abbott’s personal critiques. You progress at your own pace working out whenever or wherever.

Dana Abbott

Learn the sword

Scottsdale, Arizona

480-575-7319

The Street Smart Samurai and the Land of the Rising Sun

Dana Abbott — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:28:53 +0000

When you’re hot…you’re hot and when it gets hot in Japan you literally drip from the humidity. If you drink one cup of tea, you undoubtedly will sweat two and coupled with the torrential downpours from Japan’s natural rice growing climate means…I never saw the sun shine. One season there was only 68 hours of real sunshine recorded. Apparently a joke was played on me when I was told that Japan was known as the “Land of the Rising Sun” which I hardly ever saw.

Training Kendo in the Elements

The everyday practice and study of kendo in a climate where the temperature is often over 90 degrees, plus applicable humidity is stifling. The Japanese call this “mushi atsui“, but in New York city it is just known as “muggy”. Hot thick air makes the practice of any sport difficult and energy zapping.

Soaking Wet Kendo Gear and Hundreds of Strikes

Just imagine being in heavy cumbersome kendo gear combined with this weather. After a few hundred strikes into a workout one’s lethargic body becomes immune to its surroundings and that “can’t get started” feeling is diminished. Soaking wet kendo gear, combined with the stench of hundreds of students doing the same thing creates thick pungent air that you could literally cut with a sword.

The Spirit of the Thing

Training in these conditions was not easy! But this is the life of a Kendo Warrior and if you can endure this, you can endure anything! This is a part of the Spirit of the Thing.

Training TIP #3 -Hayasuburi-Part 1

Hayasuburi is a foundational exercise to teach you how to develop timing, rhythm, and focus. It also develops a strong foundation for your hips and body alignment to help you when cutting. Finally, it is a great exercise for developing your aerobic capacity and gives you stamina to be a better fighter! In Part 1 you will learn the basics of Hayasuburi so you can practice the movement and develop the rhythm. In Part 2 you learn to refine Hayasuburi so you can practice it the way Kendo people do it.

Want to Learn The Sword? Watch This Video NOW!

Street Smart Samurai Japanese Sword Training-Hayasuburi

Online Samurai Sword Instruction:

Videos and Manuals (click here)

Click here to learn more: www.learnthesword.com

Dana Abbott

Learn the sword

Scottsdale, Arizona

480-575-7319

The Street Smart Samurai Summits Mt. Fuji

Dana Abbott — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:57:08 +0000

We began our ascent and over the next 5 hours switched back and forth on those trails that have been used for centuries even probably by samurai. At each tier on my upward climb a branding iron was used to mark my walking stick which denoted the tiers I had accomplished.

Kendo Is Very Much Like Mountain Climbing

When I stopped at different tiers to have my stick branded I noticed that some of the structures were just lean-tos but on the next tier could be a very nice structure where one could find food and lodging. By the time you crest Mt Fuji your stick has been branded from bottom to the top showing your completion of all stages.

You Never Know Where Kendo Will Take You

Finally, as I crested the top overwhelmed with excitement I came to the realization that if I walk another 50 feet I can have my pick of restaurants. I can have fast food, gourmet or box lunch. Another 50-feet I can have dessert. Instead, I pulled out several 10 yen coins using them to call Marichan…a girl that liked my accent’. As I tell her of the wonders I have experienced I’m gazing out across the horizon and see, feel and experience the splendor of Japan and just a bit…dreading the climb down to reality.

Training TIP #2

Sheathing a Japanese Samurai Sword

Whether you are practicing the Classical styles and forms of Kenjutsu or the finer aspects of Iaido and learning perfection, your focus will be on learning to properly draw the sword, execute your strikes, and then put the sword back in the saya in one smooth and indistinguishable rythym. This takes years of practice, and in some cases is a lifetime pursuit! Please check out this video to learn how to hold and how to draw the sword, it is sure to help you!

Want to Learn The Sword NOW? Watch This Video!

