ALL ABOUT SHINAI – Past History to the Current Day
The word shinai is actually derived from the verb shinau (撓う), or “to bend.”
Budo can be competitive too, so how does it differ from sport?
Victory over the Self By MLS It is axiomatic among budoka that budo is not a sport, and there are good reasons for it; instead of chasing a higher score or a faster time by any means necessary, budo practitioners are looking to develop their minds and bodies, beyond questions Read More
Are Budo and Sports Complimentary?
By: Dr. Anil Sahal After training in the dojo and over a glass of beer, there are often discussions between martial artists about the relationship between budo and sport. Those who see themselves as ‘traditionalists’ express a disdain for martial arts being used in the sporting context feeling that the Read More
Iaido During a Pandemic
The Sword as a Tool for Mental Health -Ron Campbell, www.soarfeat.org You stand in front of your computer, in the center of your living room, sword at your side. You see each of your fellow iaidoka in their separate squares of the Zoom meeting. Some live in your own neighborhood, Read More
The Beloved Blade of Kondo Isami
The Search for the Mysterious Sword “Kotetsu” By now, many are aware of Kondo Isami. The broad faced bull of a man with a sharp, piercing stare. He was the head of the Shinsengumi, a secret police force appointed by the Shogunate to subdue unrest in Kyoto and bring unruly Read More
Oiling Wooden Weapons
In this week’s article we would like to introduce another easy way to keep your weapons protected from the elements, and that is by applying mineral oil to them.
A Quick Guide to Bogu Stitch Patterns & Futons
Getting a new bogu should always be a fun and enjoyable undertaking, and understanding what comprise bogu will help keep it that way.
Waxing Wooden Weapons
Tozando How To’s -How to apply wax to your wooden weapons- One of the easiest methods to make sure your wooden weapons are protected from the elements is by applying a wax. In this article we will explain one method for applying paraffin wax to your bokken. The reason we Read More
Caring for Wooden Weapons
An introduction to taking care of your wooden weapons An introduction to taking care of your wooden weapons A large part of being a modern Budoka is the ability to take care of your own equipment. This is especially true for wooden weapons. Proper upkeep is vital and can help Read More
– Jacques Payet Sensei – Part. 6
An Interview with a Master: Part 6. A: Well, there are many stories. Many of them are in the book. He loved to party and anytime there was an opportunity to party he would and sometimes for no reason he would just ask us to bring beer. He did not Read More