Yumedo (Way of the Dream)

[Norton]

Imagination must be used, when it's needed. But I don't think that it's needed in this case,before not even knowing what's the "non-imaginative". So when it's overused, eventually, some part of it goes to waste and stalls the person himself. It may very well keep one away from thinking in a real sense and prevent him from gaining progression in training.

[47MartialMan]

Originally Posted by Norton

Imagination must be used, when it's needed. But I don't think that it's needed in this case,before not even knowing what's the "non-imaginative". So when it's overused, eventually, some part of it goes to waste and stalls the person himself. It may very well keep one away from thinking in a real sense and prevent him from gaining progression in training.

But, we can think that such imagination is only a hinderance. It could be useful in motivation and focusing from stress.

[Norton]

So, how's it going?

[bladeborn]

Some very interesting points have been raised here, both positive and negative. Personally I am all for someone using techniques that suit them, no matter where they are from. I have been praticing with swords since I was 10 (15 years) and still have very very much to learn. I have practiced both Chinese and Japanese sword styles as well as fencing and when sparring, I tend to use different parts from each when the situation arises.
I don't think there is anything wrong with trying to work your way through it yourself although it will take longer to acheive positive results. In my opinion having many different sparring partners with different levels of sword experience is the key to becoming a well rounded swordsman. These are the people who can help you to find out what works and what doesn't.
Finding teachers (especially good ones) can be very difficult and I wish you luck finding some, keep it up if it is what you want to do...

[47MartialMan]

Originally Posted by bladeborn

Some very interesting points have been raised here, both positive and negative. Personally I am all for someone using techniques that suit them, no matter where they are from. I have been praticing with swords since I was 10 (15 years) and still have very very much to learn. I have practiced both Chinese and Japanese sword styles as well as fencing and when sparring, I tend to use different parts from each when the situation arises.
I don't think there is anything wrong with trying to work your way through it yourself although it will take longer to acheive positive results. In my opinion having many different sparring partners with different levels of sword experience is the key to becoming a well rounded swordsman. These are the people who can help you to find out what works and what doesn't.
Finding teachers (especially good ones) can be very difficult and I wish you luck finding some, keep it up if it is what you want to do...

I have not too much to say about "self-experimentation" except that it can develop bad habits which would be hard to be rid of when the right instructor comes along.

[Lone Ronin SBK]

One of the things I have noticed was the back turning and footwork. Although I woudlnt take advantage of it,(Or would I?) some poeple would take the brief gap in action to their advantage.

Also, have you ever used or practiced an evasive block?

Overall, its good for a start, but some poeple
would stab you in the back.

Sorry if that seemed harsh, I didnt meen it that way.

[WC_Lun]

Its very difficult to train a weapon that you don't know. You can pick it up, feel it, and maybe get a few cuts out of it. But then a teacher comes along that can really show some thing. Its at that time you start learning how to crawl. Over time, with more understanding, you might learn to walk, run, or even fly. Eventually you will come to a place where the art is you and when you pick up that weapon you are expressing art. However, no baby is going to learn how to do this without a teacher coming along to show you some things. You wouldn't even have a point of reference ot know what was good.

It isn't the brush, but the artist. Helps a lot if the artist knows how to hold the brush.

[SirokiFighter]

Originally Posted by Akai Shizuku

Well, sorry to double post, but I finally got the damn thing on YouTube. It's got no sound and is under a minute, but it's there. Here's the link: YouTube - Yumedo (Way of the Dream) Techniques
It shows eight Yumedo techniques. Remember that this is still in development, so suggestions are very welcome.

first you need to work on your footwork and stances.

and when you blocke with one hand on the blade never do.

reasons why. that would get you killed. second it leaves you in a position to do nothing. in kendo you want to be able to block then attack. that block gives you little chace to counter and has little chance of suceess in my eyes,

also it seems you are trying to make it look like star wars. the best thing to do would be to take out the figure 8 swings you would get stabbed not only when you trun your back but in the front as well. you are shortening the length of your blade by doing that and it is completly useless. all someone would have to do is lunge in with their blade and stab you. you wouldnt be able to block.

and when you step sideways with yuor hands reversed on the blade and make a stabbing motion never do. you will get countered.

try and vizualize you actually doing these moves on a real person.

if this is a combat form, then dont resheath your sword in the middle of the form. for obvious reasons.

hope this helps.

if you want more advice just ask.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by SirokiFighter

first you need to work on your footwork and stances.

and when you blocke with one hand on the blade never do.

reasons why. that would get you killed. second it leaves you in a position to do nothing. in kendo you want to be able to block then attack. that block gives you little chace to counter and has little chance of suceess in my eyes,

also it seems you are trying to make it look like star wars. the best thing to do would be to take out the figure 8 swings you would get stabbed not only when you trun your back but in the front as well. you are shortening the length of your blade by doing that and it is completly useless. all someone would have to do is lunge in with their blade and stab you. you wouldnt be able to block.

and when you step sideways with yuor hands reversed on the blade and make a stabbing motion never do. you will get countered.

try and vizualize you actually doing these moves on a real person.

if this is a combat form, then dont resheath your sword in the middle of the form. for obvious reasons.

hope this helps.

if you want more advice just ask.

Since you seem to know quite a lot about sword fighting, what exactly is a parry? And excuse me if that sounded somewhat threatening.

[SirokiFighter]

Originally Posted by GoddeBPM

Since you seem to know quite a lot about sword fighting, what exactly is a parry? And excuse me if that sounded somewhat threatening.

a parry is simple. blocking a attack in a way which puts in in a better postion than your oppenent so you can counter. parry is a very big part of kendo.

[SirokiFighter]

parrying is different than blocking. when you block you are being completely defensive and are just thinking about not getting hit. when you parry you think of the counter at the same time.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by SirokiFighter

parrying is different than blocking. when you block you are being completely defensive and are just thinking about not getting hit. when you parry you think of the counter at the same time.

So it doesn't actually include the counter-move action?

[SirokiFighter]

Originally Posted by GoddeBPM

So it doesn't actually include the counter-move action?

blocking or parrying?
what exactley do you mean counter mover action?

[Jason]

Originally Posted by SirokiFighter

blocking or parrying?
what exactley do you mean counter mover action?

I meant parrying doesn't actually include the move that is your counter, say a strike to the chest.

[SirokiFighter]

Originally Posted by GoddeBPM

I meant parrying doesn't actually include the move that is your counter, say a strike to the chest.

no. but it puts you in a position to easily counter,