Street Smart Samurai Japanese Sword Training

Online Samurai Sword Instruction:

Videos and Manuals (click here)

Click here to learn more: www.learnthesword.com

Dana Abbott

Learn the sword

Scottsdale, Arizona

480-575-7319

The Street Smart Samurai Summits Mt. Fuji

Dana Abbott — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:09:55 +0000

There is an olde’ saying; ”if you can’t speak the lingo…you can’t stay in the loop”. For that reason, I aggressively learned the Japanese language. At the beginning, I never knew what was on the agenda because the Japanese culture is not known to be very open or communicative…it’s not their style. You are supposed to innately know what’s going on and be able to follow along…which was not my style. It was literally fly by the seat of ones pants, especially without being fluent in Japanese.

In Samurai Training Expect the Unexpected

We had just finished a tournament in the old dojo at the base of Mt. Fuji. I’m packed and ready for the trip home waiting by the bus when Shizawa Sensei says, “You stay here!” as he and most of the group board the bus for their return to Tokyo. As the bus leaves and the dust settles I see there are half a dozen of us remaining. We are then transported to a dormitory where we spend the night.

Walking in the Footsteps of Ancient Samurai

The next morning I awaken to a crisp beautiful morning and begin to gear up for kendo. One senior classmate states, “no kendo…today running” as he points to his running shoes. Within minutes we are herded into a van and spend about 15 minutes traveling on local roads. We stop and de-van. I stretch a bit, look around and find myself at a trail entrance to Mt. Fuji. What a surprise I am thinking…since I had no idea I was going to climb Mt. Fuji. There is a wooden shack selling walking sticks and I am handed one. It is about a 6-foot length of hardwood, over an inch in diameter with smooth beveled sides. Commercialism is everywhere…even Mt Fuji.

Training TIP #2 Daily practice of 1000 cuts

Happogiri also known as the basic 8s will be explained in the same straight forward fluid manner my Japanese sword and kendo masters taught me and which I will endeavor to pass on to you.

By practicing the basic 8s, you will learn to efficiently execute basic sword techniques and the movements that surround them.

Striking, cutting, positioning and transitional movements offer an immediate understanding of offensive and defensive sword techniques which were taught in the ancient Japanese koryu and modern gendai sword systems. This basic 8 concept has been used in Japan for centuries.

Want to Learn The Sword NOW? Watch This Video!

Street Smart Samurai 1000 Cut Training

Online Samurai Sword Instruction:

Videos and Manuals (click here)

Shihan Dana Abbott offers new ways to learn and study traditional samurai sword training and techniques. He offers very effective instruction methods to build a strong foundation for either, serious, or recreational sword students as well as teachers and/or schools in all forms of martial arts. To do this he utilizes his personalized online samurai sword instruction and samurai sword training courses.

Click here to learn more: www.learnthesword.com

Dana Abbott

Learn the sword

Scottsdale, Arizona

480-575-7319

The Street Smart Samurai Visits the Ancient Kendo Dojo

Dana Abbott — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:36:21 +0000

I remember my first road trip in Japan. There I was riding in a school bus while we winded our way through centuries old skinny back streets of Tokyo headed towards the South for a Kendo tournament. It took us a couple of hours to get to the tournament site driving through the dark early in morning. We drove into the parking lot around sunrise, unpacked, and walked up to the entrance through the side doors of this ancient dojo.

Mt.Fuji and the Ancient Kendo Dojo

Obviously, not all dojos in Japan are the same, and this one was very, very old. The dojo at Ni Tai Dai was constructed in a more contemporary post-war style but this dojo was built in a time where the western culture had no influence. Consequently it looked like a huge barn and temple had rammed into each other.

