Yumedo (Way of the Dream)

[Akai Shizuku]

I am in the process of developing my own form of swordsmanship. I'm taking everything useful I learn from external sources and adding it to mine. I've even developed a couple of techniques I'm almost sure are unique.

I know you can't re-invent the wheel, and I'm not trying to. I simply want a sword art that suits me best; so I figure, why not make my own? My Sensei is a fine swordsman (from what I know) and is helping me; I think I remember him saying he's going to get some kata for me. I am also in the early stages of developing my first kata for this art.

Yumedo (the Way of the Dream) is named so because it will help me to achieve my hopes and dreams. It consists of useage of Japanese long swords, short swords, and daggers. The short sword and dagger techniques are relatively the same; the practitioner may choose his preference of shoto. The long sword techniques mainly focus on the use of the katana, though a few other daito types (such as the tachi) may be useful.

Do you guys have any advice or opinions about this for me?

[Jason]

If you're planning on teaching it sorta of commercially, take a teaching course of some shape or form.

[Akai Shizuku]

Originally Posted by GoddeBPM

If you're planning on teaching it sorta of commercially, take a teaching course of some shape or form.

I think my Sensei could teach me pretty well. In fact, I may eventually (after the art has quite a few more kata as well as techniques, and when I'm better with it) ask him if I may teach it in his dojo alongside the other four.

[Jason]

Well I reckon people would feel more... Safer? Well sort of trust you more if you have some sort of certificate to prove your qualifications. Also, putting your videos on places like youtube or myspace, and doing public displays could attract students possibly. Or you could teach a certain group of people for free, maybe a group of friends, and then you'll have a first generations of instructors. What your eally gotta do is prove that you're good. Good luck man, tell me how it goes.

[Akai Shizuku]

Originally Posted by GoddeBPM

Well I reckon people would feel more... Safer? Well sort of trust you more if you have some sort of certificate to prove your qualifications. Also, putting your videos on places like youtube or myspace, and doing public displays could attract students possibly. Or you could teach a certain group of people for free, maybe a group of friends, and then you'll have a first generations of instructors. What your eally gotta do is prove that you're good. Good luck man, tell me how it goes.

That's actually a grand idea. Thanks, GoddeBPM! I'll take this to heart...

[Jason]

Secret to any business is honesty, dedication and good advertising. There's a dude who does loads of sword tricks, YouTube - Neoteric Swordsman - Sword Tricks He may not do proper forms or what not, and it probably won't be similar to anything you'd teach, but stuff like that really attract public attention.

[Akai Shizuku]

Originally Posted by GoddeBPM

Secret to any business is honesty, dedication and good advertising. There's a dude who does loads of sword tricks, YouTube - Neoteric Swordsman - Sword Tricks He may not do proper forms or what not, and it probably won't be similar to anything you'd teach, but stuff like that really attract public attention.

That video is pretty cool. I, however, prefer my techniques to be a bit more controlled. Spinning stuff like that is good for training and helps you warm up, but in combat it needs to be more solid to be effective. There is a spinning tecnhique in Yumedo called Eienken (Infinity Blade) which focuses more on successfully causing damage rather than looking flashy.

I like Yumedo to be one of the most practical kenjutsu. Kendo is a bit too watered-down for me; some of Yumedo's techniques are brutal and ruthless, but only so that they are effective. I have "one" technique which is designed both excruciatingly painful and lethal. How much pain is caused is defined by how the swordsman decides to excecute the technique. I only would use this against an opponent I truly despise, because it can be the most malicious of Yumedo techniques. There's a way to make it cause less pain, and I usually would prefer that. I prefer to use the less painful techniques whenever possible, because it simply isn't my style to cause suffering.

[Jason]

Well maybe you could show some of the techniques via public video sites. Also, you could do what Bruce lee did and demonstrate your skills to other kendo martial artists in competitions or exhibitions. Or be really cool like Musashi Miyamoto and challenge other dojos.

[Akai Shizuku]

Originally Posted by GoddeBPM

Well maybe you could show some of the techniques via public video sites. Also, you could do what Bruce lee did and demonstrate your skills to other kendo martial artists in competitions or exhibitions. Or be really cool like Musashi Miyamoto and challenge other dojos.

My dojo goes to a lot of tournaments. A few of my techniques are rather flashy; I simply make sure they're effective and put effectiveness before flashiness. In a video I would probably show what I think would appeal to serious martial artists; I don't want couch potatoes thinking they're going to be ninja in a single class or two and then quitting.

[WC_Lun]

As with any martial art, I'd test everything with some live energy before adding it to your system. Make sure it works. Then you have to set everything up so that there is a structure to learning it. Knowing what your core concpets of the art will be will help with that. Good luck!

[Akai Shizuku]

Originally Posted by WC_Lun

As with any martial art, I'd test everything with some live energy before adding it to your system. Make sure it works. Then you have to set everything up so that there is a structure to learning it. Knowing what your core concpets of the art will be will help with that. Good luck!

Thank you, WC Lun. I will strongly consider what you have said. Thankfully, I have my Sensei to help me out with making sure the techniques work and are practical. I always test and even modify what I pick up from other systems and swordsmen to make sure they suit Yumedo. Should I consider Bruce Lee's teachings in the development of my art?

[WC_Lun]

Originally Posted by Akai Shizuku

Should I consider Bruce Lee's teachings in the development of my art?

Its your art. Its up to you what concepts and techniques you use. Just keep it real.

[Akai Shizuku]

Originally Posted by WC_Lun

Its your art. Its up to you what concepts and techniques you use. Just keep it real.

I will, and thanks again.

[Lone Ronin SBK]

Originally Posted by GoddeBPM

Well maybe you could show some of the techniques via public video sites. Also, you could do what Bruce lee did and demonstrate your skills to other kendo martial artists in competitions or exhibitions. Or be really cool like Musashi Miyamoto and challenge other dojos.

I would do that if it didnt make me look like a showoff.

In your footwork style, do you tend to cross over, or use the gliding step?

Oh, I forgot to mention that you could write a book, kind of like what Sun Tsu did. Its what I do, it might help you.

Maybe you can provide clues on proper stretching routines as well.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by Lone Ronin SBK

I would do that if it didnt make me look like a showoff.

But that's what you want.. You want to show off, you want to attract attention, so you can make acclaim, you can spread your style, make money or whatever the dreams of Yumedo are. I hate to use it as an example, but it's the only one I know, see how the Gracie's came onto MMA and changed everything?

But how are things going Akai?