Preparing for Kendo Battle

Since we arrived a bit early we took advantage of the extra time and worked on a few of our fighting techniques preparing ourselves for the tournament. As it had been a long dry trip I needed a drink and the water fountain was the closest place to get one. I took a big gulp and then another and another. “Wow, this water is good” I remarked to my training partner. He responded, “It’s because it comes from Mt. Fuji. He then motions me to follow him to the double doors. He flings them open revealing my first bigger than life view of Mt Fuji.

A Good Day to be a Samurai

This spectacle is still fresh in my mind even years later and is one of my best memories. It was my first road trip in Japan, fighting kendo, and Mt. Fuji, all in one experience. We spent the entire morning and into the early afternoon competing for the point, the shot and the kill, all at the base of Japan’s most revered image…Mt. Fuji in all its glory. It was good to be alive that day!

Want to Learn The Sword NOW? Watch This Video!

Street Smart Samurai Japanese Sword Training

Online Samurai Sword Instruction:

Videos and Manuals (click here)

Shihan Dana Abbott offers new ways to learn and study traditional samurai sword training and techniques. He offers very effective instruction methods to build a strong foundation for either, serious, or recreational sword students as well as teachers and/or schools in all forms of martial arts. To do this he utilizes his personalized online samurai sword instruction and samurai sword training courses.

Click here to learn more: www.Learnthesword.com

Dana Abbott

Learn the sword

Scottsdale, Arizona

480-575-7319

The Street Smart Samurai and The Formal Ranks of Kendo

Dana Abbott — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:20:59 +0000

Spending 6 days a week practicing your heart out one would think it’s time to grab some much needed R&R on Sunday. But no…the seventh day was created by the Masters for Kendo tournaments.

I had already attended many home games and was now starting to make a name for myself.

Perhaps my reputation was not yet for my kendo abilities, but I was recognized as a dedicated team player.

Kendo Fighter, Kendo Mascot, I Had Earned My Place on the Team

I trained hard and made Kendo my top priority, which facilitated a new designation by the Faculty as I became their new found second school mascot and was dubbed “peto gaijin”, or in English, “pet foreigner”. The rival school’s mascot was a goat. Needless to say this took my ego down a peg or two.

Many Kendo Lessons to Learn

I had been doing very well in my training and was even starting to become skilled in my kendo studies. My Kendo training and ability was accomplished at a college level but nevertheless during the upcoming tournament I would undoubtedly be warming the bench along with the mascot.

The Tradition of Kendo is a Lifetime as a Student

The nice thing about college kendo however, is the fact that it teaches you to fight with dignity, fairness and in a gentlemanly manner. This rich tradition applies to the life of a Kendo student and honored as one makes his way to becoming a Master of Kendo. As in life, it takes much work, perseverance, and commitment, and of course…time.

Watch This Video & Learn The Sword NOW!

Street Smart Samurai Japanese Sword Training

Online Samurai Sword Instruction:

Videos and Manuals (click here)

Shihan Dana Abbott offers new ways to learn and study traditional samurai sword training and techniques. He offers very effective instruction methods to build a strong foundation for either, serious, or recreational sword students as well as teachers and/or schools in all forms of martial arts. To do this he utilizes his personalized online samurai sword instruction and samurai sword training courses.

Click here to learn more: www.learnthesword.com

VIEW OUR TRAINING PRODUCTS NOW! (click here)

Dana Abbott

Learn the sword

Scottsdale, Arizona

480-575-7319

The Street Smart Samurai A Foreigner In A Welcome Land

Dana Abbott — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:28:54 +0000

Training in the Art of The Samurai Sword

Many students at Ni Tai Dai were from small towns and cities. Some had never seen a foreigner in person let alone practice kendo against one. I soon discovered that I reluctantly was always going to be in the spot light and because of that I realized they would be very critical of my efforts. Since it was evident that I was a subject of interest, I decided to be a positive representative/ role model for my country. I never, at any time, experienced any real animosity towards me. On the contrary, I was befriended by all which opened up a lot of doors for me plus giving me complete access of the Teacher’s Faculty room.

Traits of a Kendo Master

That Teacher’s Faculty room almost became my second home during my tenure at Ni Tai Dai which is where I met many of the strongest kendo players of the Showa Post-War era who frequented this room. Also, it was there that I was fortunate enough to be introduced to those kendo masters. After all these years have passed I don’t recall all their names but I surely will never forget their strength, demeanor and passion.

Suiting Up For Daily Kendo Practice

On any given day, some older gentleman wearing a business suit would stop on by for a splash of tea and to cross swords with any and all opponents. Within fifteen minutes of arrival they were dressed out and ready to…kendo. What I thought was interesting was that many older kendo masters wrapped long rectangular shaped pieces of rubber automobile tubing around their knees and elbows. They were certainly no one’s fool and merely wanted to protect those areas given their advanced age.

From Business Man to Kendo Warrior…for Life

It was during this time I had the privilege to witness the unbelievable. After they were clad into their kendo attire and walked over the threshold into the dojo the transformation was astounding. These kendo masters, many with obvious disabilities, drooped shoulders and a bit of a shuffle to their walk would morph into “preverbal dragon slayers from hell”. Watching them execute their techniques you would think they were in the prime of their life. Their timing, power and speed were honed to perfection. Even after 75 plus years of age they were totally on their mark. After sparring when they removed their helmets and you were again able to view their aged faces it brought you back to the realization that if you can wield a sword well…you will wield it well for life.

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Street Smart Samurai Japanese Sword Cuts Kata

Online Samurai Sword Instruction Videos and Manuals

Shihan Dana Abbott offers new ways to learn and study traditional samurai sword training and techniques. He offers very effective instruction methods to build a strong foundation for either, serious, or recreational sword students as well as teachers and/or schools in all forms of martial arts. To do this he utilizes his personalized online samurai sword instruction and samurai sword training courses.

Click here to learn more: www.learnthesword.com

Dana Abbott

Learn the sword

Scottsdale, Arizona

480-575-7319

The Street Smart Samurai and the Symphony of Daily Practice

Dana Abbott — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:49:40 +0000

Over the course of my daily kendo studies I was already warmed up and feeling pretty good about myself; I had a strong mindset. You could say I felt like a cat waiting to pounce on a mouse. As I slowly stepped inwards eyeing my adversary, I saw an opening and began my frontal attack. Then, “crack” I get whacked with a deafening blow to the top of my head from my opponent’s bamboo shinai which really promoted my awareness. I hear the words, as Shizawa sensei repeatedly said, “don’t close your eyes…because it does not hurt any less”.

In Kendo, as in life, less is more

In real life, a strike to the head would be normally called an “attitude adjustment”. In kendo however, a strike to the head promotes one’s focus thus creating a unique mindset not ordinarily seen in other competitive sports. Unfortunately, the second your mind wanders your opponent can take advantage of that small window of opportunity and deliver another shot to the head, hand or body. The more I focused the more consistent I became. Consequently through continuous practice over hours, days, weeks and months I found the more I got struck… the less I got struck. This was due to my learning how to focus my advantage. I slowly began to understand the old saying that “less is more” certainly is true.

Kendo Training on an elite level

In the heat of battle the surrounding cacophony fills the air of the dojo and resounds with cracks, whacks and robust voices. These sounds spur me and my opponent to give it “hell”. When you are practicing side by side with some of the best kendo fighters in the nation you are inspired to get into some in depth volleys which truly makes kendo exciting to the soul.

Interestingly enough the smell of burnt bamboo caused by the friction of striking the shinai together always seemed to linger in the air and still does in my memories of my time training in Japan.

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Street Smart Samurai The 1000 Cut Workout

Online Samurai Sword Instruction Videos and Manuals

Shihan Dana Abbott offers new ways to learn and study traditional samurai sword training and techniques. He offers very effective instruction methods to build a strong foundation for either, serious, or recreational sword students as well as teachers and/or schools in all forms of martial arts. To do this he utilizes his personalized online samurai sword instruction and samurai sword training courses.

Click here to learn more: www.learnthesword.com

Dana Abbott

Learn the sword

Scottsdale, Arizona

480-575-7319

The Street Smart Samurai and the Early Days

Dana Abbott — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:18:28 +0000

Joining the Ranks
At Ni Tai Dai, Underclassmen were always the first students to arrive for their daily training. Their job was to do all the grunt work like a plebe at West Point Academy. With time and experience they eventually would work their way up the ladder or maybe down depending upon their skill.

The middle classmen would arrive next and just when class began to start the senior students sauntered in and took their place in the pecking order on the dojo floor.

Kendo Warriors Train No Matter What

When class begins you can certainly size up the crowd by just observing. You can tell which ones are not with it due to illness, no sleep and my favorite…too much partying. After all, students will be students. In the front of the group this particular morning were the caffeine enhanced go getters. Looking to the middle of the crowd you see strong focus and determination and waaay at the back are the students, who for some reason or another, can’t get with it and are even having trouble going through the motions. But, even at their worst…they are still the best of the best.

The Best of the Best at Ni Tai Dai

Interestingly enough the top high school graduates who majored in kendo are comprised of 80 percent men and 20 percent women, all of whom were the best kendoists in their local school system. They came to Ni Tai Dai to perfect their technique and represent their prefectures throughout Japan. The early days provided some of my best memories of my time in Japan, especially that I was honored to be able to join the ranks and train with them.

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Learn The Sword With the Street Smart Samurai

Online Samurai Sword Instruction Videos and Manuals

Shihan Dana Abbott offers new ways to learn and study traditional samurai sword training and techniques. He offers very effective instruction methods to build a strong foundation for either, serious, or recreational sword students as well as teachers and/or schools in all forms of martial arts. To do this he utilizes his personalized online samurai sword instruction and samurai sword training courses.

Click here to view our Training Products and get started NOW!

Dana Abbott

Learn the sword

Scottsdale, Arizona

480-575-7319

The Street Smart Samurai Training in the Dojo at Ni Tai Dai

Dana Abbott — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:14:29 +0000

The Dojo Was An Example of Perfection

The dojo at Ni Tai Dai where I was learning the trade of the swordsman was built decades earlier at a time when craftsmanship was premier and everything was built to last. The architecture was quite unique to me but most particularly interesting was the way the rows of windows were positioned. They ran the length of the building on both sides. Both sets ran horizontally across. One row in an attic position and the lower in a basement position. When opened they created a very pleasant breeze…. or a sobering cold cross blast of Arctic air during those winter mornings. No wonder I expelled so much energy, I was just trying to keep my teeth from chattering.

In Kendo, Looks and feelings can be deceptive.

Many times I arrived early to warm up a bit before other students began their morning practice. I stood in the middle of the dojo with no one in sight as I executed a vertical “men” strike simultaneously stomping my foot. This was one of the first kendo techniques I learned. It sure looked easy enough and was the basis of everything yet to come and as I continued my training I realized that simplicity is not simple. Looks and feelings can be deceptive.

The Echo of Morning Practice and the Men Strike

From that single blow and the strike of my foot on the wooden floor a low vibration reverberated throughout the dojo. The interesting part about this dojo was the fact that it was all made of wood material in tongue and grove style with no nails. Everything fit perfectly together like a puzzle.

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Street Smart Samurai The Strike

Online Samurai Sword Instruction Videos and Manuals

Shihan Dana Abbott offers new ways to learn and study traditional samurai sword training and techniques. He offers very effective instruction methods to build a strong foundation for either, serious, or recreational sword students as well as teachers and/or schools in all forms of martial arts. To do this he utilizes his personalized online samurai sword instruction and samurai sword training courses.

Click here to learn more: www.learnthesword.com

Dana Abbott

Learn the sword

Scottsdale, Arizona

480-575-7319